Steppable Groundcovers are low-growing plants that are durable enough to withstand occasional foot traffic. They are especially valuable for planting between stepping stones to create a welcoming green walkway. The only requirement is that there must be earth between the stones, rather than sand or stone dust. They can also be used as truly ground-hugging groundcovers.
Ornamental Thymes
Full sun. Tolerant of dry soil.

Culinary Thyme tends to grow in a billowy, shrub-like fashion, but many ornamental Thymes have a prostrate habit that makes them perfect as Steppables. Thyme will tolerate moderate foot traffic and has the added benefit of fragrant foliage. The colorful flowers are present for 3-4 weeks in summer and are a favorite of pollinators. We grow several low growing varieties of Thyme, including:
- Purple Carpet Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox ‘Purple Carpet’)
- Red Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’)
- Pink Chintz Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’)
- Wooly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
- Elfin Thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’)*
*Of these, ‘Elfin’, with its exceptionally compact growth habit, is my favorite.