I needed something to plant between the stones in a flagstone path and found some little ground covers at a garden center last spring. I found several varieties called "stepables." Perfect! Something that would survive foot traffic is exactly what I needed. I planted 3 types and have been extremely pleased with how they have turned out.
This is "Alba." It is a brilliant green that will grow in partial shade to full sun. It has little white flowers, although mine does not bloom much. I only bought about 3 -- look how much it has spread.
This is "Little Star Creeper." It is a very tiny creeper that needs mostly sun and produces tiny sky-blue flowers from
May until September. This cute little ground cover has not stopped blooming all summer! This picture does not do it justice. It has been so pretty.
Mixed in with Little Star Creeper in this picture is "Archers Gold." It is actually a type of thyme that has bright green foliage all year. It sometimes has little pink blooms. All of these ground covers can be walked on, but this one has a wonderful aroma when crushed.
I bought about 3 each of these ground covers. They came in a 4 inch pot and were really full, but they were rather pricey. However, this is one time I feel like I got what I paid for. Would I buy more? Absolutely!
12 comments:
Love the look of ground covers between stepping stones. I have some in my woodland garden because it also helps block weeds if you have most of your soil covered in plants. :) Looks like you picked some great ones. I like the Star Creeper.
Meadowview-Sometimes it's really hard to pay more than the "norm" for plants. But as long as they perform like these I think it is definitely worth it! I love it when plants grow and grow much more than you anticipated.
Little "stepables" are really cute! They are big sellers at work.
pgl--thanks! They have really done their job well. What kind of ground covers do you have?
Susie--I do feel guilty when I pay more for little plants, but it's sure been worth it on these. The tags say these are perrenials...do you know how hardy they are?
Those steppables look absolutely great! I have not had luck with groundcovers at all here but I'll look for the steppables next time.
The groundcovers look good softening the edges of the pavers. I like the bright colour of Alba. The stars on Little Star Creeper are charming, and it's a bonus that it has such a long bloom time.
Wow they all look great. They have really grown a lot. I love when that happens(-:
I learn so much from your blog. I didn't know there was such a plant that would stand up to "stepping" on. I agree with PGL, the Star Creeper really caught my eye.
Tina-thanks! I never had much luck with ground covers before except for creeping jenny. I thought it might be the lack of sun though. Try again with these.
Northernshade--I am surprised to see the Star Creeper bloom like this. I think it likes it's new home!
Cindee--I love it too when things grown like this. And to be honest, I didn't go watch them like I do some plants. Their growth was a nice surprise!
jj-I knew there were some thymes meant to be stepped on, like wooley thyme, but I didn't know there were other things. Neat idea huh!
Meadowview I do not know how hardy they are, sorry. We do sell them as perennials though. I think they should be pretty hardy.
Meadowview-I've given you an award, come to my blog to check it out.
I like the star creeper too. But thyme is my all time favorite to plant anywhere. It is a wonderful plant.
I love getting my money's worth when I buy plants. What I hate is buying ones that look healthy and having them just sit there an do nothing. I had some this year that just stalled out. I fed and watered them. We had our usual weather,,,I don't know what happened.
Eve, I love thyme as well. I know the scent doesn't appeal to everyone, but I love it! And I agree with you--I hate to pay alot for a plant, and it just doesn't work. Sometime I think it's my fault though. I buy things I want, knowing it's not good for my area!
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