Ground cover plants offer a living solution to fill the narrow voids between patio stones or walkways, providing a softer, more integrated look to otherwise rigid hardscapes. These low-growing, spreading species are chosen for their ability to thrive in restricted spaces and shallow soil pockets. They also serve a functional role by helping to stabilize the joint material and deterring opportunistic weeds. Selecting the correct plant and preparing the environment appropriately are the initial steps toward establishing a durable, green pathway.
Choosing the Right Plants for Paver Joints
Successful planting begins with selecting varieties that can withstand the specific microclimate and usage of the paved area. A primary consideration is the level of foot traffic the pavers receive. For areas with minimal walking, less durable, mounding plants like Ajuga reptans or small sedums can be used. Conversely, high-traffic paths require mat-forming, highly compressible varieties such as creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) or Irish moss (Sagina subulata), which recover quickly after being stepped on.
The environmental conditions of the paver area, especially sun exposure and moisture retention, must match the plant’s requirements. Pavers absorb and radiate heat, creating a warm, often dry environment, making drought-tolerant plants like sedum excellent choices for full sun. Shadier areas benefit from plants that tolerate less light and more consistent moisture, such as miniature ground ivy or low-growing ferns. Plants with a creeping growth habit are preferred, as they naturally spread horizontally and stay close to the ground, preventing them from spilling over the paver edges.
Preparing the Space Between Pavers
Before introducing any new plant material, the existing joint space must be thoroughly cleaned. This preparation involves removing any existing weeds, moss, or remnants of prior joint materials like sand or polymeric sand. Clear the space to a depth of at least two to three inches to provide sufficient volume for the new plant’s root system to develop and anchor itself.
Next, introduce an amended planting medium that supports both drainage and nutrient availability. A simple, effective mix consists of a 50/50 blend of well-composted organic matter and topsoil or coarse sand, balancing moisture retention with porosity. This mixture is then packed loosely into the prepared channels, ensuring there are no large air pockets. Before placing any plant material, the entire area should be lightly moistened to help the new soil settle and provide immediate hydration to the roots.
Planting Techniques and Initial Care
Plant material is typically purchased as small plugs, trays, or pre-grown mats, which must be divided into smaller sections suitable for the narrow paver joints. Use a sharp tool to divide the material into segments small enough to fit comfortably into the prepared gaps, often no wider than one or two inches. Placing them closer together (every three to four inches) allows for faster coverage, while wider spacing (six to eight inches) requires more time but fewer plants overall.
The installation involves gently placing the divided plant segments into the amended soil. Ensure the plant’s crown—the point where the stem meets the root—is level with or slightly below the surface of the surrounding pavers. The soil mixture is then carefully firmed around the roots, eliminating any air gaps that could dry out the root hairs. The entire planted area must receive an immediate, deep watering to further settle the soil and fully hydrate the new transplants.
The first four to six weeks following planting represent the establishment phase, demanding focused attention to moisture levels. During this period, the plants require frequent, shallow watering, often daily in hot weather, to encourage the roots to grow outward. Once the plants show signs of active growth, the watering frequency can be gradually reduced, transitioning to deeper, less frequent irrigation. Traffic should be avoided entirely during these initial weeks, and any emerging weeds should be removed by hand to reduce competition for light and nutrients.