Planting Between Pavers – Using Ground Covers Around Pavers

Using plants between pavers softens the look of your pathway or patio and keeps weeds from filling in bare spaces. Wondering what to plant? This article can help.

Planting Between Pavers

When using groundcovers around pavers, you want them to meet several criteria. Look for plants that are tough so you don’t have to tiptoe around them. Choose short plants that won’t obstruct your path, and plants that are suited to the current light exposure. Using plants that spread to fill the space around them make growing plants between pavers easier. Here are a few suggestions.

• Irish moss – Irish moss adds soft, spongy texture to paths in shady areas. Only a couple of inches (5 cm.) tall, it doesn’t create an obstruction. It’s usually sold in flats like sod. Just cut it to fit and lay it where you want it to grow. It is sometimes sold as Scottish moss.
• Elfin thyme – Elfin thyme is a miniature version of creeping thyme. It grows only an inch or 2 (2.5-5 cm.) tall, and you'll enjoy its pleasant fragrance. You can plant it in the sun, where it grows flat, or in the shade where it forms little hills. It bounces back after short periods of dry weather, but you'll need to water it if the dry weather lasts very long.
• Dwarf mondo grass – Dwarf mondo grass is a good choice for full or partial shade, and it is one of the few plants you can grow near black walnuts. The best dwarf mondo varieties for planting between pavers grow only an inch or 2 (2.5-5 cm.) tall and spread readily.
• Baby’s tears – Baby’s tears is another selection for shady locations. They are often sold as houseplants, but can also make wonderful little plants to grow within pavers. It isn’t for everyone because it only grows in USDA zones 9 and warmer. The pretty foliage forms mounds about 5 inches (13 cm.) tall.
• Dichondra – Carolina ponysfoot is a pretty little North American native and species of Dichondra that grows in sun or partial shade. It stands up to heat but needs a little watering during prolonged dry spells. It also needs a little fertilizer every spring to keep its bright color. This low-growing ground cover grows in all 48 states in the continental U.S. It features bright green, round leaves that spread to fill an area.