Note: click on images to enlarge.
I've seen a lot of stepping stones set in gravel, or set straight into the ground, with creeping groundcovers planted in between them, ie, mazus, thyme and the like.
I've also seen many steppers set straight into lawns, but never with plants as well. I was absolutely charmed by these steppers that I encountered on a garden tour in Woods Hole, MA last summer, sponsored by Heritage Museum & Gardens — their annual garden tour that takes place somewhere on Cape Cod. This past summer, it took place in Woods Hole on Penzance Point, a rather exclusive little enclave with plenty of well-appointed homes and gardens.
I don't know who designed the path or the garden, but I love the way the path meanders along, widening out at some points to accommodate more flowers, narrowing at other points.
Do the flowers and plantings get in the way of walking? Well, not really, as there's a double row of steppers, allowing the visitor to cross from one side of the path to the other.
It all winds up at the classy front porch/deck, where it perfectly complements the natural stone wall around the planting bed.
It kind of makes you angry that you didn't think of it first … but that's something designers think about all the time.
I'd have no qualms about trying this myself in the right locale, perhaps with a little variation on the theme. But it sure looks great in the right setting.
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