Ground covers are an essential element in landscape design, especially when filling spaces between pavers and pathways. These low-growing plants not only improve the visual appeal of your outdoor areas but also provide several practical benefits, such as preventing erosion and suppressing weeds. Whether you’re aiming for a vibrant carpet of color or a lush green base, choosing the right ground cover can turn your garden paths into a stunning focal point.
The Advantages of Ground Covers
Ground covers bring multiple benefits to garden paths and pavers. One key advantage is their ability to prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the ground with their root systems. They also act as a natural weed barrier, reducing the need for chemical herbicides. Additionally, ground covers help improve soil health by retaining moisture and adding organic matter as they decompose. Aesthetically, these plants provide texture and color, creating a seamless blend between hardscape and softscape elements in your garden.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ground Covers
When selecting the right ground covers for your pathways, it’s important to take into account various factors, including climate, sunlight exposure, and soil type. Choose plants that are suited to your local conditions to ensure they thrive. Additionally, consider the growth habits and maintenance needs of each plant. Some ground covers spread quickly and need regular trimming, while others grow slowly and require minimal care. Finally, think about the visual effect you want to create—whether it’s a uniform look or a mix of textures and colors.
Top Ground Covers for Pavers and Pathways
The ideal ground covers for pavers and pathways are hardy, low-maintenance, and visually appealing. These plants should be able to withstand foot traffic while adapting to the specific conditions of your garden. Below is a list of 15 great ground covers, including the popular creeping thyme, that can help you achieve a lush and welcoming garden path.
Creeping Thyme: A Popular and Versatile Choice
Creeping thyme is a favorite for garden pathways due to its versatility and charming appearance. This aromatic herb forms a dense mat of tiny leaves and blooms with delicate purple or pink flowers in summer. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it an excellent option for sunny pathways. Creeping thyme also handles light foot traffic well and releases a pleasant fragrance when stepped on.
How to Plant and Maintain Creeping Thyme
To plant creeping thyme, prepare the soil between your pavers, ensuring it is well-drained and free of weeds. Space the plants 6 to 12 inches apart to allow for growth. Water regularly until the plants are established, then reduce watering, as thyme prefers dry conditions. Prune after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Fertilize sparingly, as thyme thrives in less fertile soil.
15 Best Ground Covers for Pathways and Pavers
Here are 15 of the best ground covers that will enhance the appearance of your pavers and garden paths:
- Creeping Thyme: A low-growing perennial that forms a dense mat, ideal for sunny areas and light foot traffic. Its small leaves and purple flowers make it perfect for pathways.
- Irish Moss: A lush, velvety carpet that thrives in cool, moist environments. Its tiny white flowers add charm to shaded areas.
- Blue Star Creeper: A hardy plant with small, star-shaped blue flowers. It spreads quickly and tolerates moderate foot traffic, making it great for pathways.
- Dymondia (Silver Carpet): A drought-tolerant ground cover with silvery-green leaves. It forms a dense mat and produces small yellow flowers, perfect for dry, sunny areas.
- Corsican Mint: This fragrant ground cover has tiny, bright green leaves and thrives in partial shade and moist conditions. Its minty aroma and small purple flowers add charm to pathways.
- Sedum (Stonecrop): A succulent ground cover that comes in a variety of colors and textures. It’s drought-tolerant and works well in sunny areas with its fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers.
- Mazus: A low-growing plant with small purple or white flowers. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, making it ideal for shaded pathways.
- Woolly Thyme: A soft, fuzzy ground cover with silver-gray foliage. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, with its pink flowers adding unique texture to paths.
- Elfin Thyme: A miniature version of creeping thyme with tiny leaves and purple flowers. It’s perfect for small spaces and tolerates light foot traffic.
- Miniature Brass Buttons: A low-growing ground cover with fern-like foliage and small button-like flowers. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
- Baby Tears: This lush ground cover has tiny, round leaves that form a dense mat. It prefers moist, shady environments, making it ideal for filling spaces in shaded areas.
- Ajuga (Bugleweed): A hardy ground cover with colorful foliage and spikes of blue flowers. It thrives in partial shade and moist soil, adding vibrant color to garden paths.
- Veronica (Speedwell): A versatile ground cover with small blue or white flowers. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making it perfect for sunny paths.
- Bugleweed: This fast-spreading ground cover has glossy leaves and spikes of blue flowers. It thrives in moist, shady environments and is excellent for filling gaps in shaded pathways.
- Sweet Woodruff: A fragrant ground cover with whorls of star-shaped leaves and small white flowers. It prefers shady, moist conditions and is ideal for creating a lush carpet in shaded areas.
Tips for Planting Ground Covers Between Pavers
To successfully plant ground covers between pavers, ensure that the soil is well-prepared and free of weeds. Choose plants suited to the light and moisture conditions of your site. Space the plants appropriately to allow for their spread. Water regularly until the plants are established, then adjust watering based on their needs. You may also want to use a weed barrier fabric to minimize weed competition.
Maintaining and Caring for Ground Covers
Once established, ground covers generally require minimal maintenance. Regularly check for weeds and remove them promptly. Prune or trim the plants as necessary to maintain their shape and prevent overgrowth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as most ground covers thrive in poor to average soil. Be vigilant about pests and diseases, and take action when necessary to keep your ground covers healthy.
Conclusion: Transform Your Pathways with Ground Covers
Incorporating ground covers between pavers and garden pathways is an excellent way to enhance the beauty of your landscape with minimal upkeep. By selecting the right plants for your environment and following proper planting and care techniques, you can create a lush, low-maintenance landscape that will remain vibrant for years to come. Whether you opt for the aromatic creeping thyme or any other ground cover from this list, your pathways will become a stunning feature of your outdoor space.