Flagstone patio, planting groundcover amongst the stones
Dollo
| Posted in General Discussion on
Our patio is flagstone with mortar between stones. The mortar and many of the stones are loose.
I thought I could remove some of the mortar and stones and plant groundcover in the place of the removed stones and mortar. I removed some stones and mortar; there was about 1/4 inch flagstone 2 inches of concrete, then another older layer of concrete. I do not know how deep the lower layer of concrete is, or what is beyond it.
Could I plant on the large areas where I removed the stones?
What ground cover should I use, and what substrate should I fill the holes with to plant the groundcover in?
Thank you in advance for the help.
Replies
Go to a gardeners forum and ask. I remember going to a discussion about exactly what you are suggesting and there was mentioned a low growing herb that gave a pleasant aroma when walked on yet didn’t crap out when crushed. Might have been a form of Thyme.
Best of luck.
A lot depends on where you live and where the patio is. Plants of any kind have specific conditions they need to survive. I assume that the lower level of concrete doesn't stop any rainwater from draining so any thing you plant won't drown. The toughest plants, especially if the patio gets a lot of sun, are succulents – plants like Sedum and Sempervivium (also called Hen and Chicks). There are lots of kinds, some bloom and some have colorful foliage. A local plant nursery or greenhouse could help you pick out some and advise you what type of soil to use. Other plants like creeping thyme are also great.
I just saw in Menards a grouping of plants they referred to as "walkable" ground cover. They appear to be short growing and able to withstand at least some foot traffic. Sounds like just what you need.