Groundcover to Plant Between Pavers

A Pathway with Personality

October 15th, 2025

There’s something special about a garden path that looks like it’s always belonged there — stone or brick pavers nestled among soft green plants that weave naturally between the cracks. That living carpet does more than just look good. Groundcovers between pavers help prevent weeds, hold soil in place, and soften the edges of hard landscaping, giving any walkway or patio a charming, well-loved feel.

In New Brunswick’s climate, though, choosing the right groundcover takes a bit of thought. Our winters can be tough, our summers humid, and our soil conditions vary from clay-heavy to sandy — sometimes in the same yard. But with a little planning and the right plant choices, you can create a pathway that stays lush and beautiful year after year.

Whether you’re working on your first garden project or refreshing an established landscape, this guide will help you pick the best groundcovers for between your pavers, avoid common pitfalls, and get the results you’re after.

(And if you’re looking for expert advice or healthy, locally grown plants, the team at Scott’s Nursery in Lincoln is always happy to help you bring your garden vision to life.)

What Makes a Great Groundcover for Between Pavers?

Not every plant is cut out for life between pavers. To thrive in those narrow gaps, groundcovers need to be tough, low-growing, and spreading, without being invasive or high-maintenance. Think of them as the quiet achievers of the garden — filling in spaces, holding moisture, and adding color and texture where most plants wouldn’t dare grow.

Key Traits to Look For

When selecting your plants, look for varieties that offer these qualities:

Low profile: Grows under 4 inches tall so it won’t get trampled or overtake your pavers.
Durable: Can handle some light foot traffic — perfect for walkways or patios.
Spreading habit: Gently creeps to fill gaps without becoming aggressive.
Shallow roots: Easy to plant between pavers and won’t disturb your stonework.
Climate-hardy: Thrives in New Brunswick’s Zone 4b–5a conditions, handling both frosty winters and humid summers.

Soil & Sun Considerations

Groundcovers between pavers do best in well-draining soil — waterlogged areas can lead to rot. Before planting, loosen compacted soil and mix in compost for healthy growth.

Full sun: Try drought-tolerant species like Creeping Thyme or Sedum.
Partial shade: Mosses and Creeping Jenny will thrive.
Moisture-prone areas: Look for plants that appreciate damp roots, like Corsican Mint or Irish Moss.

Pro Tip: If your pavers are set in sand or gravel, consider lining the gaps with a thin layer of compost before planting. It gives roots a nutrient boost while helping plants establish faster.

The Best Low-Maintenance Options for New Brunswick Gardens

New Brunswick gardeners face a bit of everything — cold winters, wet springs, dry spells, and salty air near the coast. The good news? There are plenty of resilient, attractive groundcovers that can handle all that and more. The key is picking plants that suit your light levels, soil conditions, and traffic patterns.

Here are some of the best performers for Zone 4b–5a and our Maritime climate — all of which can transform your pathway from plain to picture-perfect.

Creeping Thyme

(Thymus serpyllum)

A gardener’s favorite for good reason. Creeping thyme forms a dense, fragrant mat that releases a subtle aroma when stepped on. It thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soil — perfect between warm stone pavers.
Why it works:

Drought-tolerant and hardy to Zone 4

Attracts bees and pollinators

Low-growing (2–3 inches) and durable under light traffic

Irish Moss

(Sagina subulata)

Despite the name, Irish moss isn’t a true moss — but it creates the same lush, velvety look. Ideal for shady, moist spots, it fills gaps beautifully with deep green foliage and tiny white blooms in early summer.
Why it works:

Perfect for shaded or partially shaded areas

Stays soft and carpet-like year-round

Handles Maritime moisture and humidity

Creeping Jenny

(Lysimachia nummularia)

Known for its bright chartreuse foliage, creeping Jenny adds a pop of colour to stone walkways. It enjoys moist soil and partial sun, and it spreads quickly without becoming overly aggressive when kept trimmed.
Why it works:

Fast spreader that’s easy to maintain

Thrives in Maritime moisture

Stunning visual contrast with stone

Bunchberry

(Cornus canadensis)

A true Atlantic Canadian gem! This native groundcover adds ecological value and beauty. With white spring flowers, red berries in fall, and glossy green leaves, it’s perfect for woodland-inspired gardens.
Why it works:

Native to NB forests (loves dappled shade)

Provides food for local wildlife

Excellent for naturalized, rustic paths

Sedum Acre

(Stonecrop)

If your pavers are in a hot, sunny spot, this little succulent might be your best friend. Sedum acre forms a thick mat of tiny leaves that can handle dry soil and full sun with ease.
Why it works:

Incredibly hardy and drought-tolerant

Requires almost no maintenance

Adds texture and a hint of gold-green color

Pro Tip: Mix textures and colors for the best effect — like pairing Creeping Thyme with Creeping Jenny or adding a patch of Irish Moss near shaded corners.

(Most of these plants — or similar hardy varieties — can be found locally at Scott’s Nursery in Lincoln. The team there can help match your space, soil, and sun exposure to the right selections.)

How to Properly Plant and Care for Groundcover Between Pavers

Getting groundcover established between pavers isn’t complicated, but success depends on good prep and patience. A little extra effort at the start means a lush, low-maintenance pathway for years to come.

Step 1: Prep Your Site

Before you plant, take a close look at your paver gaps and soil conditions.

Weed thoroughly: Remove all existing weeds and roots — they’ll compete for space and nutrients.
Loosen the soil: Use a small hand trowel or screwdriver to loosen the soil between pavers.
Add compost: Mix in a little organic compost to improve drainage and give plants a strong start.
Check drainage: Water should move through easily; if it pools, consider lifting pavers and adding a sand or gravel base.

Step 2: Choose the Right Time

Plant in spring or early fall when temperatures are mild and rainfall is regular. Avoid planting during midsummer heat waves or deep freezes — roots establish best in cooler, moist conditions.

Step 3: Planting the Groundcover

Dig a small hole or trench between pavers — just deep enough for the roots.
Gently place your plant or cutting into the gap.
Press soil around it to remove air pockets.
Water well to help the roots settle.

Spacing:

For small-leaved, fast spreaders (like Creeping Thyme), space 4–6 inches apart.
For slower growers (like Irish Moss), space closer at 2–4 inches for faster coverage

Step 4: Water and Maintain

Keep soil evenly moist (but not soggy) while plants establish — typically for the first 4–6 weeks. Once mature, many groundcovers need little water beyond natural rainfall.

Ongoing care tips:

Trim back overgrown areas to keep pathways neat.
Add compost or a sprinkle of slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
In winter, brush off excess salt or sand from pavers to protect plants.

Pro Tips for Success

Foot traffic: Limit heavy walking until the groundcover fills in.
Mulching edges: A thin layer of fine mulch along the border helps retain moisture.
Mix and match: Combine species that thrive in your microclimates — sun on one side, shade on the other.

(Need help figuring out what will thrive in your yard’s soil or sun exposure? Scott’s Nursery staff can help match your conditions with the perfect groundcover mix.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most enthusiastic gardeners can hit a few snags when planting between pavers. The good news? A little foresight can prevent most of them. Here’s what to watch for when creating your living walkway.

Choosing the Wrong Plant for the Space

Not all groundcovers behave the same way. Some thrive in full sun and dry soil (like Sedum or Creeping Thyme), while others prefer shade and moisture (like Irish Moss or Creeping Jenny).
Avoid: Picking a plant based on looks alone.
Do instead: Match the plant to your conditions — sunlight, soil type, and foot traffic.

Overwatering (or Underwatering) Early On

It’s easy to assume groundcovers don’t need much water, but young plants do.
Avoid: Letting soil dry out completely during the first few weeks.
Do instead: Keep the soil evenly moist until roots establish, then taper back to natural rainfall levels.

Using Harsh Ice Melts or Heavy Salt

Many groundcovers can’t handle salt exposure in winter, which can lead to burned leaves and stunted growth.
Avoid: Rock salt near paver edges.
Do instead: Use sand or pet-safe ice melt, and gently brush away residue come spring.

Planting Too Deep or Too Tight

Groundcovers need airflow around their roots. If planted too deeply or crowded too closely, they’ll struggle to establish.
Avoid: Overpacking plants into small gaps.
Do instead: Leave 2–6 inches between plants depending on growth rate, and keep the soil level even with the top of the root ball.

Forgetting About Drainage

Compacted soil or clay-heavy bases can trap water, leading to root rot — especially during our wet Maritime springs.
Avoid: Planting in poorly drained areas without soil improvement.
Do instead: Mix in coarse sand or compost to keep the soil airy and free-draining.

Pro Tip

When in doubt, do a small test patch first. See how your chosen plants handle your site’s conditions before committing to the whole walkway. This saves both time and money — and helps you fine-tune your planting mix.

(If you’re unsure what’s causing patchy growth or yellowing, the experts at Scott’s Nursery can help diagnose soil or drainage issues specific to New Brunswick’s conditions.)

Adding Creativity and Visual Appeal

Groundcover between pavers doesn’t just fill gaps — it’s a chance to express your garden’s personality. Whether your space feels coastal, rustic, or modern, the right mix of textures, colors, and scents can make a walkway truly unforgettable.

Play with Texture and Colour

Combine plants with different looks for a dynamic design. For example:

Pair Creeping Thyme’s fine texture with the round leaves of Creeping Jenny for contrast.
Use Irish Moss for a soft, uniform carpet in shady areas.
Add Sedum near sunlit borders for a touch of golden-green that pops against stone.

Mixing shades of green, gold, and silver can make pathways feel lush and natural — especially when stones vary in tone or shape.

Add Seasonal Interest

Some groundcovers bloom in spring and summer, while others offer colourful foliage well into fall.

Creeping Thyme brings tiny pink-purple blooms and attracts pollinators.
Bunchberry adds white flowers and red berries for a native, woodland look.
Creeping Jenny brightens shady corners from spring through frost.

A mix of species can ensure your pathway looks good from April to October — even in our Maritime climate.

Design for Your Setting

In New Brunswick, you can draw inspiration right from the landscape:

Coastal feel: Use blue-gray stones with creeping thyme and sedum for a seaside vibe.
Woodland charm: Try mosses and bunchberry among irregular stones in shaded spaces.
Cottage garden style: Blend low herbs like thyme and mint with flowering perennials nearby.

Local Tip Visit your pathway after rain or dew — you’ll see how textures, light, and color play together. Sometimes the most beautiful arrangements happen naturally.

(For inspiration, stop by Scott’s Nursery in Lincoln — where you can see hardy groundcovers up close and get advice on mixing varieties for your garden’s style.)

Grow Between the Lines

There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing living green weave its way through stone — it’s nature and design working hand in hand. Groundcover between pavers isn’t just about looks; it’s about creating a more inviting, low-maintenance, and resilient outdoor space that changes beautifully through the seasons.

By choosing hardy, low-growing plants suited to New Brunswick’s unique climate — and giving them the right start — you can transform even the most ordinary path into a lush, living feature of your garden. Whether you prefer the fragrant cushion of creeping thyme, the jewel tones of creeping Jenny, or the native charm of bunchberry, there’s a perfect fit for every style and space.

And remember, the best gardens are grown with guidance. The team at Scott’s Nursery in Lincoln, NB is always happy to help you explore the best plant options for your soil, sunlight, and design goals — so you can bring your own Maritime pathway to life, one plant at a time.

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