scripps howard news service

SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE
It seems as if Mother Nature made teeny-tiny Kyushu meadow rue for one reason -- to provide a lovely groundcover along a garden pathway. Creeping thyme, mini hosta and dwarf campanula are other low-growing pathway plants that can welcome you into a garden.
"You want to make a good first impression," said Arlene Savory, of Savory's Gardens in Edina, Minn. "The plants bordering the path are a preview of what's to come."
Well-chosen groundcovers soften a pathway and add texture, character and color, said Theresa Mieseler, of Shady Acres Herb Farm in Chaska, Minn. They also can add an element of serenity.
"A plant spilling over a pathway relaxes the mind," said Harvey Buchite, of Rice Creek Gardens in Blaine, Minn.
While petite pathway plants may look fragile, many cultivars are tough. And, if mulched in the fall, many return with zeal in the spring.
Here are some winning low-growing perennials to line a path or fill the gaps between flagstones:
U'Giles van Hees' veronica: Brilliant pink flower spikes on a dwarf veronica. Late spring to early summer flowers. Sun. Grows up to 10 inches tall.
U'Blue Gown' campanula: Dwarf campanula with summer blue-violet bell flowers. Sun to part shade. 3 to 6 inches tall.
U'Blue Spruce' sedum: Alpine plant with blue needle-like foliage (think mini-spruce tree). Summer yellow flowers. Sun. Up to 5 inches tall.
UKyushu meadow rue: Tiny, airy clusters of pinkish-purple flowers all summer. Sun to part shade. Up to 4 inches tall.
USweet woodruff: Fine-textured foliage forms a mat of dense groundcover. Spring white flowers. Shade. Up to 8 inches tall.
UCreeping thyme: Low-growing fragrant herbs such as 'Lemon Frost' give off a fresh scent when brushed up against. Produces pink, purple, white flowers in summer. Sun. Up to 3 inches tall.
U'Pinwheel' mini hosta: Variegated leaves are twisted like a pinwheel. Mid-summer lavender blooms. Shade, filtered sun. Up to 8 inches tall.