Design: Solutions for Steppers

Clients frequently ask me what they can plant between their stepping stones to prevent weeds from taking root or simply staring at dirt in the sometimes tiny spaces between bricks, pavers, or larger landscape stones.

There are, of course, the obvious ground-hugging candidates like Mazus reptans seen here, which is covered with charming blue or white flowers in spring. 

It does spread, but it's easily kept under control by pulling out mats of it a few times a year when it creeps into unwanted places.

In this garden, the steppers were set directly into grass, and the circular motif with the stones in the center certainly adds interest to what might otherwise  be just a simple lawn.

There are dozens of plants suitable for planting between stones ... everyone knows creeping thyme, but if you do a little research you'll find other candidates for your region with unusual attributes.

And if you really don't want to bother with plants, gravel, as seen here, will keep out most of the weeds as well.

Comments

[Stone Art Blog]

some lovely ideas!

[Martha]

I've often read that people want to plant something between their pavers and I've seen some beautiful applications of plants in those settings.
I have to admit that I prefer the gravel approach though. The cleaner look and feel are more appealing.