Walkables

These plants are special because they possess a unique combination of traits:

• Resilience: They can withstand foot traffic (to varying degrees – we will get to that). This means they can tolerate being stepped on occasionally without being crushed or permanently damaged.
• Low-Growing Habit: They typically stay close to the ground, forming a mat or carpet-like effect. This makes them ideal for pathways, between stepping stones, or as a groundcover in areas where you might occasionally walk.
• Perennial Nature: They come back year after year, eliminating the need for constant replanting. This provides long-term ground cover and stability.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Beyond their practicality, many offer attractive foliage, textures, and even flowers, enhancing the beauty of the garden.
• Low Maintenance (Generally): Once established, most walkable perennials require less maintenance than traditional lawns.
• Erosion Control: Their root systems help bind the soil, preventing erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
• Weed Suppression: A dense mat of these plants can help suppress weed growth.
• Pollinator Friendly: Some varieties are great source of nectar to pollinators.

Walkable perennials are typically characterized by:

• Growth Habit: Creeping, spreading, mat-forming, or low-growing.
• Height: Usually under 6 inches (15 cm), and often much lower (1-3 inches).
• Texture: Can range from fine and delicate to coarse and robust, depending on the species.
• Foliage: Varies widely in color (shades of green, blue-green, silver, even variegated) and shape (round, needle-like, etc.).
• Flowers: Some bloom profusely, adding seasonal color; others have insignificant flowers.
• Foot Traffic Tolerance: This is crucial. Some can handle light, occasional foot traffic, while others can tolerate more moderate use. None are truly equivalent to a heavy-duty lawn grass for constant, heavy traffic.

(General Considerations) The habitat of a walkable perennial will greatly influence its preferred growing conditions:

• Sunlight: Some thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade or even full shade. Knowing the native habitat helps you match the plant to your garden's light conditions.
• Soil: Some prefer well-drained, sandy soils (often those from drier, rockier habitats), while others tolerate heavier, moister soils.
• Moisture: Some are drought-tolerant (often from Mediterranean or alpine regions), while others need consistent moisture.
• Climate: Some are hardy to very cold winters, while others are more tender and suitable for warmer climates.

• Pathways: Use them between stepping stones, along the edges of paths, or even to create entire pathways (for light to moderate traffic).
• Groundcover: Replace small areas of lawn, especially in shady or difficult-to-mow areas.
• Rock Gardens: They are perfect for filling in spaces between rocks and adding texture.
• Edging: Use them to soften the edges of borders and beds.
• Containers: Some trailing varieties can spill over the edges of containers.
• Between Pavers: Soften the look of patios and walkways.
• Erosion Control: Plant on slopes to help stabilize the soil.
• Under Trees: Shade-tolerant varieties can be used under trees where grass struggles.
• Consider Traffic Patterns: Do not place them in areas with constant, heavy foot traffic. Think about how people will actually move through the space.

• Soil Preparation: Amend the soil as needed to match the plant's requirements (good drainage is often key).
• Planting: Space plants according to their mature spread. Closer spacing will create a denser mat faster.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during establishment. Once established, many are drought-tolerant, but watering during dry spells is still beneficial.
• Fertilizing: Generally, they do not need a lot of fertilizer. A light application of compost or a balanced fertilizer in spring is often sufficient.
• Weeding: Weed regularly until the plants are established and form a dense mat.
• Division: Many can be divided every few years to rejuvenate them and propagate new plants.
• Pruning/Shearing: Some benefit from occasional shearing or trimming to maintain a neat appearance and encourage denser growth.

This is where the real fun begins! Here are some popular examples, categorized by sun/shade tolerance:

Full Sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight):

• Creeping Thyme ( Thymus serpyllum and other species): Many varieties, aromatic, tiny leaves, purple/pink flowers, drought-tolerant, light foot traffic. Native to Europe and Asia.
• Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus): Soft, gray, fuzzy foliage, very low-growing, light foot traffic. Native to Europe.
• Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis, syn. Laurentia fluviatilis): Tiny blue star-shaped flowers, fast-growing, moderate foot traffic. Native to Australia.
• Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii): Tiny leaves, strong minty fragrance, very low-growing, prefers moist soil, light foot traffic. Native to Corsica, Sardinia, and Italy.
• Sedum (various low-growing species): Succulent leaves, many colors and textures, drought-tolerant, light foot traffic. Many native to various parts of the world.
• Dwarf Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides): Blue flowers in late summer/fall, bronze-red fall foliage, moderate foot traffic. Native to Western China.
• Armeria Maritima (Sea Thrift): Armeria maritima, commonly known as sea thrift or sea pink, is a charming and resilient perennial plant. Native to coastal regions of Europe.

Partial Shade (4-6 hours of sunlight, or dappled sunlight):

• Ajuga (Bugleweed) (Ajuga reptans): Many varieties with different foliage colors (purple, bronze, variegated), blue/purple flower spikes, moderate foot traffic. Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): Needle-like foliage, masses of colorful flowers in spring (pink, purple, white), light foot traffic. Native to eastern and central United States.
• Mazus (Mazus reptans): Small, purple flowers, fast-growing, moderate foot traffic, prefers moist soil. Native to the Himalayas.

Shade (Less than 4 hours of direct sunlight):

• Irish Moss (Sagina subulata): Very fine, moss-like foliage, tiny white flowers, prefers moist, well-drained soil, light foot traffic. Native to western and central Europe.
• Scotch Moss (Sagina subulata 'Aurea'): Golden-yellow version of Irish Moss.
• Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii): Tiny, round leaves, forms a dense mat, prefers moist, shady conditions, very light foot traffic (easily damaged). Native to the Mediterranean.

Other Insights for Gardeners

• "Walkable" is a Spectrum: Always research the specific variety's tolerance for foot traffic.
• Establishment is Key: Give plants time to establish a strong root system before subjecting them to regular walking.
• Mix and Match: Combine different walkable perennials for varied textures and colors.
• Consider Your Climate: Choose plants that are hardy in your USDA Hardiness Zone.
• Soil Drainage: Most walkable perennials prefer well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soils with compost and other organic matter.
• Pest and Diseases: The plants listed here are generally not prone to pests and diseases but always keep an eye out.

This comprehensive overview should give you a solid foundation for incorporating these wonderful plants into your garden! Remember to research specific varieties that appeal to you and match your site conditions for the best results. Good luck!