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ground cover for Hamilton County #775726

Asked October 18, 2021, 3:15 PM EDT

My daughter just purchased a house in Cincinnati. What's the easiest ground cover for filling between concrete pavers from the curb to the sidewalk. Flowering ground cover would be great, but not a must. Also, is there a resource for xeriscaping a small back yard. Flowering plants here would be ideal. She lives in Hamilton County (Hyde Park), which is not an option below. It's giving me CO counties, which is where I (her mom) live.

Boulder County Colorado

Expert Response

Thank you for your question to Ask a Master Gardener Volunteer with eXtension.

When using groundcovers around pavers, you want them to meet several criteria. Look for plants that are tough so you don’t have to tiptoe around them. Choose short plants that won’t obstruct your path, and plants that are suited to the current light exposure. Using plants that spread to fill the space around them make growing plants between pavers easier. 

You didn't say whether the spot was sunny or shady, well drained or not. These are important considerations to help you make the best choice for success.  See the following:

https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6835

This link also list several types of groundcovers for you to consider.  One of the easiest and most used groundcovers to use between pavers is thyme.  As stated above, it comes in many varieties, can easily be planted from seed, blooms and will take foot traffic.

In answer to your question about xeriscaping for your daughter's Hamilton County yard, I would advise to check the following sites:

http://water.bcohio.us/html/publications/documents/Xeriscaping.pdf

https://gardenclubofohio.org/xeriscaping-rethinking-the-lawn/

https://www.manta.com/cost-xeriscaping-cincinnati-oh

When considering xeriscaping the use of native plant materials is highly recommended.  The following links should give you some useful plant information in this regard:

http://www.plantnative.org/rpl-inoh.htm

https://www.ohionativeplantmonth.org/native-plant-list

Congratulations to your daughter on her new house purchase and wishing her best of luck in her gardening endeavors!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 20, 2021, 9:07 AM EDT

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