IN our modern society, where everything seems to be done in a rush, we tend to think carpeting the ground with dense planting is an up-to-date idea for helping to save time spent working in the garden. In actual fact, by doing this we are following a natural principle - nature is said to abhor a vacuum and the speed at which weeds will appear on a bare area of soil shows the truth of this. It is noticeable that once the unused soil is well covered with a growth of weeds further germination slows right down.

Plants that are specially cultivated for use as ground cover are intended to take advantage of this smothering effect and so reduce the need for weeding and other time consuming routine tasks.

By creating a well established network of roots this will also help to give the soil structure stability, an all important point when dealing with steep slopes and banks where bare earth can be at risk from erosion.

Dense foliage will form a thick carpet and this helps to prevent the soil drying out in the summer and also gives some protection against the damaging effects of heavy rain.

If you have a difficult area that would lend itself to this kind of planting choose plants that will give interest and contrast for all of the year. You can do this by using a mixture of different foliage plants and fitting in some variegated forms to create highlights.

If you plant a ground level layer of colour around existing larger plants and in borders this will not only give an attractive result but will also help to cut down on weeding.

Unfortunately perennial weeds cannot be kept totally in check by the use of ground cover plants although they should find it more difficult to become established. Once the area is planted it is almost impossible to remove heavy weed infestation so it is all important to thoroughly fork over the area to be planted making sure that you remove all the roots of perennial weeds.

Another alternative is to use a systemic herbicide, but if you decide to do this be very careful to follow the manufacturers' instructions exactly.

The plants that are most suited for use as ground cover are naturally vigorous in habit and tend to spread fairly rapidly.

Even so it does help to dig in well rotted manure or garden compost with a dressing of general fertiliser, this is particularly important if the soil is poor, and then water in well after planting.

When choosing your plants check on the recommended planting distances as these may vary from variety to variety. If you have decided to use herbaceous plants these can be divided into smaller sections and planted more closely, but you will still have the problem of keeping the area free of weeds whilst they are forming a dense carpet.

Bare ground between plants can be mulched and this should help with weed control until the plants grow. Once the cover is well established the only maintenance needed will be cutting back damaged and discoloured foliage and excessive growth, especially where it is threatening to take over neighbouring plants.

Herbaceous plants that die back in the winter are not really a good choice for general cover but can be effective underneath winter flowering shrubs. To get the most colour aim at combining a long flowering season with decorative foliage. Plants fitting in this category include Alchemilla mollis, heather, bugle, catmint, thyme and pulmonaria. Some varieties can be over vigorous and if space is limited steer clear of Vinca major (periwinkle), Cerastium tomentosum (snow-in-summer) and galeobdolon 'Variegatum' (variegated lamium).

Ivy is a popular choice, both as a climber and a prostrate creeper, and many other climbers do well if left unsupported. Both clematis and honeysuckle will rapidly carpet the ground. Hardy jasmine, golden hop and ornamental vines can also be used and will effectively screen any ground level eyesores such as tree stumps.

Dwarf and prostrate evergreens will form a solid cover and are good when used to soften the edges of paths and for filling inaccessible areas where maintenance is impossible but be careful not to plant anything that is too vigorous for the space available.