
- Ornamental thyme ground cover how to#
- Ornamental thyme ground cover install#
- Ornamental thyme ground cover full#
Native to Greenland, this plant does well in colder climates with purple flowers blooming in spring. Use it as filler between stepping stones, not larger scale applications, because it is slow to spread. Labrador violet sure has a fitting name for the purpose of this article! īest for: yards with high foot traffic 5. Miniature sedum works well in drought-tolerant gardens. You can purchase miniature stonecrop by the flat and place plants no more than one to two inches apart in order to encourage it to form a mat and cover the area. Tiny leaves form a tight mat with small yellow flowers appearing in the summer. This tiny, lesser-known sedum (hence, no photo) can take quite a bit of foot traffic and reseeds itself, if damaged. Thyme’s dense, hardy nature allows it to handle light to moderate human and animal traffic however, it will not fare as well in areas where children or pets play, roll around and roughhouse.Īs an added bonus, elfin thyme produces pretty, purple flowers in the summer.īest for: yards with moderate foot traffic 4. This ornamental herb smells nice and is completely edible.Įlfin thyme grows to two inches tall and is a gorgeous addition to rock gardens and container gardens, where it cascades over the sides. If you live in a drier area, such as Southern California, you can save water by installing an irrigation system and setting it for deeper, less frequent watering sessions.īest for: areas with regular rainfall 3. While this is an attractive, popular alternative to natural grass, it should be noted that mosses are not drought tolerant and, therefore, are a better choice for areas that receive regular rainfall.
Ornamental thyme ground cover full#
This soft, mat-like ground cover can take partial or full sun and requires consistent watering that will need to increase with temperature.ĭurable Irish moss grows about an inch tall and sprouts little white flowers in the spring and summer. It is best to use this option in smaller areas, such as between stepping stones, for the most satisfactory result.īest for: small areas, in between stepping stones 2. If planted in an area where the dog runs, expect it to look patchy, but it will do its best to survive. This silver-green leaved ground cover sprouts yellow flowers in warm weather and grows low to the ground, so be sure to plant it exactly at the level you would like it. It is also perpetually run over by scooters and tricycles. The dymondia margaretae in the above photo gets trampled by children, adults, and a 70-pound dog on a daily basis in La Jolla, CA. Keep in mind that there is no truly pet-proof ground cover, but if you are looking for something to plant between stepping stones or in small backyard areas, these are good choices that will stand up to light or moderate pet and human traffic. Therefore, all pet parents should thoroughly research any plants they plan to use in their landscaping design.

In many cases the symptoms are limited to vomiting or diarrhea for a short period of time, but in other cases consuming these plants may lead to serious health issues or death. A few popular plants that are toxic to animals include:Ĭheck the full list before selecting plants.You might be surprised at just how many common landscaping plants have some level of toxicity for cats and dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) maintains lists of plants that are toxic to dogs, cats and/or horses.
Ornamental thyme ground cover how to#
How to Find Plants that Are Safe for Dogs


An inability to grow grass, ground covers or other plants because of dogs that like to pace or run in the same area.Brown spots in grass or stains on concrete appear frequently due to urine.Holes in the yard and damaged plants from pets that like to dig.How to Find Plants that Are Safe for DogsĬommon Backyard Problems Faced by Dog Owners.Common Backyard Problems Faced by Dog Owners.

If you’re a dog-owner, you’re no stranger To help you determine the best options for your situation, we will address issues commonly faced by dog owners, recommend grasses, living ground covers and non-living ground covers, and provide a variety of tips for maintaining a yard that meets the needs of your dogs without sacrificing visual appeal or overall function.
Ornamental thyme ground cover install#
Your best bet is to install as much hardscape, like pavers, as possible, but with grass-loving kids at home and a desire for backyard color, this is not always a realistic option. Dogs are certainly valuable family members, but they sure can wreak havoc on a yard.
