Groundcovers are plants that don’t grow overly tall and are a suitable spreading option around select areas of the garden to prevent weed growth. They’re commonly used around sandstone pavers to stop weed growth in hard-to-reach cracks and unmowable segments of the garden. In the following list, we’ve outlined some of our favourite groundcovers that look amazing with sandstone.
Before we get into the specifics, however, you’ll want to know what you’re looking for. You want to adjust for the spreading of your pavers (a high covering, fast-growing plant is a poor fit for thin paving), you will need a plant that can adjust to shade and sunlight, you need a plant that survives general changes in weather, and you need to consider if soil erosion is an issue.
So, onto the plants:
- Baby Tears
These are small, almost aloe-shaped plants that are able to withstand the Australian climate and come out swinging. They have a distinct reddish hue at some times of the year and will also flower once a year.
- Thyme
Grow your own herb garden amongst your sandstone pavers! Thyme works as a scented groundcover for just about anywhere, but works best when trying to create an unsegmented cobblestone look.
- Dwarf Mondo Grass
An option that is best suited for shaded garden paths, this is a Japanese variety of groundcover that looks a bit like the non-flowering leaves on a Bird of Paradise (green with a hint of yellow around the edges).
- Dichondra Silver Falls
This is a soft, fanned plant that grows without much supervision. It’s very handy when lack of water is a problem – in fact, it’s better to skimp on the watering rather than drench the plants.
- Blue Star Creeper
Simply divine in appearance, these delicate blue flowering plants work best when water is readily available. They’re amazingly dense, long living and hardy – and they’ll add beauty to the gaps between sandstone pavers.
- Dianthus ‘Sternkissen’
Similar to Blue Star if you would prefer pinkish-red colouring but without the need for a large amount of moisture. It is an extremely durable plant that won’t let you down and looks fantastic.
- Mazus
This plant will do the job of the last two suggestions, but in a bright purple. It’s fairly distinct and loud appearance mean that it’s not for everybody, but it’s sure to turn heads.
- Casuarina Glauca
Affectionately known as “Cousin It”, this plant works great on the ground or on a slope, hanging or free standing. It barely needs any attention and can cover huge distances despite never growing higher than a few inches.
- Irish or Scotch Moss
These are two different plants, but they’re functionally identical for how they’re used here. Despite being named after damp places, they can perform well in the sun with regular watering.
Any of these groundcovers will complement your sandstone pavers beautifully, so we highly recommend checking them out for yourself. If you require any assistance at all with your decision, do not hesitate to seek advice from a landscaper or garden centre – these people will be more than happy to answer your questions and steer you in the right direction.
