What Is A Pretty Ground Cover To Plant Outside On The Walkway

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Introduction

Having a beautiful and well-maintained garden can greatly enhance the curb appeal of your home. One often-overlooked area that can make a significant impact is the walkway. A well-designed walkway not only provides a functional pathway, but it can also be an opportunity to introduce visual interest and add a touch of nature to your outdoor space. One way to achieve this is by choosing an attractive ground cover to plant alongside the walkway.

Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread horizontally, providing a dense and lush carpet-like effect. They not only help to prevent erosion and suppress weeds but also add texture, color, and variety to the landscape. When selecting a ground cover for your walkway, there are several factors to consider, including the climate, amount of sunlight, foot traffic, and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve.

In this article, we will explore some pretty ground cover options that are suitable for planting outside on the walkway. These ground covers not only offer visual appeal but also thrive in various conditions, making them versatile and easy to maintain. Whether you have a sunny walkway or a shaded path, there is a ground cover on this list that will suit your needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ground Cover for Walkways

Before selecting a ground cover for your walkway, it’s important to assess the specific conditions of your outdoor space. Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice:

1. Climate: Different ground covers have different temperature and climate preferences. Consider whether your area experiences hot summers, cold winters, or high humidity, and choose a ground cover that can thrive in those conditions.
2. Amount of Sunlight: Some ground covers require full sun, while others prefer shade or partial shade. Take note of how much sunlight your walkway receives throughout the day, and select a ground cover that suits those light conditions.
3. Foot Traffic: Walkways often experience foot traffic, so choose a ground cover that can tolerate being stepped on without being damaged. Some ground covers are more resilient and can bounce back even after being stepped on regularly.
4. Soil Type: Determine the type of soil in your garden, as different ground covers have varying soil preferences. Some thrive in well-draining soil, while others can tolerate clay or sandy soil conditions.
5. Maintenance: Consider the level of maintenance you are willing to commit to. Some ground covers require regular trimming and maintenance, while others are more low-maintenance and require minimal care.

By taking these factors into account, you can narrow down your options and choose a ground cover that is well-suited to your walkway and garden. Now, let’s explore some pretty ground cover options that you can consider planting outside on your walkway.

Sedum

Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a versatile and popular ground cover choice for walkways. It is a drought-tolerant plant with succulent leaves and vibrant blooms. Sedum comes in a variety of colors, including shades of green, pink, red, and yellow, adding visual interest to your walkway all year round.

This hardy ground cover can withstand various growing conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It is also resistant to foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for high traffic walkways. Sedum requires well-draining soil and minimal maintenance, making it a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners.

To plant sedum, simply prepare the soil by removing any weeds or grass and loosen it up. Dig small holes and space the sedum plants apart, as they will spread naturally over time. Water the plants after planting, and then water sparingly as sedum is drought-tolerant.

To maintain the sedum ground cover, trim back the plants in early spring to encourage new growth. This will also help to keep the sedum in a neat and compact shape. Sedum is a great choice for walkways as it not only adds beauty and color but also attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees to your garden.

Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme is a fragrant and low-growing ground cover that is perfect for walkways. Its delightful aroma and charming flowers make it a popular choice among gardeners. Creeping thyme is known for its ability to withstand foot traffic, making it an excellent option for walkways, paths, and steps.

This perennial herb produces small, round leaves that form a dense mat, providing carpet-like coverage to your walkway. Creeping thyme comes in various shades of green, from light green to dark green, and some varieties even offer beautiful blooms in purple, pink, or white. It is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in full sun.

To plant creeping thyme, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or grass and ensure it is well-draining. Space the thyme plants about 6 to 12 inches apart to allow them to spread and fill in the space over time. After planting, water the plants thoroughly and then water sparingly, as creeping thyme is tolerant of dry conditions.

Maintaining creeping thyme is relatively easy. Regularly trim the plants back after the blooms fade to keep them compact and prevent them from sprawling over the walkway. Additionally, removing any weeds or grass that may invade the thyme’s growing area will help keep it looking tidy and healthy.

One of the great advantages of using creeping thyme as a ground cover is its ability to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to your garden. The fragrance and abundance of small flowers provide a delightful and pollinator-friendly environment.

With its pleasant scent, vibrant colors, and resilience to foot traffic, creeping thyme is a delightful ground cover choice for walkways, adding both practicality and beauty to your outdoor space.

Corsican Mint

For a unique and refreshing ground cover option, consider planting Corsican mint. This aromatic herb is known for its delightful fragrance that resembles the scent of peppermint. Its small, rounded leaves form a dense mat, creating a lush carpet-like effect that is perfect for walkways, patios, or between stepping stones.

Corsican mint thrives in moist, well-draining soil and prefers partial shade to full shade. It is a low-growing plant, reaching a height of only a few inches, making it ideal for areas with low foot traffic. The minty aroma is released when the leaves are crushed or brushed against, creating a pleasant sensory experience as you walk along the pathway.

When planting Corsican mint, prepare the soil by removing any debris or weeds and amend it with organic matter to improve drainage. Space the plants about 6 to 10 inches apart to allow them to spread and fill in the area. After planting, water the mint thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist, but not overly saturated.

Maintaining Corsican mint is fairly straightforward. Regularly trim back the plants to prevent them from becoming too tall or leggy, and to encourage new growth. Additionally, remove any weeds that may emerge between the plants to ensure they don’t compete for nutrients and space.

Corsican mint not only adds a touch of greenery to your walkway but also releases a delightful aroma that can uplift your senses. It is a wonderful ground cover option for shaded areas or in spots where a burst of fragrance is desired. As an added bonus, Corsican mint is also deer-resistant, making it a great choice for areas prone to deer browsing.

So, if you’re looking for a unique and aromatic ground cover for your walkway, consider planting Corsican mint. Its beautiful foliage, refreshing scent, and adaptability to shade make it an excellent choice for adding charm and beauty to your outdoor space.

Irish Moss

For a lush and vibrant ground cover option, look no further than Irish moss, also known as Sagina subulata. This low-growing perennial plant forms a dense carpet of moss-like foliage that adds a touch of unique charm to your walkway or garden.

Irish moss features tiny, star-shaped flowers that bloom in early summer, creating a delicate and enchanting display. The foliage is bright green, and when given the right conditions, it can spread and form a thick and luxurious mat. It thrives in partial shade to full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

To plant Irish moss, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or grass and amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its moisture retention. Space the plants about 6 to 8 inches apart, as they will spread and fill in the area over time. After planting, water the moss thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist until it establishes.

Maintaining Irish moss is relatively easy. Regularly water the plants during dry spells to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater. To maintain the moss’s compact shape, trim it back lightly after the flowering period. Additionally, removing any weeds that may emerge between the plants will help keep the moss looking neat and healthy.

Irish moss is an excellent ground cover choice for walkways due to its tolerance for light foot traffic. However, it is important to note that heavy foot traffic can cause damage to the delicate foliage. It is best suited for more decorative walkways or areas with minimal use.

With its vibrant green foliage and delicate blooms, Irish moss adds a touch of serenity and beauty to your walkway. It creates a relaxing and soothing environment, reminiscent of a peaceful moss-covered forest floor. If you’re seeking a visually appealing and unique ground cover, Irish moss is an excellent choice.

Blue Star Creeper

For a ground cover that adds a splash of color and a delicate touch to your walkway, consider planting Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis). This charming perennial is known for its tiny star-shaped flowers and its ability to form a dense carpet of foliage.

Blue Star Creeper features small, rounded leaves that are a vibrant shade of green and produces delicate powder blue flowers throughout the summer. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil. The plant grows low to the ground and spreads quickly to provide excellent coverage along walkways or between stepping stones.

To plant Blue Star Creeper, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and amend it with organic matter, such as compost, to improve its moisture retention. Space the plants about 6 to 12 inches apart to allow them room to spread and fill in the area. After planting, water the creeper thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist, as it prefers slightly moist conditions.

Maintaining Blue Star Creeper is relatively easy. Regularly water the plants, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist. Trim back the foliage lightly after the flowers fade to keep the plant tidy and to encourage new growth. Additionally, remove any weeds or grass that may emerge between the plants to prevent them from competing for nutrients and space.

The delicate blue flowers of Blue Star Creeper create a stunning visual display and add a touch of serenity to your walkway. This ground cover is also known to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, further enhancing the beauty of your garden space. Its low-growing and spreading nature makes it an excellent choice for filling in gaps in your walkway and providing a cohesive, lush look.

If you’re looking for a ground cover that offers a burst of color and a soft, welcoming feel to your walkway, Blue Star Creeper is an excellent choice. Its vibrant blue flowers and dense foliage will surely make your walkway a standout feature in your garden.

Consider planting creeping thyme as a ground cover for your walkway. It’s low maintenance, drought-tolerant, and releases a pleasant fragrance when stepped on.

Mazus Reptans

If you’re searching for a unique and delicate ground cover for your walkway, consider Mazus Reptans. This low-growing perennial plant is native to Asia and is known for its small, vibrant flowers and dense spreading habit.

Mazus Reptans features small, round leaves that form a dense mat, creating a carpet-like effect along your walkway. The flowers vary in color, ranging from shades of blue and purple to white or pink, depending on the variety. This ground cover thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil.

To plant Mazus Reptans, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or grass and amend it with organic matter to improve its water retention. Space the plants 6 to 12 inches apart, allowing them space to spread and fill in the area over time. After planting, water the mazus thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot and dry periods.

Maintaining Mazus Reptans is relatively simple. Regularly water the plants to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. To maintain a neat appearance, trim back any excessive growth or leggy stems. Additionally, remove any weeds that may appear between the plants to prevent them from competing for nutrients and space.

Mazus Reptans is an excellent ground cover for walkways and paths due to its ability to withstand light foot traffic. For areas with heavier use, it is advisable to create stepping stones or pavers to protect the delicate plants. The beautiful flowers and dense foliage of Mazus Reptans will create a picturesque and inviting walkway that is sure to catch the attention of visitors.

With its unique flowers and spreading habit, Mazus Reptans adds a touch of beauty and elegance to any walkway. Whether you choose the blue, purple, white, or pink variety, this ground cover will bring visual interest and a sense of enchantment to your outdoor space.

Creeping Jenny

When it comes to adding a vibrant splash of color and a cascading effect to your walkway, Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is an excellent choice. This evergreen ground cover is known for its trailing habit and its bright yellow or lime green foliage, depending on the variety.

Creeping Jenny is a versatile plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, including full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate occasional dry spells. This low-growing plant forms a dense carpet of foliage, making it ideal for walkways, slopes, or hanging baskets.

To plant Creeping Jenny, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or grass and amend it with organic matter to improve its moisture retention. Space the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart, allowing them room to spread and drape over the walkway. After planting, water the Jenny thoroughly and then water as needed to maintain slightly moist soil.

Maintaining Creeping Jenny is relatively easy. Regularly water the plants to keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering. Trim back any excessive growth or leggy stems to maintain a neat appearance, and remove any weeds that may appear between the plants to prevent competition for nutrients.

Creeping Jenny is an excellent ground cover for walkways due to its ability to tolerate light foot traffic. It cascades beautifully over the edges of pathways, creating a soft and visually appealing effect. The bright and vibrant foliage of Creeping Jenny adds a pop of color to your walkway and complements various garden styles.

Whether you choose the golden yellow or lime green variety, Creeping Jenny will bring a touch of brightness and charm to your walkway. Its trailing nature, resilience, and eye-catching foliage make it a popular ground cover choice for both experienced and novice gardeners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces.

Woolly Thyme

If you’re searching for a ground cover that adds a unique texture and a touch of beauty to your walkway, consider planting Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus). This low-growing perennial is known for its soft and fuzzy foliage that resembles a vibrant green carpet.

Woolly Thyme is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It is highly drought-tolerant and can handle dry conditions with ease, making it an ideal choice for walkways and areas that receive direct sunlight. The tiny leaves of this ground cover add a touch of visual interest, while its ability to spread and form a dense mat provides excellent coverage.

To plant Woolly Thyme, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or grass and amend it with organic matter to improve drainage. Space the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow them room to spread and fill in the area. After planting, water the thyme thoroughly and then water sparingly, as it prefers slightly dry conditions.

Maintaining Woolly Thyme is relatively low-maintenance. It is a slow-growing plant, which means it requires minimal trimming or pruning. However, you can lightly trim it back after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance. Weed control is important, as any invasive plants can compete with the thyme for nutrients and space.

One of the notable features of Woolly Thyme is its ability to release a pleasant, herbal fragrance when the leaves are gently crushed or brushed against. This adds another sensory element to your walkway, making it a delightful and aromatic experience as you pass by.

The soft, velvety foliage of Woolly Thyme creates a unique texture and brings a touch of charm to your walkway. Whether you have a traditional or contemporary garden, this ground cover adds a visually appealing element and an interesting contrast to other plants and structures in your outdoor space.

With its resilience, unique texture, and delightful fragrance, Woolly Thyme is an excellent choice for walkways. It will not only provide coverage and visual interest but also bring a sensory experience to your garden, making it a pleasure to stroll along your pathways.

Brass Buttons

If you’re looking for a ground cover that is unique and eye-catching, Brass Buttons (Leptinella squalida) is an excellent choice for your walkway. This low-growing perennial plant is known for its small, button-shaped foliage that forms a dense and intricate mat, resembling a carpet of miniature ferns.

Brass Buttons is a versatile plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, including full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate dry spells once established. This ground cover is highly resilient and can withstand light foot traffic, making it a great option for walkways and paths.

To plant Brass Buttons, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or grass and amend it with organic matter to improve its moisture retention. Space the plants about 6 to 12 inches apart, allowing them room to grow and fill in the area. After planting, water the Buttons thoroughly and then water as needed to maintain evenly moist soil.

Maintaining Brass Buttons is relatively simple. Regularly water the plants to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Trim back any excessive growth or leggy stems to maintain a neat appearance, and remove any weeds that may appear between the plants to prevent competition for nutrients and space.

The unique foliage of Brass Buttons adds an interesting texture and a splash of vibrant green to your walkway. Its button-like appearance is a standout feature, creating an enchanting and captivating effect. This ground cover complements various garden styles, from cottage gardens to modern landscapes.

Whether you have a small walkway or a large garden path, Brass Buttons will bring an air of whimsy and uniqueness to your outdoor space. Its resilient nature, intricate foliage, and adaptability to different growing conditions make it a perfect choice for adding charm and visual interest to your walkway.

Baby’s Tears

For a ground cover that exudes a delicate and graceful charm, Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is an excellent choice. Also known as Mind-Your-Own-Business, this perennial plant features tiny, round leaves that cascade and form a dense, lush carpet, adding a soft and elegant touch to your walkway.

Baby’s Tears thrive in partial to full shade and prefer consistently moist soil. This ground cover is highly adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types, making it a great choice for various garden conditions. The vibrant green foliage provides a refreshing and calming effect, making your walkway a serene and inviting space.

To plant Baby’s Tears, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or grass and amend it with organic matter to improve its moisture retention. Space the plants about 6 to 8 inches apart, allowing them room to spread and create a dense carpet. After planting, water the Baby’s Tears thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season.

Maintaining Baby’s Tears is relatively low-maintenance. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil evenly moist and prevent it from drying out. Additionally, trim back any excessive growth or leggy stems to maintain a neat and compact appearance. Baby’s Tears is a non-aggressive ground cover, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any potential invasion of weeds.

The delicate and dainty nature of Baby’s Tears adds a touch of elegance and tranquility to your walkway. The cascading foliage gracefully softens the edges of the path and provides a lush and inviting appearance. Its versatility and adaptability make it a beautiful choice for both shaded and damp areas, such as under trees or along a water feature.

Whether you have a well-shaded garden or a secluded walkway, Baby’s Tears will create an enchanting and serene atmosphere. The fine texture and vibrant green color will capture attention and bring a sense of tranquility to your outdoor space.

Conclusion

Selecting the right ground cover for your walkway can greatly enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. The ten ground covers mentioned in this article offer a wide range of options, each with its own unique attributes and characteristics.

Factors such as climate, sunlight exposure, foot traffic, soil type, and maintenance requirements should be considered when choosing the ideal ground cover for your walkway. Sedum, Creeping Thyme, Corsican Mint, Irish Moss, Blue Star Creeper, Mazus Reptans, Creeping Jenny, Woolly Thyme, Brass Buttons, and Baby’s Tears are all excellent choices that can transform your walkway into a visually stunning and inviting pathway.

Sedum is a drought-tolerant plant with vibrant blooms, while Creeping Thyme releases a fragrant aroma and attracts pollinators. Corsican Mint brings a refreshing scent to your walkway, and Irish Moss creates a lush carpet of foliage. Blue Star Creeper adds a splash of color, and Mazus Reptans offers a unique texture. Creeping Jenny cascades beautifully, and Woolly Thyme adds a soft touch. Brass Buttons adds an interesting texture, and Baby’s Tears brings a delicate charm.

When implementing these ground covers, proper planting techniques and maintenance play a crucial role in their success. Adequate watering, trimming, and weed control will help ensure their health and longevity. It’s also important to consider the specific requirements of each ground cover, such as sunlight exposure and soil moisture levels.

By carefully selecting and planting these ground covers, you can create a stunning walkway that showcases your personal taste and enhances the overall aesthetic of your garden. Whether you prefer a carpet-like effect, bursts of color, vibrant foliage, or fragrant aromas, there is a ground cover on this list that will suit your needs and preferences.

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the ten pretty ground covers suitable for walkways, you can confidently select the perfect one for your outdoor space. Enjoy the process of transforming your walkway into a beautiful and inviting pathway that will impress both yourself and your visitors for years to come.