Low-grow plantings in walkways or pavers are particularly pretty in any garden
Low-growing plantings in walkways offer a unique blend of beauty, practicality, and charm. These ground-hugging plants soften hard edges, filling gaps between stones or pavers with lush texture and often a pleasant fragrance when stepped on.
They create a seamless transition between garden beds and paths, giving spaces a more natural, integrated look. Many are drought-tolerant, foot-traffic-friendly, and help suppress weeds, making them both ornamental and functional.
Whether spilling gently over stone borders or forming a green carpet underfoot, these plants add inviting detail and visual rhythm to pathways, transforming a simple walk into a sensory experience.
The following plants are tried and true for inbetween pavers, flagstone, and rock gardens. They don't mind being stepped on, and many spread quickly and are perennials in our area.
1. Creeping Thyme
Watch this video to see various types of thyme and how they spread between pavers.
2. Irish Moss
3. Blue Star Creeper
4. Sedum
5. Creeping Jenny
6. Dwarf Mondo Grass
7. Dymondia
8. Rock Cress
CSU Extension Spreadsheet on recommended Groundcovers for Colorado
When choosing plants, consider the amount of sunlight, moisture levels, and foot traffic your pavers receive. Also, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Use a good quality potting mix or amend the existing soil with compost to improve drainage.
TIP: many groundcovers like rocks to grow on (even pebbles or pea gravel will do). Once planted in soil, they're then more inclined to spread when they have rocks to cling to as they creep.
They create a seamless transition between garden beds and paths, giving spaces a more natural, integrated look. Many are drought-tolerant, foot-traffic-friendly, and help suppress weeds, making them both ornamental and functional.
Whether spilling gently over stone borders or forming a green carpet underfoot, these plants add inviting detail and visual rhythm to pathways, transforming a simple walk into a sensory experience.
The following plants are tried and true for inbetween pavers, flagstone, and rock gardens. They don't mind being stepped on, and many spread quickly and are perennials in our area.
1. Creeping Thyme
- Several varieties are available, offering fragrant leaves and flowers in various colors.
- Tolerates foot traffic and different soil types.
- Good choice for sunny paths.
Watch this video to see various types of thyme and how they spread between pavers.
2. Irish Moss
- Forms a dense, moss-like mat with tiny white flowers.
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
- Can tolerate light foot traffic.
3. Blue Star Creeper
- Spreads quickly with small, blue, star-shaped flowers.
- Thrives in sun to partial shade and can withstand light foot traffic.
4. Sedum
- Offers drought-tolerant succulents with a variety of forms and colors.
- Ideal for sunny, dry areas.
5. Creeping Jenny
- Features vibrant chartreuse foliage and trailing stems.
- Spreads quickly and can cascade over the edges of pavers.
6. Dwarf Mondo Grass
- Maintains a green carpet year-round in paving gaps.
- A good choice for year-round green cover.
7. Dymondia
- Extremely flat with slender, oval leaves that are two-tone (green on top and gray underneath).
- Has a tidy appearance, uniform height and low watering needs.
8. Rock Cress
- Hugs the ground like a mat
- Displays rich purple flowers late April through May
- Showy, sprawling evergreen perennial
- Drought tolerant
CSU Extension Spreadsheet on recommended Groundcovers for Colorado
When choosing plants, consider the amount of sunlight, moisture levels, and foot traffic your pavers receive. Also, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Use a good quality potting mix or amend the existing soil with compost to improve drainage.
TIP: many groundcovers like rocks to grow on (even pebbles or pea gravel will do). Once planted in soil, they're then more inclined to spread when they have rocks to cling to as they creep.