How to Landscape Flagstone Steppers

Determine how much sunlight the area will receive by checking at intervals during a clear day. Full sun consists of 6 hours or more of light, part shade is morning sun and shade is 2 to 3 hours of sun or less.

Choose perennial ground covers that will thrive in the available light. According to Jim Kohut of Northscaping, plants should grow no taller than 2 inches. Make sure the plants are cold-hardy to your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone and are easy to maintain. Research plants in books, magazines and online. A good choice for a sunny area is creeping thyme. Irish moss (Sagina) does well in part shade and true moss prefers shade. Moss Acres, a specialty grower, recommends using fern moss in between flagstone steppers.

Purchase plants in pots, cell-packs or plugs (small plants grown in the cells of a large plastic tray) from garden centers and mail-order nurseries.

Remove any weeds between the stones and loosen the soil with the trowel. Add the planting mix and mix with existing soil. If drainage is poor, mix in sand. Moisten the soil with the hose.

Divide plants in pots or large cell packs with a knife or scissors. Each division should have enough roots and top growth to establish successfully. Size of the divisions depends on the width of the area between the stones. Gently remove plugs from their cells by tapping on the bottom of the tray and sliding the plant out. Fern moss can be gently divided with scissors to achieve the desired size.

Dig small holes. Place the plants in the holes and tamp down the soil. Mist until plants are wet but not drenched.

Mist the area every few days if the weather is dry for the first season. Monitor water levels during the second year until plants establish and begin to spread.