When it comes to landscaping, every detail counts — and one often overlooked yet incredibly valuable element is ground cover plants. Especially for filling the spaces between pavers and pathways, ground covers provide a stunning, natural carpet that brings life and texture to your outdoor spaces. If you’ve ever thought those gaps between your stepping stones or bricks were just bare and boring, think again!
Ground covers are more than just pretty plants — they serve multiple functional purposes such as preventing erosion, suppressing weeds, retaining soil moisture, and improving the overall health and visual appeal of your garden. This guide explores why ground covers are essential in landscape design, the top choices for various climates and soil types, detailed profiles of the best ground covers, and practical advice for planting and maintenance.
Why Use Ground Covers Between Pavers and Pathways?
The spaces between pavers are prime real estate for greenery that can turn hardscapes into soft, inviting garden features. Here are the key benefits ground covers provide:
1. Erosion Control and Soil Stabilization
Pavers and pathways often interrupt natural soil surfaces, leading to potential erosion in the spaces between stones, especially during heavy rain. Ground covers have dense root systems that hold soil in place, dramatically reducing erosion and preventing dirt from washing away.
2. Natural Weed Suppression
Ground covers create a thick, living mulch that crowds out weeds by denying them space and sunlight. This natural weed barrier can drastically reduce the time and effort spent on weeding or the use of chemical herbicides, making your garden safer and more environmentally friendly.
3. Moisture Retention and Soil Health
Many ground cover plants help conserve soil moisture by shading the soil and reducing evaporation. As these plants grow and shed leaves or die back seasonally, they contribute organic matter to the soil, enhancing its fertility and structure.
4. Aesthetic Appeal and Textural Contrast
The interplay of plants with stone pathways softens hard landscaping edges, creates a seamless transition between manmade and natural elements, and adds color, fragrance, and seasonal interest. Whether you want a uniform green carpet or a playful mosaic of flowers and foliage, ground covers offer endless creative possibilities.
Choosing the Right Ground Cover: Key Factors to Consider
Selecting the best ground cover is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Consider these crucial factors to ensure your chosen plants thrive and enhance your pathways:
Climate Compatibility
- Sunlight Exposure: Does the area receive full sun, partial shade, or full shade? Some ground covers like creeping thyme love sun, while others like Irish moss prefer cooler, shadier spots.
- Temperature and Hardiness Zones: Select plants suitable for your USDA hardiness zone to ensure survival year-round.
Soil Type and Drainage
- Assess whether the soil is sandy, clay-heavy, or loamy.
- Ensure good drainage, especially for succulents and drought-tolerant species.
- Amend soil with organic matter if necessary to improve fertility and texture.
Growth Habit and Maintenance Needs
- Consider how fast the plant spreads. Fast-spreading species cover ground quickly but may require more frequent trimming.
- Some plants tolerate foot traffic well, others do not — important for pathways.
- Think about seasonal changes — some ground covers are evergreen; others die back and regrow.
Visual and Sensory Effect
- Do you want a uniform green look or a mix of colors and textures?
- Would you like fragrant plants or those with flowers that attract pollinators?
- Consider the height and density of the plant to ensure it fits the scale of your pathway.
The Top 15 Ground Covers for Pavers and Pathways
Here’s an in-depth look at some of the best ground covers to fill the gaps between your pavers, each with unique features suited for different environments:
1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is an all-time favorite for sunny pathways. This aromatic herb forms a dense mat of tiny green leaves and produces charming pink or purple flowers in summer. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, and can withstand light foot traffic — releasing a delightful fragrance when stepped on. Ideal for a low-maintenance, sensory-rich pathway.
Click page 2 for more
