Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

Walking on Plants: A Guide to Groundcover Options

When it comes to landscaping, choosing the right groundcover can make all the difference in creating an inviting and functional outdoor space. While grass is a popular choice for many homeowners, there are other plants that can withstand foot traffic and add visual interest to your yard or garden. In this article, we'll explore some of the best plants that can be walked on and how to incorporate them into your landscape design.

1. Creeping Thyme

If you're looking for a low-maintenance groundcover that can handle light foot traffic, creeping thyme is a great option. This fragrant herb spreads quickly, covering large areas with its tiny leaves and producing small pink or purple flowers in the summer months. Plus, it's drought-tolerant and can grow in most soil types, making it a versatile choice for any landscape.

Close-up of creeping thyme in bloom
Creeping thyme in bloom

2. Irish Moss

Irish moss is a type of low-growing perennial that forms a dense mat of green foliage. It's often used as a groundcover between stepping stones or in rock gardens where it can tolerate some foot traffic. In the spring and early summer, it produces tiny white flowers that add to its charm. Just be sure to plant it in full sun and keep the soil moist to prevent it from drying out.

Irish moss groundcover growing between pavers
Irish moss groundcover growing between pavers

3. Woolly Thyme

Another variety of thyme that makes a great groundcover is woolly thyme. This herb has fuzzy, silver-green leaves that create a soft texture underfoot. It's also drought-tolerant and can handle light foot traffic, making it ideal for paths or borders. Like creeping thyme, it produces small pink or purple flowers in the summer months.

Woolly thyme groundcover in a garden
Woolly thyme groundcover in a garden

4. Corsican Mint

Corsican mint is a low-growing herb that forms a thick mat of tiny leaves. It's often used as a groundcover in rock gardens, between pavers, or in containers. When stepped on, it releases a pleasant aroma and can withstand a moderate amount of foot traffic. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.

Corsican mint groundcover growing between pavers
Corsican mint groundcover growing between pavers

5. Sedum

Sedum is a genus of succulent plants that come in various sizes and colors. Many sedums have small, fleshy leaves that can handle light foot traffic and drought conditions. They're often used in rock gardens, as edging along paths, or in containers. Sedums also produce showy flowers in the late summer and fall, adding to their visual appeal.

Sedum groundcover in a garden
Sedum groundcover in a garden

6. Mazus

Mazus is a low-growing perennial that spreads by underground runners. It produces small, blue, purple, or white flowers in the spring and summer and can tolerate light foot traffic. It prefers moist soil and partial shade but can also grow in full sun with regular watering.

Mazus groundcover with blue flowers
Mazus groundcover with blue flowers

7. Brass Buttons

Brass buttons, also known as Cotula, is an evergreen groundcover with small, round leaves that resemble buttons. It's tolerant of different soil types and can handle light foot traffic. Brass buttons produce tiny yellow flowers in the summer and prefer full sun to partial shade.

Brass buttons groundcover with yellow flowers
Brass buttons groundcover with yellow flowers

8. Golden Oregano

Golden oregano is a low-growing herb that forms a thick mat of golden-yellow foliage. It's often used as a groundcover in rock gardens, between pavers, or in borders. The leaves release a pleasant aroma when brushed against and can handle light foot traffic. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Golden oregano groundcover in a garden
Golden oregano groundcover in a garden

With so many options available, choosing the right groundcover for your landscape can be overwhelming. However, by considering factors like foot traffic, sunlight exposure, and soil type, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect plant for your needs. Whether you opt for fragrant thyme, colorful sedum, or textured brass buttons, these plants that can be walked on will add beauty and functionality to your outdoor space for years to come.

walking on plants, groundcover options, fragrant thyme, irish moss, woolly thyme, corsican mint, sedum, mazus, brass buttons, golden oregano

Post a Comment for "Walking on Plants: A Guide to Groundcover Options"