Plants to surround steppers

Steppers delineate, decorate and show us the way... and often all that’s missing is a little softening around the edges. DERYN THORPE looks at the plant options

Steppers are the finishing touch to a garden, creating pathways through beds, and connections between different zones. To soften their edges, consider adding some plants. The following are suitable to grow between pavers, but think about whether you’ll want to walk over them, or if they will sit decoratively to the side. The reason is, the top of steppers should be flush with the ground to eliminate trip hazards and mowing damage. But some low-growing plants have a mounding habit, so if you select one of those, it’s wise to set your pavers proud of the ground, to allow for plant growth. We’ve indicated with a symbol if a plant grows tall enough that you should only use it on the edge. Now, step this way...

NATIVE VIOLET (Viola hederacea & V. banksii)

With deep-green, kidney-shaped leaves and purple and white flowers for most of the year, native violets are one of the prettiest groundcovers for shade. Trailing stolons travel widely. When watered, the plants grow throughout summer; if not, they die back and reshoot with rain. 5–10cm (tallest in shade) 1.5m

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KIDNEY WEED (Dichondra repens)

Widely used as a grass substitute in shady spots, this native groundcover has creeping stems and circular green leaves. Grow from seed or plugs. Either leave it to grow or mow it on a high setting, as with lawn. It needs ample water in full sun.

5–10cm (tallest in shade) 1.5m

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DWARF MONDO GRASS (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’)

This low-growing, strappy plant with dark green leaves and a mounding habit is very popular as a formal edging plant between pavers, even though it is a mounding plant. Keep moist, especially in sunny positions. 7.5cm 20cm

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SILVER CARPET (Dymondia margaretae)

A low groundcover that tolerates poor, sandy soil, this plant has green leaves with white undersides and forms new roots as it spreads. Raise pavers slightly as, while it is flatish, it mounds a little. Small yellow daisy flowers are produced in spring, summer and early autumn. 3–4cm 60cm

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DWARF BLUE CHALKSTICKS (Senecio serpens syn. Kleinia repens)

This bluish-coloured succulent has small, finger-like leaves, and spreads into a dense mat. It is easily crushed by foot traffic if positioned between pavers but is perfect for growing along the edges. The plant is drought tolerant and survives light frost. 15cm 30cm

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CORSICAN MINT (Mentha requienii syn. M. corsica)

Small, round, pale-green leaves are topped with tiny purple flowers on this mint during spring and summer. It withstands light foot traffic and releases a peppermint fragrance when stepped on. Like all mints, it can be invasive, especially in the ideal conditions of moist, fertile soil in semi-shade.

1–2cm 60cm

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CREEPING THYME ( ymus serpyllum)

This edible herb puts up with some foot traffic, and the small, almost stalkless oval leaves give off a delicious scent when they are crushed. It is an excellent groundcover for a sunny position. Flowers can be lilac, purple, magenta or white and appear in late spring to summer. Plants root from nodes on the stems, enabling them to creep along the ground and fill in gaps. 3–8cm 30cm

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SOCIETY GARLIC (Tulbaghia violacea)

A clumping, drought-tolerant perennial with fine blue-green or variegated foliage that produces a garlic smell when crushed. Dainty, star-shaped, mauve flowers appear on long stems from spring to autumn. 30cm 20cm

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CREEPING OREGANO (Origanum vulgare ‘Humile’)

The bright green form of creeping oregano makes an excellent perfumed groundcover, as the scent is released when the foliage is crushed. The same applies to the golden form (O. vulgare ‘Aureum’), and they both produce pretty pink flowers in summer. These plants need regular clipping if they are used between steppers, but are best grown as edging plants.

5–15cm (tall flower spikes) 30cm

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PROSTRATE ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus o cinalis Prostratus Group)

An aromatic culinary herb with scented, needle-like leaves and lilac-blue flowers in late summer to spring. This waterwise rosemary grows in poor soils and is a great choice for coastal areas.

30cm 60–90cm

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LAWN

Installing steppers through lawn, including lawn alternatives such as Zoysia tenuifolia, is popular because it adds visual interest to an expanse of green and reduces wear on the lawn. A stepper height that is flush with the lawn is crucial for mowing. 3–8cm various

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GOLD MOUND (Sedum mexicanum ‘Gold Mound’)

This spreading succulent groundcover has soft, needle-like foliage that is lime-green to yellow. It produces tiny, star-shaped yellow flowers in spring. Low-growing and easily crushed under foot, it is suitable only for the edges. It tolerates drought and light frost. 15cm 1m

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ABOVE Zoysia tenuifolia needs little trimming, so is a good alternative to grass between pavers.

RIGHT Society garlic produces beautiful mauve star-shaped owers among its ne leaves.

FROM TOP Walking along a path planted with Corsican mint is a sensory experience, as the plant releases a minty fragrance when it is crushed; ymus serpyllum will put up with some foot tra c; scented prostrate rosemary in bloom with lilac-blue owers.