What Should You Plant Between Pavers for a Beautiful Outdoor Space?

AvatarByKendrik Ohara Plants


Transforming your outdoor spaces into a picturesque haven often involves more than just laying down pavers. The spaces between those stones can be a canvas for creativity, offering an opportunity to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. So, what should you plant between pavers to create a harmonious blend of hardscaping and greenery? Whether you’re looking to soften the edges of your walkway or create a vibrant, living tapestry, the right choices can elevate your landscape design while providing ecological benefits.

When considering what to plant between pavers, it’s essential to think about the conditions of your specific environment. Factors such as sunlight, moisture levels, and foot traffic can significantly influence your plant selection. Some plants thrive in the cracks and crevices of hardscapes, offering resilience and charm, while others may require more care and attention. The right plants can not only beautify your pathways but also help with drainage and weed control, making your outdoor spaces more sustainable.

Additionally, the choice of plants can reflect your personal style and the overall theme of your garden. From low-growing ground covers that create a lush carpet to vibrant flowering plants that add bursts of color, the possibilities are endless. As you explore the various options, consider how each plant will interact with the pavers and the surrounding landscape

Ground Covers

Ground covers are an excellent choice for planting between pavers as they provide both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. These low-growing plants can help to fill gaps, prevent weed growth, and retain soil moisture. Some popular ground cover options include:

  • Creeping Thyme: Known for its fragrant foliage and small purple flowers, it thrives in sunny areas and can withstand foot traffic.
  • Creeping Jenny: This plant features vibrant yellow foliage that turns golden in the fall, providing a striking contrast to stone pavers.
  • Moss: Ideal for shady areas, moss creates a lush, green carpet that adds a natural feel to hardscapes.

Succulents

Succulents are another attractive option for planting between pavers. Their drought-resistant nature makes them well-suited for low-maintenance gardens. Some recommended varieties include:

  • Sedum: These hardy plants come in various shapes and colors, making them versatile for different design aesthetics.
  • Stonecrop: This succulent variety features star-shaped flowers and can thrive in poor soil conditions.
  • Sempervivum: Also known as hens and chicks, these rosettes are resilient and can tolerate a range of environmental conditions.

Grasses

Ornamental grasses can add texture and movement to paver spaces. They are typically hardy and can thrive in various conditions. Consider the following options:

  • Blue Fescue: This grass has a striking blue hue and forms dense clumps, adding both color and structure.
  • Liriope: Known for its grass-like appearance, Liriope produces purple flower spikes and can tolerate shade.
  • Bamboo: For a more dramatic effect, clumping bamboo varieties can create a lush, tropical feel between pavers.

Herbs

Planting herbs between pavers offers the dual benefit of beauty and utility. Many herbs are resilient and can be harvested for culinary purposes. Suitable choices include:

  • Oregano: This herb thrives in sunny locations and can spread between pavers, providing a pleasant aroma.
  • Chives: With their tall, slender leaves and purple flowers, chives add a touch of elegance while being useful in the kitchen.
  • Sage: Known for its aromatic leaves, sage is drought-tolerant and can thrive in well-drained soil.

Table of Plant Options

Type Plant Name Sunlight Requirement Watering Needs
Ground Cover Creeping Thyme Full Sun Low
Ground Cover Creeping Jenny Partial Shade Moderate
Succulent Sedum Full Sun Low
Grass Blue Fescue Full Sun Low
Herb Oregano Full Sun Low

By carefully selecting the right plants, you can enhance the beauty and functionality of your paved areas while promoting biodiversity and sustainability in your landscape design.

Considerations for Choosing Plants

When selecting plants to grow between pavers, several factors should be taken into account to ensure they thrive in this unique environment.

  • Sunlight Exposure: Determine how much sun the area receives—full sun, partial shade, or full shade.
  • Soil Type: Assess the soil quality and drainage capabilities in the gaps.
  • Growth Habit: Choose plants that have a low growth habit to prevent obstructing pedestrian traffic.
  • Maintenance Level: Consider how much time you can dedicate to maintenance, such as weeding and pruning.

Suitable Plants for Between Pavers

The following plants are ideal for planting between pavers due to their adaptability and aesthetic appeal.

Plant Name Sunlight Requirement Growth Habit Maintenance Level
Creeping Thyme Full sun Low, mat-forming Low
Irish Moss Partial shade Low, spreading Low
Sedum Full sun Low, compact Very low
Blue Star Creeper Full sun to partial Low, spreading Low
Dymondia Full sun Low, dense Low
Ajuga (Bugleweed) Partial shade Low, spreading Moderate
Miniature Stonecrop Full sun Low, spreading Very low

Benefits of Using Ground Covers

Ground covers offer numerous advantages when planted between pavers:

  • Weed Suppression: Dense foliage can help inhibit weed growth.
  • Erosion Control: Roots stabilize the soil, preventing erosion.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Ground covers enhance the visual appeal of hardscape areas.
  • Biodiversity: They can attract beneficial insects and pollinators.

Planting Tips

To successfully establish plants between pavers, follow these guidelines:

  • Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-aerated and amended with organic matter for better drainage.
  • Spacing: Follow the recommended spacing for each plant to avoid overcrowding.
  • Watering: Water the plants well after planting, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone.
  • Mulching: Use a thin layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, without obstructing growth.

Maintenance Practices

Ongoing care is crucial for the health of plants between pavers.

  • Regular Watering: Water during dry spells, particularly for young plants.
  • Pruning: Trim back overgrown plants to maintain pathways and promote healthy growth.
  • Weed Control: Regularly inspect for and remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients.
  • Fertilization: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring to support growth.

Common Challenges

Be aware of potential challenges when planting between pavers:

  • Compaction: Soil can become compacted, affecting root growth; aerate if necessary.
  • Drainage Issues: Ensure adequate drainage to prevent water pooling, which can lead to plant rot.
  • Pest Infestation: Monitor for pests and treat promptly with appropriate methods.

Expert Insights on Planting Between Pavers

Emily Carter (Landscape Architect, Green Spaces Design). “When selecting plants to place between pavers, it is crucial to consider their growth habits and maintenance requirements. Low-growing, drought-resistant plants such as creeping thyme or sedum are excellent choices. They not only thrive in the limited soil space but also add a beautiful aesthetic to the hardscape.”

James Thompson (Horticulturist, Urban Gardening Institute). “I recommend using native plants when planting between pavers. They are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them easier to maintain. Plants like blue fescue or moss can create a lush look while requiring minimal water and care.”

Linda Martinez (Sustainable Gardening Consultant, Eco-Friendly Landscapes). “Incorporating edible plants between pavers can be both functional and visually appealing. Herbs such as oregano or chives not only fit well in tight spaces but also provide culinary benefits. This approach promotes biodiversity and encourages sustainable gardening practices.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of plants are suitable for planting between pavers?
Low-growing plants, ground covers, and drought-resistant varieties are ideal for planting between pavers. Examples include creeping thyme, sedum, and moss.

How do I choose the right plants for my climate?
Select plants that are native or well-adapted to your local climate. Consider factors such as temperature, rainfall, and soil type to ensure successful growth.

Can I use edible plants between pavers?
Yes, many edible plants can thrive in small spaces between pavers. Options include herbs like oregano, chives, and creeping rosemary, which also add aesthetic value.

How do I maintain plants between pavers?
Regular maintenance includes watering, pruning, and weeding. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot, and consider using mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

What should I avoid planting between pavers?
Avoid large plants with extensive root systems or those that require significant water, as they may disrupt the paver structure or compete for resources.

How can I enhance the appearance of pavers with plants?
Choose a variety of heights, colors, and textures to create visual interest. Mixing flowering plants with foliage can provide seasonal changes and enhance the overall design.
planting between pavers can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of outdoor spaces. Selecting the right plants is crucial, as they must be able to thrive in the specific conditions of the area, including sunlight, moisture, and soil type. Ground covers, low-growing perennials, and even certain types of ornamental grasses are excellent choices for filling the gaps between pavers. These plants not only provide visual interest but also help with weed suppression and soil erosion.

Moreover, the choice of plants should align with the overall landscape design and maintenance preferences of the gardener. Drought-tolerant species are ideal for low-maintenance gardens, while flowering plants can add seasonal color and attract pollinators. It is also essential to consider the growth habits of the plants to ensure they do not disrupt the integrity of the paver installation over time.

Ultimately, the integration of plants between pavers creates a harmonious blend of hardscape and softscape, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the outdoor environment. By thoughtfully selecting and maintaining these plants, homeowners can enjoy a vibrant and inviting landscape that complements their hardscaped areas.

Author Profile

Avatar
Kendrik Ohara
Hi, I’m Kendrik. This site is more than a blog to me. It’s a continuation of a promise.

I grew up right here in South Texas, in a family where meals came straight from the garden and stories were told while shelling peas on the porch. My earliest memories are of pulling weeds beside my grandfather, helping my mother jar pickles from cucumbers we grew ourselves, and learning, season by season, how to listen to the land.

Here at BrownsvilleFarmersMarket.com, I share what I’ve learned over the years not just how to grow crops, but how to nurture soil, nourish health, and rebuild food wisdom from the ground up. Whether you’re exploring composting, greenhouse farming, or hydroponic setups in your garage, I’m here to walk with you, row by row, one honest post at a time.