Stone paths and steps are an art form all on their own—but sometimes, they need a little something extra. The right groundcover can soften the edges, add a pop of color, and even help with erosion control. We’ve seen firsthand how well plants and stone work together to create stunning, natural-looking landscapes. Here are five plants that work beautifully alongside stone paths and walkways.
1. Variegated Thyme (Thymus aureus ‘Variegata’)
One of my absolute favorite stone creepers, variegated thyme thrives in the heat radiating from stone paths. The chartreuse color sets off the natural hues of the stone, creating a soft yet vibrant contrast. The key to growing thyme successfully is ensuring it has excellent drainage—this plant does not like wet feet! Since it’s Mediterranean by nature, it prefers dry, hot conditions. If your thyme starts looking a little brown, don’t worry—it’s very forgiving. Simply trim out the affected areas, and the plant will regenerate to fill in the space. Plus, as an added bonus, thyme is deer tolerant!
2. Boulder Steps—Built to Last
We call these boulder steps, and they are as solid as they look. Each step is at least 2-3 feet wide and incredibly heavy. To ensure long-term stability, we set them into concrete, preventing movement from rain and irrigation. Because they’re irregular, it’s important to make sure they are secure and that the homeowner is comfortable with their uneven nature. We’ve seen too many cases where people simply place flagstones on a hillside, only to have them shift and slide away after the first heavy rain—a recipe for a slippery, dangerous mess (see second photo below).
See below – dangerous steps that were not properly placed or built – you can see the difference between the solid boulder steps above and these stones that are actually dangerous to walk on, especially when wet.
3. Blending Sun and Shade with Ferns, Solomon’s Seal, and Creeping Phlox
When working with a mix of shade and sun, we carefully select plants that will thrive in their respective conditions. In this shady area beneath a large tree, we used ferns and Solomon’s seal on the left, creating a lush, woodland feel. On the sunnier side, creeping phlox provides a delicate, cascading effect. The contrast of textures and colors between the ferns, phlox, and the stonework brings everything together beautifully.
4. Ajuga and Stepping Stones
Ajuga is one of my go-to groundcovers, especially in early spring when its deep purple blooms come alive. This particular variety, ‘Chocolate Chip’ Ajuga (sounds delicious, right?), prefers a bit of afternoon shade and moist, well-draining soil. That can sometimes be tricky around a walkway, but this wide stone path was designed with proper drainage in mind. The stones are set into concrete, but the spaces between them allow for water to drain naturally, keeping the ajuga happy. We also added Permatil and well-draining soil to ensure the plants thrive between the boulders.
5. Setting Stones into Grass—Yes, You Can Mow Over Them!
One of the most common questions we get is whether it’s possible to set stepping stones into grass without creating a maintenance nightmare. The answer? Absolutely! When done correctly, stepping stones set into grass are incredibly easy to maintain. Just mow right over them! The key is using heavy stones set into concrete so they won’t shift or become dislodged by foot traffic or a lawnmower.
The Perfect Balance of Stone and Greenery
A well-designed stone walkway or set of steps is beautiful on its own, but adding the right plants can transform it into something truly special. Whether you want a creeping groundcover that hugs the stones, a splash of seasonal color, or a solution for erosion control, the right plant-stone pairing makes all the difference. If you want to see more, check out our porfolio here.
