Hardscaping 101: Best Ground Covers for Garden Paths and Pavers

Hardscaping 101: Ground Covers to Plant Between Pavers

Pathways and patios are the backbone of a well-designed garden, guiding the eye and the foot, setting the stage for lush plantings and outdoor living spaces. But what about the spaces in between? Rather than leaving gaps between pavers barren or filled with weeds, consider using ground covers—plants that naturally knit together to provide beauty, texture, and resilience underfoot. The right ground cover between pavers not only completes the look but also supports soil health and reduces maintenance needs.

Why Choose Ground Covers Over Bare Joints or Mulch?

• Visual Appeal: Ground covers add a living tapestry of green or colorful foliage, softening harsh lines and bringing vibrancy to hard surfaces.
• Soil Health: These plants prevent erosion, retain moisture, and improve soil quality over time.
• Weed Suppression: Dense, low-growing mats outcompete unsightly weeds, freeing up time for gardeners.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, the best ground covers need little attention and can bounce back from occasional foot traffic.
• Temperature Moderation: Green covers help keep walking surfaces cooler than bare stone or artificial turf.

Essential Traits of Ground Covers for Pavers

• Hardiness: Must withstand occasional trampling by feet and paws without damage.
• Low-Growing: Stay below 4 inches tall to avoid tripping and to preserve the look of the pavers.
• No-Fuss: Require minimal watering, feeding, and trimming.
• Design Compatibility: Harmonize in color, texture, and scale with the pathway material and garden design.

Design Principles: Picking the Right Plant

Choose a ground cover that complements the colors and textures of your pavers and the larger landscape. A mix of foliage colors, from bright greens to silvers or bronzes, can elevate the garden’s visual interest. Always ensure the plant’s needs (sun, water, soil) match the conditions of your path to guarantee lasting success.

Best Ground Covers to Plant Between Pavers

The selection of ground covers depends largely on site conditions, especially light and soil moisture. Below are some popular options divided by sun tolerance:

Ground Covers for Full Sun

• Thyme (Thymus serpyllum, Thymus praecox): Forms fragrant, tiny-leafed mats, blooms in pink or white, drought tolerant, and tough enough for light stepping.
• Dymondia (Dymondia margaretae): Silvery-green, fine-leafed, low-growing and highly tolerant of foot traffic and drought.
• Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): Bright chartreuse foliage, hardy, spreads vigorously (best for contained spaces).
• Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis): Delicate but vigorous, produces tiny blue flowers, fills gaps quickly.
• Woolly Yarrow (Achillea tomentosa): Soft fuzzy foliage, yellow flowers, tolerates hot and dry conditions well.

Ground Covers for Partial Shade

• Mazus (Mazus reptans): Small leaves, purple or white spring flowers, spreads fast and stays tidy.
• Soleirolia (Soleirolia soleirolii, aka Baby’s Tears): Delicate mat of tiny green leaves, good for moist, shady areas.
• Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Tolerates some shade, compact and aromatic.
• Ivy-leaved Speedwell (Veronica hederifolia): Spreads quickly, tolerates moist, semi-shaded locations.

Ground Covers for Full Shade

• Lilyturf (Liriope muscari): Grass-like tufts, spikes of violet flowers, tolerates dry and shady spots well.
• Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): Whorled foliage, white spring flowers, fragrant and ideal for shade.
• Mosses: For the most shaded, damp spots, moss creates an ancient, emerald carpet between stones.
• Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’): Dark green clumps, great for moist, shaded pathways.

Table: Fast Facts on Top Ground Covers for Pavers

How to Prepare Soil for Planting Between Pavers

Paths and patios are often built over compacted soil, gravel, or sand bases that inhibit plant growth. To ensure your chosen ground covers thrive:

• Soil Depth: Provide at least 6 inches of loose, nutrient-rich soil in each gap to enable deep root growth and vigorous plants.
• Gap Width: Allow for gaps at least 2 inches wide to accommodate spreading plants and minimize competition.
• Planting Flats: For economical coverage, use flats or mats. Cut 2-to-3-inch chunks (containing several rooted plants) with scissors and space them 6 to 9 inches apart in the gaps.
• Surface Moisture: After planting, top dress bare patches with a light layer of compost or soil to retain moisture while the plants establish.

Planting and Maintenance Tips

• Water Regularly: During establishment, keep the soil moist but not soggy. Reduce watering as the plants mature.
• Trim Back Runners: Some vigorous varieties may creep beyond the path. Trim as needed to maintain tidy edges.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Skip herbicides and harsh fertilizers; gentle compost and spot weeding is usually sufficient.
• Replace Gaps: If a section fails or is damaged, simply replant with a fresh plug or seed, ensuring good contact with soil.
• Monitor Traffic: Choose a more robust variety for heavily used paths, or lay stepping stones to direct footfalls onto the pavers themselves.

Design Ideas: Enhancing Your Pathways

• Mixed Textures: Combine different ground covers for a patchwork effect, using silver/green, broad/narrow leaf choices.
• Seasonal Color: Opt for varieties that flower or change foliage color for additional interest throughout the year.
• Themed Gardens: Match plantings to your garden style—herbs for kitchen or cottage gardens, soft mosses for Japanese or woodland gardens, or tight mats for modern landscapes.
• Edible Options: Use thyme or chamomile for a path that’s both beautiful and useful in the kitchen.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Poor Growth: Check for compacted soil and insufficient moisture. Amend with organic matter as needed.
• Weed Invasion: Dense plantings and pre-planting weed control help minimize unwanted guests.
• Pest Problems: Most low-growing ground covers are fairly pest-resistant; use organic methods if needed.
• Patchy Coverage: Fill gaps with new plugs and ensure even watering until roots are well established.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes a ground cover suitable for planting between pavers?

A: The best ground covers are low-growing, tough enough for occasional foot traffic, require little maintenance, and offer attractive foliage or flowers that complement your hardscaping.

Q: How wide should gaps be between pavers for planting ground cover?

A: For healthy, vigorous plants, gaps should be at least 2 inches wide and filled with 6 inches of loose, nutrient-rich soil.

Q: Which ground covers tolerate heavy foot traffic?

A: Dymondia, creeping thyme, and blue star creeper are among the most resilient options for moderate to heavy use.

Q: How long does it take for ground covers to fill in between pavers?

A: Growth rates vary by species and conditions. Fast spreaders like Mazus can fill small gaps in a season, while slower growers may take a year or more.

Q: Are there ground covers for shady paths?

A: Yes, options like lilyturf, sweet woodruff, mosses, and dwarf mondo grass thrive in shaded, moist locations between pavers.

Conclusion: Pathways Transformed, Gardens Enhanced

Ground covers between pavers function like living grout: holding soil, suppressing weeds, and adding an inviting touch of green where you need it most. From fragrant, sun-loving thymes to lush mosses in cool shade, there’s a ground cover for every garden path. With thoughtful preparation, planting, and care, you can enjoy beautiful, functional, and sustainable hardscapes that enhance your home’s landscape year-round.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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