Fragrance Underfoot

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Weeds also can be a nuisance, and I don’t consider chemical control to be a reasonable option when edible plants are grown nearby. If you let weeds grow too long, their roots become so extensive that you can easily pull stones loose while weeding, so the only solution is to weed early and often, all the while plugging in plants that grow so tenaciously that they cover places where weeds would otherwise appear.

Comely plants for crevices

The crevices in a stone walkway are particular niches that call for plants that are specially adapted for such locations. In addition to having a dwarf growing habit that won’t trip you up as you walk along, crevice plants must hug the ground and spread sufficiently to form green seams between the stones. Plants that spread too much may be wonderful for growing in a stone wall or allowing to sprawl into the nooks and crannies of stone steps, but they will hide the beauty of stones installed on a flat, level plane. On the other hand, those that spread too little give weeds opportunities to poke through, making maintenance a constant headache.

The plants described here grow to less than 6 inches tall and have a proven track record of success in pathways in various climates. Still, expect some failures as you seek out great plants for crevices, because not every species that is supposed to do well will live up to its reputation. To increase your chances of success, begin with healthy, well-rooted plants, and set them out when they are poised for vigorous growth. In most areas this is early spring, but fall planting is often preferred in Zones 7 to 10. Finally, be forewarned that the same tenacity that helps crevice plants hold their own between hot walkway stones can make them a nuisance if they escape into flower beds.

Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)

Also called carpet bugle or bugle weed, ajuga has spoon-shaped leaves that grow into round rosettes that spread by stolons. Blue flowers on short spikes appear in spring. Hardy to Zone 3, ajuga will grow as far south as Zone 9 in shady, well-drained locations. For walkways, choose cultivars that grow no higher than 6 inches. For the most natural effect, allow ajuga to form thick mounds along walkway edges, with a few plants creeping inward to fill crevices.

Bellflower (Campanula spp.)

Bellflowers vary greatly in size and habit, and also in the shape of their flowers—some really do resemble bells, while others are tubular or, like those of C. fenestrellata, star shaped. This dwarf, mat-forming species of bellflower grows to only a few inches high, produces profuse racemes of small, bright blue to lilac flowers, and is adapted for zones 4 to 7. Perfect for a well-drained spot in a paved walk, bellflowers could also be tucked in along a stone wall.

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