Groundcover - Walkways
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  (March) Last summer my husband and I laid a large natural stone walkway in a shady
area in our yard. I would like to plant something between the stones. The
soil is poor and in the shade. Any suggestions?

  There are numerous plants to try. There is a whole line of plants called "steppables" designed to be planted as groundcover but yet have light traffic on them. Many of the local nurseries do carry them. Other plants to try include stonecrop sedum, ajuga, mondo grass, vinca minor, and pennyroyal.

  (March) Some of your readers have asked about plants for planting between stones in their walk, let us suggest what we did. We planted thyme between the stones. It thrives beautifully, grows out somewhat over the edges of the stones, and immediately gives off a very beautiful and pungent scent of thyme when the leaves are walked upon. It totally recovers from any trauma of walking in just hours, and is then quickly ready for a repeat performance In addition, when we need fresh thyme for cooking, we just pinch some off some between the stones. No matter how much one pinches off, it seems to recover in virtually no time.

  Thyme and stepping stones is a great idea where it is dry and sunny. Thyme is not very happy in wet spots or heavy shade. There are numerous varieties with both green, gray and yellow leaves. Thanks for the suggestion.

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