Plants for Lawns and Paths

Prostrate, creeping Thymes or low growing Chamomile ‘Treneague’ or Double Flowering Chamomile require a free draining soil and a sunny site.  Corsican Mint and Creeping Pennyroyal both belong to the mint family and will prefer a damp, shady or semi shady position. All can be split into smaller plants to insert between paving if required. Just ensure that your paving is not laid on thick concrete and that there is enough soil for the plant’s roots to establish!  Prostrate Thymes are superb for forming dense, spreading mats for Thyme lawns or between paving stones and paths. These will erupt in a mass of flowers in Summer and will be covered in bees and butterflies. A mix of varieties can be used which will give the effect of a Persian carpet- a subtle variation of foliage colours and a wonderful mist of mauves, purples, pinks and even white flowers. Spent flowers should be clipped back and lightly brushed off the plants to allow light and air to reach the base of the plant. This will encourage fresh, new and strong growth. Chamomile, with its glorious apple scent can be direct planted from pre-ordered plug plants in late Spring or from established pot plants at other times. See information on how to plant a Chamomile lawn here. Both Creeping Pennyroyal and especially Corsican Mint have a wonderful peppermint scent. Creeping Pennyroyal is also excellent for repelling ants but please be aware that, although it is also used as an animal flea repellent, it can be toxic to dogs and cats. All the aforementioned herbs can be lightly walked on but will not appreciate a football match or motor vehicles!