Path finder

Stepping stones look sweetest when surrounded by ground-hugging plants. Here, Helen Young’s top five.

Groundcovers need to be dense – like a carpet – to smother weeds. They need to spread well and be nearly flat to make the path easy and safe to use. When choosing a plant, consider how much sun or shade there is, whether it’s moist or dry, and how much wear and tear the plant must endure from feet and paws. Groundcovers that send down new roots as they spread are more durable than those with trailing stems that can be broken off or tripped over.

STAR CREEPER OR PRATIA ( PRATIA PEDUNCULATA)

This versatile and pretty native (pictured) forms a dense mat of tiny leaves, studded with starry white or blue flowers in spring and summer. In full sun it is almost flat; in part shade it’s a bit taller (1-1.5cm). It spreads quickly via underground stems, forming roots as it goes, and can invade into other areas if there is no edging. Pratia prefers reliable moisture and tolerates only light frosts.

KIDNEY WEED ( DICHONDRA REPENS)

Also native to Australia and New Zealand,

Dichondra is a great lawn substitute as it has lush foliage, ground-hugging form and doesn’t need mowing. The kidney-shaped leaves are smaller and flatter in full sun, larger and taller in shade; flowers are inconspicuous. Like pratia, it spreads via underground stems that form roots. Tolerates light frosts and prefers reliable moisture.

NATIVE VIOLET ( VIOLA HEDERACEA)

Sweet purple and white flowers make this native a favourite. This is a slightly taller choice as the flowers are held well above the heart-shaped foliage. It’s a standout for shadier, damper areas and does not like to dry out. Because it spreads by runners that root at regular intervals, it’s a good survivor and can easily cover large areas with speed.

MINI MONDO GRASS ( OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS ‘NANUS’)

This dwarf form of mondo grass grows to about 5cm tall. From Japan, it’s suited to cold climates, frost tolerant, and takes dry conditions once established. Although it looks like grass, it’s actually in the lily family and never needs mowing. It is slow growing but once it has filled out, it’s impenetrable to weeds and can take some rough and tumble. It’s best in shade.

THYME ( THYMUS SERPYLLUM)

A wonderful choice for hot, sunny and dry spots. The fragrant (and edible) leaves of this Mediterranean plant release their scent when stepped on. Different varieties have dark green, lime green or yellow variegated foliage, and there are orange, lemon or caraway flavours. Most reach about 5-8cm tall but white creeping thyme is nearly flat. The tiny flowers, either pink or white, thyme produces in summer are highly attractive to bees.