What Is Placed Between Stones in Front Yards?

Solid Paths

• If the stones will get heavy foot traffic, you can set them in sand, filling the spaces between them with more sand, or in concrete with mortared joints. This will provide a safe, solid surface. While some groundcovers can tolerate being walked on, most disintegrate under frequent foot traffic. A solid pathway is less likely to trip visitors and is easier for wheels to traverse.

Groundcovers

• Many people like the look of plants sprouting in the gaps of paths made from irregularly shaped flagstones. Choose a flat groundcover that can withstand foot traffic and thrive in the sun exposure the path receives. To get groundcovers off to a good start, amend the planting holes with compost and water the plants regularly to establish a deep root system. Choices for sun include rupturewort (Herniaria glabra), thyme, blue star creeper and miniature brass buttons (Leptinella gruveri). For shade or part shade, try Corsican mint, Irish or Scotch moss, or white star creeper (Pratia spp.).

Grass

• You can embed pavers or stepping stones right into the lawn. Keep them level with the surrounding grass and leave gaps between the stones to plant grass seed. Grass, especially between stones, takes foot traffic well. You can mow right over the pavers when mowing the lawn. Using rectangular stones gives a modern look to this kind of path, appropriate to a contemporary home.

Gravel

• You can fill the gaps between stones with crushed gravel in a neutral color, or in a contrasting color such as gray. Or use pea gravel-sized multicolored pebbles called rainbow rock. Another option is tumbled recycled glass, usually made from beverage bottles, which comes in a wide array of colors.