Elevate Your Outdoor Spaces with These 11 Stunning Walkable Ground Cover Plants: The Perfect Solution for Paths and Lawns

If you have a room and foot traffic in your garden, finding the right ground cover plants can be a challenge. Traditional lawns may not be the best choice, especially if you have shady areas or cracks that cars can drive over. Luckily, there are tough and walkable plants that can transform your paths and lawn into attractive and functional spaces.

One recommended option is moss. Mosses are hardy and can tolerate heavy footfall. They are also good for areas that receive little water and remain green throughout the year. Mosses grow well in shaded areas and can even withstand trampling. In addition to being walkable, mosses have a bright green color that can add a whole new level of beauty to your garden.

Another plant that is recommended by gardening experts is Mazus reptans. This ground cover is a fast grower, making it a good choice if you want to quickly cover cracks or gaps in your paved surfaces. Mazus reptans offers a brilliant blue flower that can add a pop of color to your garden. It is also a tough plant that can withstand heavy foot traffic.

If you prefer a more traditional look, thyme is a great option. Thyme is a low-growing plant that forms a dense mat, perfect for filling in gaps and holding soil in place. It is also highly fragrant, with a delicious scent that can waft through your garden. Thyme is recommended for sunny areas and can tolerate dry conditions.

These are just a few of the many walkable ground cover plants available. Each offers its own unique advantages, whether it’s privacy, attractiveness, or the ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. By using these plants, you can transform your paths and lawn into functional and beautiful spaces that will be the envy of your neighbors. For more information on walkable ground cover plants, you can subscribe to our newsletter and receive regular updates right in your inbox.

11 walkable ground cover plants that are tough yet pretty

When it comes to walkable ground cover plants, you want something that can withstand a lot of foot traffic while still adding beauty to your landscape. Fortunately, there are many tough and pretty options to choose from. Here are 11 walkable ground cover plants that fit the bill:

• Blue Mazus: This low-growing plant forms a dense mat of leaves and produces beautiful blue flowers. It can tolerate light foot traffic and remains green during the growing season.
• Creeping Thyme: Thymus is a family of plants that includes several walkable ground cover options. Creeping thyme is a popular choice, as it forms a dense carpet of tiny leaves and produces small, scented flowers.
• Creeping Pennyroyal: If you have shady areas in your landscape, creeping pennyroyal is a useful option. This plant thrives in low-light conditions and can handle being walked on.
• Lithodora: With its bright blue flowers and evergreen foliage, lithodora is both pretty and tough. It can handle moderate foot traffic and is best suited for sunny areas.
• Soleirolia: Commonly known as “mind-your-own-business” or “baby’s tears,” soleirolia is a delicate-looking plant that can withstand light foot traffic. Its small leaves form a dense mat that creates a lush look in shady areas.
• Moss: Mosses are not only beautiful; they are also great at coping with foot traffic. If you have cracks or gaps in your paved areas, planting moss can give them a lovely, natural look.
• Corsican Mint: This low-growing mint has a pleasant scent and can handle moderate foot traffic. It is a great option for planting between stepping stones or in small walkways.
• Grey Thyme: Grey thyme is a tough ground cover plant that can tolerate both foot traffic and dry conditions. Its grey-green leaves and tiny pink flowers add color and interest to your landscape.
• Carpet Bugle: This fast-growing ground cover can accommodate moderate foot traffic and remains attractive during the whole year. It forms a dense mat of purple, blue, or white flowers and is a good option for lawns and borders.
• Japanese Spurge: This shade-loving ground cover has glossy green leaves and produces small white flowers. It can tolerate light foot traffic and is an excellent choice for shady areas.
• Pachysandra: Pachysandra is a popular traditional ground cover plant that remains green during the whole year. It can tolerate light foot traffic and is a good option for filling in gaps and providing privacy in shady areas.

These walkable ground cover plants offer both utility and beauty to your landscape. Whether you have a paved surface, cracks in your lawn, or need to create a lush look in shady areas, there is a tough yet pretty plant on this list that would suit your needs. So, get gardening and transform your paths and lawn with these resilient ground cover options!

1 Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a tough ground cover plant that can tolerate heavy foot traffic. Its small purple flowers remain attractive even when trampled, making it a popular choice for pathways and lawns.

This low-growing herb has a creeping habit and thrives in moist, shady areas. It forms a dark green carpet-like surface that can give a lush look to your garden. Pennyroyal is also scented and can emit a pleasant aroma when crushed.

One of the most useful features of pennyroyal is its ability to grow in cracks and gaps, making it an excellent choice for paving stones and other hard surfaces. It can also tolerate some degree of drought and does well in sunny areas.

Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and, like other members, it has a tendency to spread. Therefore, it is advisable to contain it in a pot or plant it in an area where it can be controlled.

For those looking for a low-maintenance ground cover option that can withstand heavy foot traffic, pennyroyal is a great choice. Its attractive blue flowers, tough nature, and ability to cope with difficult growing conditions make it a top pick for many gardeners.

2 Thyme

Thyme is a popular alternative to grass for walkable ground cover. It has small leaves that remain green all year round, making it an attractive choice for both paths and lawns. Thyme is a versatile plant that can soften the look of any garden, while also being able to cope with heavy foot traffic.

There are several types of thyme available, each with its own degree of toughness. Some recommended varieties include creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus), and woolly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus). These thyme varieties can grow in light to part shade and have really scented leaves. They are also useful for planting in pockets between stepping stones or in gaps in walls.

Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb that can tolerate walking and trampling, making it a great choice for those who want a walkable ground cover. It has a creeping habit and can form a dense mat that can handle foot traffic without being crushed. Thyme plants are also recommended for use in gravel gardens, as they can give a natural, rugged look to the space.

Thyme plants prefer well-drained soil and are drought-tolerant once established. They do not require a lot of water, making them a low-maintenance option for walkable ground cover. Thyme plants can be grown from seeds or propagated through cuttings. They can also be easily divided to create more plants.

In addition to being a practical ground cover, thyme also has some medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for various ailments, including coughs and sore throats. Thyme leaves can be crushed and applied to the skin to relieve insect bites or used as a natural air freshener. The essential oil derived from thyme is known for its antimicrobial properties.

Overall, thyme is a tough and attractive plant that can accommodate heavy foot traffic and provide a soft, scented ground cover for your garden. Whether you choose creeping thyme for its low-growing habit and delicate flowers or lemon thyme for its fresh scent, thyme is a fantastic choice for a walkable ground cover plant.

3 Chamomile nobile

Chamomile nobile is a low-growing ground cover plant that forms a dense and aromatic mat of bright green leaves. It is a great alternative to traditional grass and can tolerate light foot traffic, making it a perfect choice for walkable gardens and paths.

Chamomile nobile, also known as Roman chamomile, is a slow grower and can reach a height of only 4-8 inches. Although it doesn’t tolerate heavy footfall or cars driving over it, it can still cope with occasional foot traffic without issue.

The scented chamomile flowers are an attractive feature of this ground cover plant, with their white petals and bright yellow centers. They bloom in late spring and can remain in bloom throughout the summer if properly cared for.

Chamomile nobile is also useful for planting between paving stones or in pockets of soil where other plants may struggle to grow. Its spreading habit helps to hold soil in place and prevent erosion, while providing a soft and pleasant surface to walk on.

One of the advantages of chamomile nobile is that it can tolerate a variety of soil types, including heavy clay and damp soil. It doesn’t require much water and can cope well with dry conditions once established.

If you’re looking for a ground cover plant that can add privacy and a touch of beauty to your garden, chamomile nobile is a great option. Its low-growing nature and dense foliage offer good coverage and can create a lush and inviting atmosphere.

In addition to chamomile nobile, there are other walkable ground cover options that you might consider for your garden, such as thyme, pennyroyal, mazus, lithodora, and certain varieties of thyme and mosses. These plants have their own unique characteristics and can offer a range of colors and textures to complement your outdoor space.

4 Soleirola solerolii

Soleirolia soleirolii, also known as Mind-your-own-business or Baby’s tears, is a low-growing ground cover plant that can transform your paths and lawn. It is a semi-evergreen perennial that remains attractive all year round.

The plants have bright green, small, rounded leaves that form a dense mat over the surface. They soften the look of bare soil and help to fill gaps and cracks between paving stones. Soleirolia soleirolii can tolerate light foot traffic and is great for creating a walking surface that can accommodate occasional use by cars.

This ground cover plant is also useful for planting in traditional shade gardens. Soleirolia soleirolii will grow well in areas that don’t receive direct sunlight. It can thrive in both dry and damp soil, making it a good choice for areas that are difficult to water.

One of the great features of Soleirolia soleirolii is its ability to grow in the shade. It can fill in spaces where traditional grass may struggle to establish, such as under trees or in deep shade. The bright green leaves provide a nice contrast against the dark grey or black surface of pathways or lawns.

Soleirolia soleirolii is a low-maintenance ground cover plant. It does not require mowing or trimming, and it doesn’t need fertilizer. It can handle heavy footfall and remains attractive even after being regularly walked on.

Another option for creating a walkable ground cover is using thyme plants. Thyme, such as Thymus serpyllum or Thymus polytrichus, offers a scented ground cover that can tolerate light foot traffic. These thymes have small leaves and produce tiny flowers in late spring or early summer.

Thyme plants are a good choice for sunny areas with well-drained soil. They can grow in pockets of soil or gravel and are very useful for filling gaps between paving stones. Thyme plants can tolerate dry conditions and are drought-tolerant once established.

Another tough ground cover option is Lithodora diffusa. This plant has bright blue flowers in late spring or early summer. It can grow in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Lithodora diffusa is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate foot traffic and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Mazus reptans is another suitable plant for walkable ground covers. It has attractive small white, blue, or purple flowers and can tolerate light foot traffic. Mazus reptans can grow in moist or damp soil and can be used to cover lawn areas or create a pathway.

Pennyroyal is another choice for a walkable ground cover. Mentha pulegium, commonly known as pennyroyal, is a spreading perennial that has small purple flowers. It can tolerate light foot traffic and prefers moist soil.

Overall, there are many walkable ground cover plants available that offer a choice of colors, textures, and scents. Whether you want a tough, scented plant like thyme or a colorful option like Lithodora diffusa, there is a ground cover to suit your needs. These plants can transform your paths and lawn, while also providing a low-maintenance and attractive surface that can tolerate foot traffic.

In conclusion, walkable ground cover plants like Soleirolia soleirolii, thyme, Lithodora diffusa, Mazus reptans, and pennyroyal can transform your paths and lawn. They offer a low-maintenance and attractive surface that can tolerate foot traffic. Consider using these plants to soften the look of your paths and lawn, while also providing a colorful and scented environment.

5 Ajuga reptans

Ajuga reptans, commonly known as bugleweed, is a popular choice for ground cover in gardens. This low-growing plant is tough enough to cope with foot traffic and can spread over gaps in paving or the edges of paths.

The leaves of Ajuga reptans are a glossy dark green or purple-tinged color, which contrasts well with the bright blue or purple flowers that appear in late spring or early summer. This plant is also available in varieties with variegated leaves, such as ‘Burgundy Glow,’ which adds an attractive splash of color to the garden.

Ajuga reptans is a great choice for shady areas, as it can tolerate a degree of shade and will remain green even in darker spots. It is also a good ground cover for damp or moist areas, as it is a robust grower and can cope with regular watering.

One of the benefits of planting Ajuga reptans is that it acts as a weed barrier, forming a dense mat that helps to suppress the growth of weeds. This makes it a useful plant for areas where keeping weeds under control is a priority.

Ajuga reptans is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. It is a good choice for those who want a ground cover that will look good without much effort.

This plant can be grown as a lawn substitute or as a border plant around flower beds. It can also be used to soften the edges of paved areas or to fill in gaps between stepping stones.

Ajuga reptans is a great plant to consider if you want a ground cover that can withstand footfall and trampling. It is a tough plant that can tolerate some degree of walking on without getting damaged.

To give your garden a more traditional look, you can group Ajuga reptans with other low-growing plants like thymes or mosses. These scented plants will add a lovely fragrance to your garden and create a carpet effect with their dense growth.

If you have a shady or damp area in your garden that you’re struggling to accommodate, Ajuga reptans is an excellent choice. Its ability to grow in these conditions makes it a versatile plant that can thrive in different parts of your garden.

Ajuga reptans is recommended by gardening experts as a ground cover that can help to keep the garden looking good all year round. Its ability to handle foot traffic, tolerate shade and dampness, and remain green even in darker spots makes it an ideal choice for many gardens.

Whether you’re looking for a plant to cover cracks in your paved areas, soften the edges of your lawn, or add color and texture to your garden, Ajuga reptans is a fantastic option to consider.

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6 Corsican mint

Corsican mint, also known as Mentha requienii, is a low-growing ground cover plant that is perfect for walkable areas. It offers a lush and vibrant green carpet, which can hold up well under foot traffic.

This plant is native to Corsica and Sardinia and is a member of the mint family. It has tiny leaves that are bright green in color and release a strong minty scent when crushed. The leaves are very small and delicate, resembling a fluffy moss.

Corsican mint thrives in shady and damp areas, making it a great choice for gardens with heavy soil or those that have pockets of moisture. It can tolerate partial sun, but it does best in part shade to full shade.

The plant spreads by sending out runners, which allows it to quickly fill in empty spaces between paving stones or cracks in the walkway. Once established, Corsican mint is low-maintenance and can handle a lot of foot traffic without getting damaged.

One downside to Corsican mint is that it is not as drought-tolerant as some other ground cover plants. It requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods.

Corsican mint is a brilliant alternative to traditional grass or paved surfaces. It gives the area a soft, lush appearance and adds a touch of freshness with its minty fragrance.

If you are looking for a ground cover plant that can soften walkways and tolerate trampling, Corsican mint is a good choice. It also works well as a filler between stones or in the cracks of a paved surface.

Some other ground cover plants that you can consider for walkable areas include thyme, pennyroyal, mazus, lithodora, and creeping thyme. These plants are all tough and can cope well with foot traffic. However, they have different characteristics and can accommodate different growing conditions.

When choosing a ground cover plant for your walkable areas, make sure to consider the amount of footfall the area receives, the amount of sunlight it gets, and the type of soil it has. This will help you select a plant that will thrive in your specific conditions and provide the best coverage.

7 Lithodora diffusa

Lithodora diffusa, also known as “Blue Pennyroyal,” is a tough ground cover plant that can give your paths and lawn a vibrant pop of blue color. This plant is recommended for areas where heavy foot traffic occurs, as it can tolerate trampling and hold up well under cars driving over it.

The bright blue flowers of Lithodora diffusa will enliven any space, and their lovely, scented leaves add an extra touch of beauty. It forms a low, dense mat that covers the surface and can accommodate regular walking.

Lithodora diffusa is an excellent alternative to traditional lawns or paved areas. It is also a useful choice for shady gardens, as it can thrive in damp, shady conditions. This plant can be planted in between stepping stones or along the edges of a path, creating a delicate and visually appealing ground cover.

Lithodora diffusa is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun conditions if the soil is moist enough. This ground cover plant is a great addition to moss gardens, rock gardens, or any area that needs a touch of color.

If you’re looking for a walkable ground cover that is tough, beautiful, and can even offer a scented experience while walking, Lithodora diffusa is a great choice. Its bright blue flowers and dense, low-growing foliage will transform your paths and lawns into inviting spaces. Sign up for our newsletter to get more gardening tips and information sent straight to your inbox!

8 Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny, also known as Soleirolia soleirolii, is a popular choice for walkable ground cover plants. Its low-growing habit and dense, spreading nature make it an excellent option for filling in gaps between paving stones and creating a lush carpet effect.

This plant is a fast grower and can quickly fill in large areas, making it a great choice for those looking for a ground cover that will establish quickly and provide instant results. It can tolerate light foot traffic, making it suitable for paths and areas where people will be walking.

Creeping Jenny has bright grey-green leaves that are round and small, giving it a delicate and attractive appearance. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. It is also a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of conditions, including both sun and shade.

Creeping Jenny is also known for its ability to hold soil in place and prevent erosion. Its dense root system helps to stabilize soil, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to washing away. It can cope with heavy foot traffic and even walking on paved surfaces.

Creeping Jenny is a versatile plant that can be used to cover large areas or fill in gaps. It is often used as a ground cover in gardens, lawns, and other outdoor spaces. Its ability to tolerate a range of conditions and its fast-growing nature make it a popular choice for creating a lush and green carpet effect.

If you are looking for a walkable ground cover plant that will give your paths and lawn a soft and attractive appearance, Creeping Jenny is worth considering. Its low-maintenance nature and ability to tolerate a range of conditions make it a versatile and practical choice.

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9 Moss

Mosses are great ground cover plants for shady areas where grass may struggle to grow. They have small and delicate leaves that can form a soft carpet-like cover, filling in gaps and giving a unique and natural look to your garden.

Mosses are tough and can cope with heavy footfall, making them a good choice for paths and walkways. They also tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and can even grow on rocks or tree trunks. Their ability to hold water makes them useful in preventing erosion on slopes or holding water in areas with poor drainage.

One recommended type of moss is Soleirolia soleirolii, also known as Mind Your Own Business or Baby’s Tears. This moss forms a dense green mat and is great for shady areas. Another popular moss is Hypnum moss, which has a bright green color and can tolerate more light than other mosses.

Thyme varieties such as Thymus serpyllum can also provide a great moss-like ground cover. They have small leaves and can tolerate foot traffic to a certain degree. Thyme also forms pretty flowers and some varieties are scented, giving your garden an extra touch of beauty and fragrance.

Moss is also a good choice for filling in gaps between stones or pavers. It can hold the stones in place and prevent weed growth. You can also use moss to cover areas where grass won’t grow, such as under trees or in very shady spots.

When using moss as a ground cover, it’s important to prepare the soil and keep it moist until the moss is established. Moss doesn’t have roots like other plants, so it needs a firm and moist surface to attach to. You can water the area and lightly press the moss onto the soil to help it take hold.

If you want to create a moss lawn, you can remove the existing grass and prepare the soil by raking it to remove any debris. Then, spread a layer of crushed stone or gravel over the area, about 2 inches thick, to create a stable base. Finally, place the moss on top of the gravel and water it well.

In addition to moss, other plants like lithodora, thyme, and mint are also recommended for ground cover in walkable areas. These plants have small leaves and can tolerate foot traffic, making them a good choice for paths and walkways. They also have a low-growing habit, providing a dense cover that can withstand trampling.

Overall, moss is a fantastic and low-maintenance ground cover option. Its ability to thrive in shady and moist areas, as well as its tolerance for foot traffic, makes it an excellent choice for creating beautiful and unique paths, lawns, and gardens.

10 Mazus reptans

Mazus reptans is a versatile ground cover plant that is perfect for creating walkable paths and areas in your garden. It is a low-growing plant that forms a dense cover and can tolerate foot traffic.

This plant has beautiful dark green leaves and produces small, blue flowers in the spring. The flowers add a pop of color to your garden and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Mazus reptans is also useful for filling in cracks in paved areas or between stepping stones. Its spreading habit allows it to quickly establish and fill in bare spots, making it a great choice for areas with heavy foot traffic.

One of the key advantages of Mazus reptans is its ability to tolerate shady areas. It can thrive in areas with partial to full shade, making it a great option for gardens with limited sunlight.

Another great feature of Mazus reptans is its ability to grow well in damp or moist areas. It can tolerate areas with poor drainage and even grow in soggy soil. This makes it an excellent choice for gardens with water features or areas that tend to stay damp.

Mazus reptans is also a good alternative to mosses or thymes for shady, damp areas. While it doesn’t have the same degree of fragrance as thyme or the delicate beauty of moss, it is still an attractive ground cover option that can transform your paths and lawn.

If you are using Mazus reptans as a ground cover, it is recommended to plant them about 6-12 inches apart to allow them to fill in and create a dense, walkable carpet. Once established, they can tolerate moderate trampling.

Overall, Mazus reptans is a versatile and attractive ground cover plant that can transform your garden. Whether you want to create walkable paths, cover shady areas, or fill in cracks in your paved areas, Mazus reptans is a great choice.

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11 Alyssum

Alyssum is a low-growing ground cover plant that thrives in moist and damp areas. It is an excellent choice for walkable gardens, as it can tolerate foot traffic and trampling. There are several varieties of Alyssum available, including dwarf and creeping forms.

One attractive feature of Alyssum is its bright and scented flowers, which come in shades of white, purple, pink, and yellow. These flowers not only add beauty to your walkways and paths, but they also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Alyssum forms a dense carpet-like growth that can cover the surface of your lawn or paved areas. It is a good alternative to grass, especially for those who prefer low-maintenance lawns. The plants can tolerate light foot traffic and even cars driving over them.

For those looking for a really tough ground cover option, Alyssum is an excellent choice. It can withstand heavy footfall and still maintain its attractive appearance. The plants hold up well during rainy and wet seasons, and they also tolerate drought once established.

Alyssum can grow in full sun to part shade, making it a versatile choice for various planting areas. It is also a good option for gardens with poor soil conditions, as Alyssum is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in different soil types.

In addition to its resilience, Alyssum is a great choice for gardens with poor drainage, as its root system helps prevent soil erosion and water runoff.

One popular variety of Alyssum is the Carpet of Snow, which forms a dense and attractive ground cover that is hard to resist. Another option is the Mountain Gold Alyssum, which has golden flowers that brighten up any planting area.

A great pairing for Alyssum is thymes, mosses, and lithodora. These plants complement each other and create a stunning tapestry of color and texture for your walkable areas.

In summary, Alyssum is a versatile ground cover plant that can transform your paths and lawn into attractive and functional spaces. Its ability to tolerate foot traffic, attractive flowers, and low-maintenance make it an excellent choice for walkable gardens.

What is a walkable ground cover plant

A walkable ground cover plant is a type of plant that is low-growing and spreads to form a dense carpet-like cover over the ground. These plants are ideal for creating pathways or covering areas of lawn that receive heavy foot traffic. They have tough leaves that can tolerate trampling without getting damaged and can withstand the weight of cars driving over them.

Walkable ground cover plants are commonly used in gardens and landscaping as an alternative to traditional grass lawns. They are also recommended for planting in areas with cracks or gaps in the pavement, where they can fill in the empty spaces and prevent weeds from growing.

There are many types of walkable ground cover plants available, each with its own unique qualities and characteristics. Some of the most popular options include:

• Thymes: Thyme plants, such as Thymus serpyllum and Thymus praecox, are excellent walkable ground cover plants. They have small, aromatic leaves and offer a bright display of flowers in colors ranging from pink to purple. Thymes are tough and can tolerate both foot traffic and drought conditions.
• Pennyroyal: Pennyroyal is a low-growing mint plant that forms a dense mat of green foliage. It has small purple flowers and a strong fragrance. Pennyroyal can tolerate light foot traffic and is a good choice for shady areas.
• Creeping thyme: Creeping thyme, also known as Mother of Thyme, is another popular walkable ground cover plant. It has small blue or pink flowers and forms a dense, low-growing mat. Creeping thyme is drought-tolerant and can tolerate light foot traffic.

Walkable ground cover plants are not only useful for filling in gaps in paved surfaces and tolerating trampling, but they also offer other benefits. They can help to soften the look of hard surfaces, provide some privacy, and attract beneficial insects to your garden. Additionally, these plants require less water and maintenance compared to traditional lawns, making them a sustainable choice for landscaping.

In summary, walkable ground cover plants are tough, low-growing plants that can tolerate trampling and offer a low-maintenance alternative to traditional grass lawns. They are recommended for planting in areas with cracks or gaps in the pavement, as well as in shady areas where grass may struggle to grow. Some popular options include thymes, pennyroyal, and creeping thyme.

Is creeping thyme soft to walk on

Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a popular choice for walkable ground cover in gardening. This low-growing plant can withstand footfall and remain resilient even after being stepped on. It forms a dense carpet of tiny leaves and delicate flowers that release a pleasant aroma when walked upon.

Unlike traditional lawns, creeping thyme can tolerate light trampling, making it an excellent choice for paths and walkways in gardens. The thyme’s tough and creeping nature allows it to spread and fill in cracks in paved or stone surfaces, giving them a soft and natural look.

Creeping thyme, along with other thyme varieties such as pennyroyal and woolly thyme, is recommended for planting between paving stones or in areas with little foot traffic. These thymes can cope with light footfall and still hold up well.

Another attractive option for walkable ground cover is Soleirolia soleirolii, commonly known as mind-your-own-business or baby’s tears. This plant forms a dense, moss-like carpet of tiny circular leaves. It can tolerate some trampling and is recommended for planting in damp, shaded areas.

Mosses, such as dark green moss (Bryum argenteum) or grey cushion moss (Leucobryum glaucum), offer a brilliant green surface that is soft to walk on. They can be planted between stones or in interior gardens where there isn’t much foot traffic.

Mazus reptans, a low-growing perennial, is another option for walkable ground cover. It has small purple or white flowers and can tolerate light foot traffic. Mazus can be ideal for planting in areas that need a little color and interest.

Lithodora diffusa is a beautiful ground cover plant that offers blue flowers and evergreen foliage. While it may not tolerate heavy foot traffic, it can be planted in areas where occasional walking is required.

In summary, creeping thyme and other thyme varieties, along with mosses, mind-your-own-business, and mazus, are all good options for walkable ground cover in gardens. These plants can tolerate light foot traffic and give a soft and natural feel to your pathways and lawns. Keep in mind the specific needs and growing conditions of each plant before choosing the best option for your garden.

What ground cover plants can you drive over

When it comes to ground cover plants that can handle being driven over or walked on, there are a few recommended options that can fill in the gaps and withstand some foot traffic. Whether you’re looking to create a walkable path or add some greenery to your driveway, these tough plants won’t let you down.

Mosses

Mosses are a great choice for walkable ground cover. They are tough and can tolerate heavy footfall, making them perfect for areas that need a little extra protection. Mosses also offer a soft, cushiony surface underfoot and can retain water, which is useful in shady or damp areas. They can soften the look of a paved surface and add a touch of green to your driveway or walkway.

Thyme

Thyme is another excellent choice for walkable ground cover. It’s a low-growing and low-maintenance plant that can handle light foot traffic. Thyme comes in various scented and bright varieties, and they can grow in pockets between stepping stones or fill in spaces in a lawn. Thyme forms a dense mat that can withstand some trampling and still look beautiful.

Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)

Corsican mint is a lovely option for areas that receive a degree of footfall. This creeping mint can tolerate light foot traffic and is an excellent choice for shady or damp areas. It has a delightful scent and can tolerate being crushed, giving off a lovely aroma as you walk over it.

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Pennyroyal is a tough and low-growing ground cover plant that can handle light foot traffic. It forms a dense mat and can handle being driven over, making it perfect for areas that need a little extra protection. Pennyroyal also has a pleasant scent and can add a touch of green to your driveway or walkway.

Soleirolia (Baby’s Tears)

Soleirolia, also known as Baby’s Tears, is a delicate ground cover plant that can tolerate light foot traffic. It forms a dense mat and can soften the look of a paved surface. Soleirolia is an excellent choice for shady or damp areas and can add a touch of green to your walkway or driveway.

Apart from the plants mentioned above, there are also other options available, such as thymus, thyme, and moss. Each of these plants has its unique qualities and can offer a tough and walkable ground cover solution for your pathways or lawns.

1. Mosses: tough and water-retaining option for shady or damp areas.
2. Thyme: a low-growing and scented choice for pockets between stepping stones.
3. Corsican Mint: a creeping mint with a lovely scent that can handle light foot traffic.
4. Pennyroyal: a tough and scented ground cover that can handle being driven over.
5. Soleirolia (Baby’s Tears): a delicate ground cover for shady or damp areas.

Remember, it’s important to choose plants that are established and have a strong root system. This will ensure they can cope with the foot traffic and won’t be easily uprooted. So, next time you’re looking for a walkable ground cover, consider these options to transform your paths and lawn.

If you have any questions or need more information on walkable ground cover plants, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help and provide recommendations that suit your specific needs.