There are lots of uses for planting vines and ground cover plants. Soil erosion is the #1 reason for planting vines. They are great for steep banks and hillsides where there is no way to trim or maintain. Do you have a shaded area around a tree where nothing will grow ? Vines can be the solution. They are hardy and fast spreaders and can do very well when planted in shade for certain varieties. Vinca Minor, known as periwinkle or myrtle is an excellent vine that does extremely well in all shade. Where as the english Ivy and phlox can withstand full sun.