What Low Plants to Put Along a Walkway

Function

• Low plants next to the walkway create an attractive visual border but also do not restrict access. The prostrate habits don't block carts and, if someone accidentally missteps into a bed, he may still have good footing and won't fall over.

Types

• Low shrubs common to border a walkway include creeping juniper and prostrate forms of cotoneaster. Herbaceous perennials like mondo grass, liriope and creeping thyme create tufts but eventually fill out to become a dense groundcover. Annuals like petunia, million bells or pansy add color without growing too tall. Colorado State University lists additional groundcover plant suggestions.

Concerns

• Avoid woody-stemmed vining plants like English ivy or Asian jasmine along a pathway. Although low in stature, they increase maintenance as their stems intrude into the passageway. The stems also entangle errant feet that may accidentally stray from the walkway.