HomeAll Posts...How to Use Plants to Soften the Look of Paving
You’ve planned your paths and laid your paving, but have you considered the plants that will grow around them, forming mounds or flopping artfully over the edges? Almost any path looks better lined with plants that bring in a more naturalistic feeling. They will add character and seasonal interest, and the right ones can quickly make your path feel like it’s been there for decades. With the right placement, they can even create a repetition that leads the eye through the space to what lies beyond. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite examples.
Photographs by Clare Coulson unless otherwise noted.
Above: The bearded iris may not be a natural contender as an edging plant, but in early spring they will create a spectacular moment. Here at Temple Guiting Manor, designer Jinny Blom has created an entire border of exquisite pale blue Irises underneath pleached trees. Once they’ve flowered the stems can be cut back leaving the strappy foliage behind. Between clumps of iris, add lavender which will flower later in the season and also bring a contrasting structure. Photograph by Andrew Lawson.Above: Nepeta—or catmint—is a classic path edging plant and will flower early and reflower if it’s cut back during the season. Here, Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ is used to stunning effect on the path at Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire, England, where it draws the eye down to a cool and shady summerhouse.Above: Low growing ornamental grasses can have a softening effect in more contemporary landscapes. Here, at the Butterfly House in Carmel, they provide a textural contrast to graphic, modern pavers. Photograph by Jason Liske.Above: Key to the success of path planting is the repetition of plants that draw the eye forward. Here, the succulent Senecio brings a sculptural focus, blurring path edges and contrasting beautifully with Leucadendron x ‘Golden Tip’ and Pennisetum messiacum ‘Fairy Tails’.
Above: Ramp up the atmosphere by making an immersive path where plants are encouraged to encroach fully over paving, narrowing down walkways and forcing visitors to stop and stare. At Gravetye Manor in Sussex a jewel-toned smorgasbord of salvias, dahlias, and red hot pokers make for a stunning late summer vista. Photograph by Christin Geall.
