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? With the right placement, they can even create a repetition that leads the eye through the space to what lies beyond.
Photographs by Clare Coulson unless otherwise noted.
Photograph by Andrew Lawson.
The bearded iris may not be a natural contender as an edging plant, but in early spring they will create a spectacular moment. Between clumps of iris, add lavender which will flower later in the season and also bring a contrasting structure.
Nepeta—or catmint—is a classic path edging plant and will flower early and reflower if it’s cut back during the season.
Photograph by Jason Liske.
Low growing ornamental grasses can have a softening effect in more contemporary landscapes.
Key to the success of path planting is the repetition of plants that draw the eye forward.
Photograph by Christin Geall.
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.
Photograph by Steven Wooster.
In shady areas, mixed greens can create a cool and sombre mood.
There are few more effective path-softeners than Alchemilla mollis, which has velvety palmate leaves and acidic green flowers.
Photograph by Britt Willoughby Dyer.
Path edges can look wild, too.
If texture is key for your paths then consider Stipa tenuissima, which has unparalleled movement and atmosphere, contrasting beautifully with upright spires of verbascum or verbena.
Serpentine paths can be enlivened by using different forms and a smattering of self seeders. Back in Beth Chatto’s garden, drought-tolerant planting areas combine mounds of thyme and oregano with domes of Euphorbia seauieriana.