2. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
Despite its name, Irish moss is a lush, soft ground cover that flourishes in cooler, moist, and shady environments. It creates a velvety, bright green carpet and offers delicate white flowers in late spring. Irish moss is excellent for shady garden paths where grass might struggle.
3. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
This hardy ground cover is a fast spreader with tiny, star-shaped blue flowers that bloom profusely during summer. Blue star creeper tolerates moderate foot traffic and prefers partial sun to shade. It’s a great choice for filling spaces between stepping stones in more temperate gardens.
4. Dymondia (Dymondia margaretae)
Also known as “silver carpet,” Dymondia is perfect for hot, dry climates. Its silvery-green, narrow leaves form a dense, drought-tolerant mat that produces small yellow flowers. It’s incredibly hardy and low-maintenance, perfect for sunny pathways where water conservation is important.
5. Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)
This tiny-leaved, fragrant mint is ideal for partially shaded and moist areas. Corsican mint offers a refreshing minty aroma when walked upon, alongside tiny purple flowers. It spreads quickly but stays low and works well between pavers in cool, shaded gardens.
6. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum is a diverse genus of succulent plants that come in many varieties, colors, and textures. Their fleshy leaves store water, making them drought-tolerant, and their star-shaped flowers attract pollinators. Sedum thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, providing a sculptural, textural look to pathways.
7. Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Mazus is a low-growing ground cover that prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Its small purple or white flowers bloom profusely, creating a carpet that’s ideal for filling shady gaps between pavers.
8. Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
Woolly thyme features soft, fuzzy, silver-gray foliage and pink flowers. It thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant. Its unique texture sets it apart, providing a distinct look and feel for garden pathways.
9. Elfin Thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’)
A miniature version of creeping thyme, Elfin thyme has tiny leaves and purple flowers. It’s perfect for very small gaps and can tolerate light foot traffic, adding delicate charm to pathways.
10. Miniature Brass Buttons (Leptinella gruveri)
With fine, fern-like foliage and small button-like flowers, miniature brass buttons prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. They add an unusual texture and softness to the spaces between stones.
11. Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Baby tears is a lush, fast-growing ground cover with tiny, round leaves. It thrives in moist, shady environments and is excellent for filling tight spaces in shaded areas.
12. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Also known as bugleweed, Ajuga is a hardy, colorful ground cover with striking foliage colors ranging from deep purples to variegated greens, and spikes of blue flowers. It prefers partial shade and moist soil and adds a vibrant pop of color to pathways.
13. Veronica (Veronica spp.)
Veronica, or speedwell, is versatile with small blue or white flowers. It prefers well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Its creeping habit and delicate blooms make it an elegant choice for pathways.
14. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Bugleweed spreads rapidly, forming a dense mat of glossy leaves with bright blue flower spikes in spring and early summer. It thrives in moist, shady conditions, excellent for shaded pathways that need quick coverage.
15. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet woodruff offers a fragrant ground cover with whorls of star-shaped leaves and small white flowers. It prefers shady, moist environments and forms a soft, dense carpet that is both beautiful and aromatic.
How to Plant Ground Covers Between Pavers
For successful planting of ground covers between your stones, follow these best practices:
1. Prepare the Soil
- Remove any existing weeds or grass thoroughly.
- Loosen the soil to encourage root growth.
- Amend with compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage if necessary.
2. Select Plants According to Conditions
- Match plant choice to light, moisture, and soil type.
- Choose plants that are known to tolerate the expected foot traffic level.
3. Planting Technique
- Space plants according to their spreading habit (generally 6–12 inches apart).
- Gently firm soil around roots to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering
- Water thoroughly immediately after planting.
- Maintain regular watering until plants are established.
- Adjust frequency based on plant needs and weather.
5. Optional Weed Barrier
- Use a permeable weed barrier fabric under soil if weeds are a major concern.
- Ensure it does not impede root growth.
Maintenance Tips for Healthy Ground Covers
Weed Management
- Check for weeds regularly and remove them by hand to prevent competition.
Pruning and Trimming
- Trim aggressive spreaders to prevent encroachment.
- Prune after flowering to promote denser growth.
Fertilizing
- Most ground covers thrive in average to poor soil; fertilize sparingly if at all.
- Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed.
Pest and Disease Control
- Monitor for aphids, fungal diseases, or other pests.
- Use organic or chemical controls promptly if necessary.
Conclusion: Achieve a Lush, Low-Maintenance Garden Pathway
Using ground covers between your pavers is a brilliant way to blend hardscaping with nature. These plants bring color, texture, fragrance, and life to what would otherwise be dull cracks or bare soil. With careful selection and proper care, ground covers not only beautify your outdoor space but also offer practical benefits like erosion control and weed suppression.
From the aromatic, foot-friendly creeping thyme to the soft, velvety Irish moss or the drought-hardy Dymondia, the options are diverse enough to suit nearly every garden style and environment. Incorporate these lush living carpets into your landscape design, and watch as your garden paths become one of your favorite features to admire and enjoy.
