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Foot Traffic, Steppingstones and Crevice Plants with Bulk Savings + Free Delivery
A steppingstone plant is a groundcover that tolerates foot traffic, though some plants can be stepped or walked on more than others. Light traffic plants can withstand occasional traffic; moderate traffic up to a couple of times a day; and heavy traffic bears foot traffic three or more times a day. When planting between pavers or steppingstones, plant so that soil level is sufficiently below the walking surface to allow for plant compression when stepped on and plant crown is not crushed.
Soil amendments such as humus or compost are extremely beneficial; nearly all plants grow better in soil that retains moisture, drains well, and is fairly fertile. Pathways tend to be drier and more compacted than the rest of the yard. An added mixture of soil, sand and small gravel improves poor draining compacted soil. While each plant variety has its own planting and watering recommendations, walkway plants will need water frequently for the first 2 to 4 weeks, or until the plants are established.
Foot Traffic
Foot traffic refers to the movement of people walking in a particular area. In the context of landscaping and gardening, it's important to consider foot traffic when designing walkways, pathways, and other areas where people will be walking. Some plants can tolerate foot traffic better than others, and choosing the right plants can help to create a more durable and attractive landscape.
Light Foot Traffic: Plants will take traffic one to two times a week
Moderate Foot Traffic: Plants will take foot traffic one to two times a day.
Heavy Foot Traffic: Plants that will take foot traffic three times or more a day.
Stepping Stones
Stepping stones are a popular way to create pathways and walkways in gardens and other landscaped areas.
They can be made from a variety of materials, including natural stone, concrete, and brick. Stepping stones can be used to create a more formal or informal look, and they can be arranged in a variety of patterns to suit the style of the landscape.
Crevice Perennial Plants
Crevice perennial plants are a type of plant that is well-suited for growing in the crevices of rocks, walls, and other hard surfaces. They are typically low-growing and have a spreading habit, which helps them to fill in the spaces between the stones. Crevice perennial plants are often drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions, making them a good choice for areas that are difficult to maintain.
General Notes:
Individual Plant Profiles:
1. Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip' (Bugleweed)
2. Isotoma fluviatilis (Blue Star Creeper)
3. Lotus Plenus (Double Birds Foot Trefoil)
4. Lysimachia (Creeping Jenny-Moneywort)
5. Mazus reptans
6. Sagina subulata (Irish Moss and Scotch Moss)
7. Sedum spurium 'John Creech' (Stonecrop)
8. Thymus 'Elfin Thyme' and Thymus 'Wooly Thyme'
9. Trifolium repens Bronze Dutch Clover
Important Considerations:
By carefully considering the cultural needs and foot traffic tolerance of each plant, you can create a beautiful and functional landscape that thrives underfoot!
General Notes:
Individual Plant Profiles:
1. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
2. County Park (Pratia pedunculata)
3. Thyme (Thymus)
4. Green Carpet or Rupturewort (Herniaria glabra)
5. Trifolium repens Bronze Dutch Clover
Planting Tips for High-Traffic Areas:
With proper planting and care, these perennials will create a beautiful and durable groundcover in your high-traffic, full-sun areas.
Other Possibilities (with some caveats):
Important Considerations for Shade and Foot Traffic:
By combining these tough plants and paying attention to their cultural needs, you can create a beautiful, walkable, and shade-tolerant ground cover!
Tough enough for some footfalls, but beautiful and thriving! Here's a breakdown of perennials that fit the bill, with their ideal conditions and the perks they bring to a walkway:
Key for Cultural Conditions:
Double Bird's Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus 'Plenus')
Irish and Scotch Moss (Sagina subulata)
Miniature Daisy (Bellium minutum)
Pink Pussy Toes (Antennaria dioica 'Rubra')
Stonecrop (Sedum spurium)
Mazus reptans
Acaena (New Zealand Bur)
Arenaria montana (Mountain Sandwort)
Dianthus deltoides (Maiden Pink)
Fragaria vesca (Alpine Strawberry)
Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Cranesbill)
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass)
Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)
Veronica prostrata (Prostrate Speedwell)
Important Notes:
This is just a starting point! There are many more perennials suitable for light to medium foot traffic. Consider your local climate, soil conditions, and the overall style of your garden when making your final selections. Happy planting!
Creeping Jenny or Moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Speedwell (Veronica repens)
Brass Buttons (Leptinella squalida)
Variegated Pennywort (Hydrocotyle sibthorpiodes)
General Considerations for these Shade-Loving Creepers:
By understanding the specific needs of these shade-tolerant creepers, you can create a lush and inviting pathway that thrives even in low-light conditions!
Plants suitable for foot traffic or steppingstones typically share the following characteristics:
Here are some examples of popular foot traffic or steppingstone perennial plants:
When choosing plants for foot traffic or steppingstones, it is important to consider the amount of traffic the area will receive, the amount of sunlight it gets, and the type of soil. With careful planning, you can create a beautiful and functional pathway that will last for years to come.
Preparation:
Planting:
Post-planting care:
Additional Tips:
By following these steps and providing proper care, you can create a beautiful and functional pathway filled with vibrant perennials that thrive under foot traffic. Enjoy your flourishing walkway!
Here is how to care for your steppingstone perennial plants:
Watering:
Mulching:
Fertilizing:
Weeding:
Deadheading:
Trimming:
Additional Tips:
By following these simple care tips, you can ensure your steppingstone perennials thrive for years to come, adding beauty and functionality to your garden path.
Create a natural and inviting pathway with these durable groundcovers that can withstand foot traffic.
A garden path made from steppingstones or pavers can be a beautiful addition to your landscape, but it can also be expensive and time-consuming to install. A more natural and cost-effective alternative is to use Step-able groundcovers. These hardy plants can withstand light foot traffic, providing a soft and inviting surface for your walkway.
Here are some popular choices for Step able groundcovers:
Low-Growing Herbs:
Resilient Groundcovers:
Moss and Moss-Like Plants:
Tips for Creating a Path with Step able plants:
By selecting the right groundcovers and following these tips, you can create a beautiful and functional path that will enhance your garden's appeal.
Elevate your garden paths with these low-maintenance groundcovers that can withstand light foot traffic. Instead of traditional hardscape materials, these versatile plants offer a natural and inviting look while providing a delightful sensory experience.
Genus: Thymus
Genus: Isotoma fluviatilis f/n/a Laurentia fluviatilis
Genus: Sedum
Genus: Ajuga
Genus: Lysimachia nummularia
Genus: Sagina subulata
Genus: Ophiopogon japonicus
Genus: Phlox subulata
Genus: Cerastium tomentosum
Genus: Saponaria officinalis
Genus: Soleirolia soleirolii
Genus: Mazus
Genus: Sempervivum
Genus: Mentha requienii
Choosing the right groundcover to plant between pavers can add a touch of natural beauty and color to your garden path. Here are some factors to consider:
Sunlight:
Soil conditions:
Foot traffic:
Desired look:
Maintenance:
Here are some popular groundcover choices for between pavers:
By considering these factors and choosing the appropriate groundcover, you can create a beautiful and functional garden path.
Many perennial plants can withstand moderate foot traffic, making them ideal for pathways, around steppingstones, or even as lawn alternatives.
Here are some popular choices:
Heavy Foot Traffic:
Moderate Foot Traffic:
Light Foot Traffic:
Key Factors to Consider:
By carefully selecting plants and providing proper care, you can create a beautiful and functional garden path that can withstand foot traffic while adding natural beauty to your outdoor space.
Choosing the Right Plants:
Preparing the Area:
Planting the Perennials:
Additional Tips:
By following these steps and choosing the right plants, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance garden between your pavers.
The ideal spacing for plants between pavers depends on the specific plant species, their growth habits, and the desired overall effect. However, a general guideline is to plant them close enough to create a continuous, cohesive look without overcrowding.
Here are some factors to consider:
General spacing guidelines:
Remember to check the specific spacing recommendations for the plants you choose.
Problem: Soil between pavers can become compacted and poorly draining, especially if the base layer is not permeable. This can lead to root rot and other plant health issues.
Solutions:
Improve the Base Layer:
Amend the Soil:
Raised Beds:
Plant Selection:
Watering Practices:
Additional tips:
By implementing these strategies, you can create a healthy and thriving garden between your pavers, even in areas with poor soil drainage.
The choice between uniformity or variety in plants between steppingstones and pavers depends on your personal preference and the overall aesthetic you are aiming to achieve. Both options have their merits:
Uniformity:
Variety:
Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that brings you joy and satisfaction. Experiment with different combinations and see what works best for your space.
Step able plants are those that can withstand foot traffic and remain healthy. They are often used in walkways, patios, or even as lawn alternatives. Here are some popular options:
Groundcovers:
Grasses:
Perennials:
Key factors to consider when choosing step able plants:
Remember, even the most durable plants may require occasional maintenance, such as watering, fertilizing, or pruning, to ensure their health and longevity.
What is the toughest groundcover for foot traffic?Here are some of the toughest groundcovers for foot traffic:
Key factors to consider when choosing a tough groundcover:
By selecting a groundcover that is well-suited to your specific conditions, you can create a durable and low-maintenance landscape.
Choosing the right plants for a living pathway depends on several factors, including your climate, soil conditions, and the amount of foot traffic the pathway will receive. Here are some popular options:
Groundcovers:
Grasses:
Perennials:
Key factors to consider when choosing plants for a living pathway:
Remember, even the most durable plants may require occasional maintenance, such as watering, fertilizing, or pruning, to ensure their health and longevity.
Here are some ground cover plants that can withstand moderate foot traffic:
Herbaceous Groundcovers
Vines
Important Considerations:
The step able plant that is best for lawn replacement or lawn alternative in full sun depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some popular options to consider:
For a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawn alternative:
For a more traditional lawn-like appearance:
Factors to consider when choosing a Step able plant:
Ultimately, the best Step able plant for your lawn replacement or lawn alternative will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It is a good idea to research different options and consider factors like foot traffic, climate, maintenance, and appearance to find the perfect fit for your space.
Here are a few fast-growing, step-able perennial groundcovers:
Remember: While these plants are fast-growing, their spread can vary depending on factors like soil conditions, climate, and maintenance. It is always a
Here are some evergreen perennial groundcovers that can withstand moderate foot traffic:
Herbaceous Groundcovers:
Vines:
Remember: The amount of foot traffic a ground cover can withstand depends on factors like soil conditions, plant health, and the frequency of traffic. Always choose plants that are suitable for your specific climate and soil conditions.
What are Crevice Plants
Crevice plants are those that thrive in narrow, rocky crevices, or cracks. They are often found in mountainous or desert environments where they have adapted to survive in harsh conditions.
These plants typically possess characteristics that help them thrive in these challenging environments, such as:
Examples of crevice plants include:
A captivating garden is a sanctuary, a place where the beauty of nature intertwines with thoughtful design. To achieve this harmony, gardeners must consider how elements like foot traffic, stepping stones, and crevice perennials work together to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of their outdoor spaces. This article will guide you through the essential aspects of incorporating these elements into your garden, regardless of your USDA zone.
Understanding USDA Zones and Their Characteristics
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a gardener's essential tool, providing a geographical classification system that helps determine which plants are most likely to thrive in a specific location . This map divides North America into 13 zones based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. Each zone represents a 10-degree Fahrenheit range of average annual minimum temperatures . For example, Zone 6 represents areas where the average annual minimum temperature falls between -10 and 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
To further refine this classification, each hardiness zone is split into two subzones, labeled "a" and "b," which differ by 5 degrees Fahrenheit . For example, zone 7 has a freezing range between 0 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit, with 7a experiencing colder temperatures than 7b. Knowing your specific zone and subzone is crucial for selecting plants that can withstand the winter conditions in your region. You can easily find your zone by entering your zip code on the USDA website or consulting a detailed map.
While the USDA Zone Map is invaluable, it is important to remember that it does not account for all factors that can influence plant growth. Other important considerations include freeze dates, freeze-thaw cycles, snow cover, precipitation, and elevation.
Interestingly, gardeners can sometimes "push the boundaries" of their zone by creating microclimates within their gardens . Protected southern walls or shaded areas can provide slightly warmer or cooler conditions, allowing you to experiment with plants that might be slightly outside your zone. Techniques like mulching and wind protection can further help these plants survive.
This research step involved exploring various resources, including the USDA website and reputable gardening websites, to gather comprehensive information about USDA zones and their characteristics.
Designing Foot Traffic Areas Foot traffic areas are the arteries of your garden, guiding movement and providing access to its various features. When designing these areas, consider both functionality and aesthetics. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
|
Material |
Description/Benefits |
|
Gravel |
Provides good drainage, muffles footfalls, and offers a natural look. |
|
Mulch |
Suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and gives a soft, earthy feel. |
|
Stepping stones |
Adds visual interest, creates a sense of exploration, and can be integrated with other materials. |
|
Pavers |
Offers a durable and stable surface, suitable for high-traffic areas. |
|
Mown paths |
Creates a naturalistic look and integrates seamlessly with lawns. |
By carefully considering these factors, you can create foot traffic areas that are both practical and visually appealing, enhancing the overall garden experience. Moreover, remember the key insight that paths should be designed to create visual connections and seamless integration between different garden elements . This encourages a cohesive and harmonious garden design.
Incorporating Stepping Stones Stepping stones offer a charming and versatile way to guide foot traffic and add visual interest to your garden. They can be used to create pathways, define different garden areas, or simply provide a decorative element. Here are some creative ways to incorporate stepping stones:
When selecting stepping stones, consider the size, shape, and material in relation to your overall garden design. Choose stones that are proportionate to the scale of your garden and complement the surrounding plants and hardscaping. Remember that stepping stones can act as a "finishing touch" to a landscape design, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Crevice Perennial Plants: A Perfect Fit Crevice perennial plants are ideal for adding texture, color, and diversity to your garden. These plants thrive in well-drained, rocky environments, making them perfect for rock gardens, crevices between stepping stones, and even cracks in walls.
Low-Growing Crevice Perennials Many crevice perennials are low-growing, forming mats or spreading slowly, making them perfect for tucking into small spaces.
Drought-Tolerant Crevice Perennials Remember to consider the specific conditions in your garden, such as sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels, when making your final choices.
Cultivating Crevice Perennials Now that you have an idea of which crevice perennials are suitable for your zone, let us explore how to cultivate them successfully. Cultivating crevice perennials requires a slightly different approach than traditional gardening. Here are some key tips for success:
By following these guidelines, you can create a thriving crevice garden that adds a unique and captivating element to your landscape.
Garden Design Examples Here are a few examples of how to incorporate foot traffic, stepping stones, and crevice perennials in different garden settings:
These are just a few examples to inspire your creativity. The possibilities are endless when it comes to combining foot traffic, stepping stones, and crevice perennials to create a stunning and functional garden.
Creating a garden that seamlessly integrates foot traffic, stepping stones, and crevice perennials requires careful planning and consideration. By understanding your USDA zone and its unique characteristics, you can select plants that are well-suited to your climate and create microclimates to "push the boundaries" of what is possible. Choosing appropriate materials for pathways and stepping stones ensures both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Incorporating crevice perennials adds diversity, texture, and resilience to your garden, while strategically placed stepping stones guide movement and highlight key features. Whether you prefer a formal or informal style, a woodland or Mediterranean theme, the key is to create a harmonious balance between these elements to enhance your garden's overall appeal and provide an enjoyable experience for years to come.