Paths are a great addition to any garden; not only do they add an element of romance, they also encourage visitors to explore. Hosts Jackie Cicchino and John Greenlee demonstrate how to create paths that will truly add charm and interest to any garden.
In addition to softening the edges of stones, ground cover will also make the ground more level--and therefore, safer. In areas where foot traffic is light, use the spaces between stepping stones to plant miniature beds for low-growing perennials or horizontal-oriented herbs.
Filling in between your stones:
- Place fast-draining sandy soil between stones.
- Sow seeds or set out rooted slips of low-growing plants.
- Varieties that will thrive in these conditions include:
- Woolly or creeping thyme
- Prostrate sedum
- Alyssum
- Portulaca
- Mint
- Baby's tears (golden yellow)
- Acorus
(These tiny plants grow fast, shading out weeds and producing colorful flowers as a bonus. Treading on thyme and pennyroyal--mint--will release a delightful fragrance. Any of these plants can be cut back if necessary.)
- When planting a ground cover, keep in mind that until it spreads and fills out, mulching the bare spaces between plants will be necessary to discourage weed growth.
- Two higher-growth plants that can be used to border the inside of a pathway include lemongrass and scented geraniums.
