Plants on a pathway? Although it may not seem like a good place to plant, a pathway can be brought to life with creeping perennials. Master gardener Chris Dawson shares some insights about the benefits and ease of adding a touch of green to a functional area.
The home site in this project has a brick pathway that gets heavy foot traffic. There are many creeping perennials well suited to this condition, so be creative and mix and match plants to add to a pathway. Look for interesting flowers and textures, and keep in mind that many emit scents when stepped up on. Dawson chooses plants that can withstand foot traffic and actually benefit from it.
Pratia
Whitestar creeper
Brass Buttons
Pratia (Pratia pendunculata) is hardy in Zones 5-9. Deep violet flowers bloom from spring through fall. This plant can be divided to fill in several nooks.
Whitestar creeper (Pratia perpusilla) grows well in full sun. Walking on this plant encourages it to put down new roots and spread.
Irish moss (Soleirolia soleirolii) has a lovely deep green foliage and is best for a shadier area.
Scotch moss (Sagina subulata) is a brilliant chartreuse color and is hardy in Zones 4-9. Plant it in part shade in warmer zones and part sun in colder zones.
Brass Buttons (Cotula coronopifolia) has fern-like foliage in shades of bronze and greens. It does well in part shade to part sun conditions.
Dwarf pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a low-growing mint that releases fragrance when touched.
Corsican mint (Mentha reguienii) spreads nicely along a footpath and releases a minty scent when crushed.
Be sure the plants you choose can survive the minimum temperature in your zone. If you need to remove any weeds, be sure to remove as much of the roots as possible. When planting creeping perennials, dig out soil to make enough room for the plant to fit. Then just work the plant into the space between the pavers. Thoroughly water to help settle the new plants. They take root pretty quickly and don’t require much attention once established.
A variety of tools can be used when planting between pavers, such as a putty knife, which is ideal for working in small spaces.
Planting groundcover between pavers discourages weed growth and softens the edges of a brick pathway.
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2004/02/16/sgn409_4a_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2004/02/16/sgn409_4c_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2004/02/16/sgn409_4d_e.jpg",350,450))
)
)