How to Choose a Ground Cover for Paths

Ground covers planted around and along paths can soften the look of your walkway as well as add color and fragrance. In between steps, plant mat-forming plants such as Corsican mint; along paths, use low growers such as bishop's weed or sweet woodruff.

Things You'll Need

• Plants

Instructions

1. Choose the right plants for sun or shade. Remember that "full sun" means 6 hours of sun a day.

2. Select cushion- or mat-forming plants such as woolly thyme to use around stepping-stones, where plants will get some foot traffic.

3. Pick taller ground covers such as Pachysandra for alongside paths.

4. Remember that blooming plants may attract bees.

5. Decide how many plants you'll need to buy by using rocks to represent the plants. Place them at intervals according to how wide the plants grow, then count up the rocks.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose the right plant for your USDA plant hardiness zone (see Related Sites).