Looking for a budget-friendly way to spruce up your garden paths? Join the club!
After getting quotes for stone paths that made my jaw drop, I discovered something amazing – plants that don’t mind being stepped on.
Now my paths look fantastic, and I saved a ton of money in the process.
Top 10 Ground Covers for Garden Paths
1. Thyme
In my experience, thyme is the ultimate aromatic ground cover for sunny garden paths. Every time my kids run through the garden, they release its refreshing scent, creating magical sensory moments.
The variety options are incredible – from vibrant Red Creeping Thyme to the soft, pillowy Woolly Thyme. At just 5 inches tall, it creates perfect dense mats that can handle regular foot traffic.
Best of all, those pesky deer and rabbits that used to destroy my garden completely avoid it!
2. Blue Star Creeper
This has become my go-to solution for those tricky shaded areas where grass refuses to grow. Its delicate pale blue star-shaped flowers create a whimsical carpet from spring through early summer.
At only 4 inches tall with an 18-inch spread, it’s perfect between stepping stones. I’ve found it thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it incredibly versatile.
3. Ajuga (Bugle Weed)
When I needed to add some drama to my garden, Ajuga delivered with its stunning bronze, chocolate, and bright green foliage variations. The spring flower spikes in blue, purple, or white create an absolutely magical display.
Growing 9 inches tall, it’s become one of my favorite container plants for the patio. Once established, it barely needs any water – perfect for busy gardeners like me!
4. Portulaca (Moss Rose)
I absolutely adore how this sun-loving beauty creates surprise pops of color throughout my garden with its self-sowing nature. The crepe paper-like blooms come in a stunning rainbow of yellows, whites, salmons, reds, oranges, and pinks.
What truly amazes me is how resilient it is – even after my kids run across it, it bounces right back into shape! At 9 inches tall, it’s the perfect height for pathway edges.
5. Snow-in-Summer
Living in a cooler climate, this plant has become my garden’s crown jewel. The way it blankets the ground with tiny white flowers truly lives up to its magical name.
Its silver-gray foliage adds a gorgeous contrast to my other plants. I’ve found that giving it a quick haircut after flowering keeps it looking neat and tidy.
6. Creeping Phlox
Every spring, my garden paths come alive when the Creeping Phlox bursts into bloom. The waves of blue, purple, rose, white, and pink flowers create an absolutely breathtaking display.
At 6 inches tall with a 2-foot spread, it’s become my secret weapon for controlling erosion on tricky slopes. The dark green needle-like foliage stays attractive even after the flowers fade.
7. Creeping Jenny (Money Wort)
The golden coin-like leaves of this beauty brighten up even the darkest corners of my garden. I especially love how it gracefully cascades over my garden walls and container edges.
Those charming butter-yellow flowers in late spring are just the icing on the cake! At 6 inches tall, it’s proven to be tough enough to handle occasional foot traffic while maintaining its beauty.
8. Dwarf Mondo Grass
When I need a no-fuss ground cover that looks polished year-round, Dwarf Mondo Grass is my go-to choice. Its neat, small clumps create the perfect evergreen carpet effect.
At just 3 inches tall, it requires minimal maintenance – just one spring trim and it’s good to go! The slow growth rate means I never have to worry about it taking over my garden.
9. Soapwort
This historical gem has become one of my favorite conversation starters in the garden. Its pink, red, or white flowers add charm while its tough nature handles both drought and deer.
Standing 2 feet tall with an 18-inch spread, it’s perfect for my rock garden and wall edges. The slightly alkaline soil in my garden makes it absolutely thrive.
10. Mazus
Last but definitely not least, Mazus has transformed my pathway edges with its dense bright green foliage. When those lavender orchid-like flowers appear in late spring, it’s simply stunning.
At just 3 inches tall, it’s surprisingly robust and handles light foot traffic like a champ. I’ve found it especially useful in areas that tend to stay moist, where it creates a lush, inviting carpet.