Many tough little perennial plants are perfect for such use. These low-growing, spreading plants not only provide soil cover but also prohibit weed growth, prevent soil erosion, encourage biodiversity and provide buckets of aesthetic value.
As always, take time to consider the conditions of the planting environment. In this case, another question to ask is how much foot traffic will be taking place. Not all creeping perennials will withstand high levels of foot traffic. The simple rule of thumb is that the more delicate the leaf structure, the less they will cope with a daily trampling.
If you have a sunny spot with good to free drainage that receives a high level of foot traffic, Thymus serpyllum or Thymus pseudolanuginosus will do very well. If the conditions are less well-drained, then an ideal candidate would be Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’. This fascinating plant originates from New Zealand and has small fern-like leaves and tiny button-like flowers.
Pratia pedunculata is another popular plant that stands up to heavy foot traffic. Its pale blue blossoms in early summer make you feel as if you’re walking on clouds. It only reaches about 1.5cm tall but will spread indefinitely, so be sure to set boundaries.
Many plants will take light footfalls or occasional treading, ideal for alongside paths, between large stepping stones or in areas where you may only need to walk for seasonal gardening maintenance.
Soleirolia soleirolii and Mentha requienii are suitable for consistently moist conditions. The mint (Mentha) will release its vapours into the air when its leaves are crushed. If you are looking for something to brighten up a damp, shaded path, Lysimachia nummularia will do the trick. It is best planted between widely spaced stepping stones as it tends to spread enthusiastically over the paving surface. For some spectacular sparkle, consider Pratia angulata ‘Treadwellii’. Large starry white flowers cloak the evergreen carpet of leaves in late spring and summer, followed by tiny dusky pink berries in autumn.
Drier, less trodden areas would be suitable for Acaena microphylla, with its young, bronze tinged leaves that turn a delightful rusty red during dry conditions. Or, opt for the ideal ground over, crevice-filling plant Campanula poscharskyana for nectar/pollen-rich flowers that will attract bees and other beneficial insects.
If you have particularly dry conditions, look to the Sedum genus for low growing plants that will thrive in arid conditions, such as Sedum acre ‘Aureum’ – a golden form of the British native species.
