Since moving into my house five years ago I’ve been obsessed with landscaping and gardening. I have a great mix of sun and shade, and a decent amount of space to work with. Last year I placed some pavers (they look kind of like flagstone but they’re not) next to the back fence to create a walkway over to the compost bin behind the shed.

I love how it turned out, but I still want to make it more lush by planting something between all the stones. Planting between pavers in a garden can soften the hard lines of the stones, adding texture, color, and interest, and boy does this path need it.

Here are some ideas on what to plant between pavers based on some of the research I’ve done:

Creeping Thyme (Thymus spp.): Creeping thyme is a popular choice for planting between pavers. It forms a low, dense mat of foliage and produces small, aromatic flowers in various colors. Thyme is drought-tolerant and can handle light foot traffic.

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): Creeping Jenny is a low-growing perennial with trailing stems and vibrant chartreuse foliage. It spreads quickly and can cascade over the edges of pavers, adding a splash of color.

Irish Moss (Sagina subulata): Irish moss forms a dense mat of emerald-green foliage and tiny white flowers. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade but can tolerate some sun.

Sedum (Sedum spp.): Sedums come in a variety of low-growing forms that are well-suited for planting between pavers. They have succulent leaves and are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for sunny, dry areas.

Moss (Various species): Moss can create a lush, green carpet between pavers, especially in shady or moist areas. It adds a natural, woodland feel to the garden and requires little maintenance once established.

Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii): Corsican mint is a low-growing herb with small, aromatic leaves and tiny lavender flowers. It thrives in moist, shady conditions and can tolerate light foot traffic.

Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis): Blue star creeper is a fast-spreading groundcover with small, star-shaped flowers. It thrives in sun to partial shade and can withstand light foot traffic.

When deciding what to plant between pavers in the garden, it’s essential to choose plants that can tolerate the conditions in your garden, such as sun exposure, soil type, and foot traffic. Additionally, consider using a lightweight soil mix or sand to fill in the spaces between the pavers and provide a suitable growing medium for the plants.

I can’t wait to work on this project over the spring. My shade garden path from a few years ago may not have worked out, but this is going to make up for it! Stay tuned…

Photos via Pinterest