Taking Traffic

Some of the traffic-tolerant plants include those that offer gardeners more color and texture for the landscape than does grass, such as Erysimum 'Orange Flame'. Caring for these plants is quite similar to caring for a lawn. "Just as they need good light, good drainage and good soil," says James, "they also need a good stomping."

If you're still not sure if treading on your landscape investment is such a great idea, Hopkins says that stepping on your plants can actually increase new plant growth. "Every single leaf node on these plants has roots on the bottom of it, so that every time you step on them, they root to the ground," says Hopkins.

There are three main grades of of these tough plants — light-, moderate- and heavy-traffic varieties. "Even seemingly delicate flowers like this lobelia, Pratia angulata, will endure a certain amount of foot traffic," says James. "It all depends on the texture and definition of the plant."

Plants rated "light" can withstand the occasional foot traffic. Linaria lobatus is fluffy and its texture will not take frequent compaction, so you need to plant it in an area that is walked on only occasionally.

Plants labeled "moderate," such as this dwarf Bolax, can handle being walked on once or twice a day.

The densest of the groundcovers can take a pounding and still thrive. Cotula gruveri can tolerate the heaviest foot traffic of all.

These groundcovers are easy to use in a border or as a pathway. "Planting these groundcovers is like getting thousands of free plants," says James. "Step on it and you'll break the leaves off, but when you tread, they spread. Each leaf roots into the ground under your foot creating new plants."

To grow your own lush, green pathway, try planting elfin thyme in a soil mixed with bark husk. Loosen the root ball, and place the thyme in a hole no deeper than the soil level. Push down on the plant firmly to help it take root.

Determine how quickly you want the pathway to fill in. Hopkins suggests positioning the plants about four inches apart.

Once all the plants are in the ground, go back and firmly step on each plant to start the roots spreading. After about six months, you'll have a gorgeous carpet of color.

Maintain the plants with a lawn mower, weed whacker, hedge trimmers or any method you prefer. The best maintenance is to walk on them, which keeps the plants short and tight to the ground.

If you plan on using these groundcovers between stones and pavers, check for the heat tolerance of the various plants before you buy.