Ground covers to plant between stepping stones

Planting ground covers in the gaps between stepping-stones or bricks is not only visually appealing, with the plants softening the hard look of the paved surfaces, it is also tactilely appealing, as the plants lie soft as a blanket next to the cool smooth stone surfaces. Fragrant oils are released when you walk on scented plants such as thyme, chamomile, or mint, creating a truly delightful sensory experience.

Good choices for sunny areas and moderate traffic are wooly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus), elfin thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’), mother of thyme (Thymus serpyllum), Irish moss or Scotch moss (Sagina subulata), chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), blue star creeper (Laurentia fluviatilis), and green carpet (Herniaria glabra). The toughest sun loving ground cover I know is dymondia (Dymondia margaretae). It is ideal for high traffic areas, especially your parking strip next to the street.

For part sun/part shade conditions try creeping speedwell (Veronica repens), Corsican mint (Mentha requienii), Dalmatian bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana), and Mazus (Mazus reptans).

Shade loving ground covers are baby tears (Soleirolia soleirollii), creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), and Australian violet (Viola hederacea).

Once you have your stones artfully arranged and set in a bed of sand it is time to plant. I suggest leaving at least a 4" planting gap between the stones. Work an amendment such as fir mulch or compost into these areas. With your fingers poke holes into the soil and plant the 6-pack plugs about 4-6" apart. Firm down the soil around the roots. Water well. At this point your most critical task is daily watering. The small plants will dry out quickly as the stones heat up during the day. I recommend twice daily watering for a few weeks and then once a day for another couple of weeks. After that every few days should be adequate. Until the young plants fill in and cover all of the bare soil be especially vigilant about pulling weeds. Once they have grown in, step back and enjoy your new perfectly planted path.

– Heidi