The magical tapestry creeping thyme ground cover is a stunning addition to any garden or landscaping project. This versatile plant not only adds vibrant color and texture to outdoor spaces but also has a myriad of practical uses. One of the main attractions of the magical tapestry creeping thyme is its ability to form a dense, low-growing mat that stays green throughout the year. This makes it an ideal choice for filling in gaps between stepping stones, creating a living carpet that adds a touch of enchantment to any pathway. However, the benefits of this ground cover extend beyond its visual appeal. The magical tapestry creeping thyme releases a delightful fragrance when stepped on or brushed against, making it perfect for areas where people can enjoy its aromatic charm.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING THYME PLUG FLATS.
These plants can spruce up challenging spots under trees, accent transitional areas along paths and foundations, and intensify interest in open spaces. Avoid planting or transplanting ground covers in the heat of the summer, and make sure there is adequate moisture where the ground covers are planted.
The magical tapestry creeping thyme releases a delightful fragrance when stepped on or brushed against, making it perfect for areas where people can enjoy its aromatic charm. Additionally, this plant is extremely low-maintenance, requiring little water and tolerating a wide range of soil conditions. The magical tapestry creeping thyme is not just admired for its aesthetics and practicality; it also attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.
Use Gorgeous Ground Covers as a Living Mulch
Ground covers make a perfect mulch. These ground huggers hold in moisture, keep weeds at bay, and look good in the process. Many are fine sources of pollen and nectar for pollinator insects.
The months of May, June, and July are a perfect time to work on your ground covers, adding new plants and digging up and dividing established ones. Give your existing ground cover a good once-over, shearing faded blooms once they’ve finished their big show. Don’t hesitate to snip back plants where you need to encourage fullness.
Three of my absolute favorite ground covers are ice plants (Delosperma, spp. and cvs., Zones 6–9), rosy pussytoes (Antennaria rosea, Zones 5–8), and purple spinach bugleweed (Ajuga pyramidalis ‘Metallica Crispa Purpurea’, Zones 4–8).
‘Alan’s Apricot’ ice plant (left) and ‘Firespinner’ ice plant (right). Photo: Mary Ann Newcomer
Ice plants are show-stoppers, hailing from the mountains of Africa. They do exceptionally well in our heat and seem to be unfazed by the smoke of wildfires. They range in color from the palest apricot (‘Alan’s Apricot’) to a riot of color (‘Fire Spinner’) to a very stark white (‘Coconut Crush’). They do exceptionally well in our heat and seem to be unfazed by the smoke of wildfires. Overwatering will kill them sooner rather than later, and they must have exceptional drainage. In fact, you may want to add a handful of sand to the soil. You can also put a small amount of very fine gravel mulch under the leaves when they are planted. They hate clay soils. Some varieties may be hardy to Zone 5; check the label.
Rosy pussytoes (Antennaria rosea). Photo: Mary Ann Newcomer
Soft and furry rosy pussytoes are beloved native plants that play host to the “cats” (caterpillars) of the American Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis). Pussytoes send up 4- to 6-inch-tall fuzzy flower stalks, which are tinged pink and resemble cats’ paws.
Purple spinach bugleweed (Ajuga pyramidalis ‘Metallica Crispa Purpurea’). Photo: Mary Ann Newcomer
Purple-leaf spinach bugleweed is a new glossy bugleweed you are going to want in your garden. While some ajugas can be thugs, this one has shown itself to be quite well-behaved. Each plant grows about 1 foot in diameter and needs afternoon shade. These plants can be trained to spread through pinning. Against the shiny black leaves, which resemble spinach and have the texture of patent leather, 4- to 6-inch-tall blue flowers bloom from May until June.
Think about planting a colorful, living garden tapestry using different shades of the ice plants. Change up the texture by weaving in the pale fuzzy pink rosy pussytoes. The purple spinach bugleweed is beautiful as an underplanting for anything lime green or blue.
Avoid planting or transplanting ground covers in the heat of the summer, and make sure there is adequate moisture where the ground covers are planted. Sometimes we forget to check on them until it is too late.
Snow in summer (Cerastium tomentosum). Photo: Mary Ann Newcomer
Here are a few additional ground covers to try:
- Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Zones 2–7)
- Serbian bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana, Zones 2–9)
- Brass buttons (Leptinella squalida, Zones 4–9)
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia, Zones 3–9)
- Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum, Zones 4–9)
- Spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum, Zones 3–8)
- Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 3–8)
- Leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Zones 5–9)
- Snow in summer (Cerastium tomentosum, Zones 3–7)
- St. John’s wort (Hypericum calycinum, Zones 5–9)
- Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum, Zones 3–9)
- Turkish speedwell (Veronica liwanensis, Zones 3–9)
- Partridge feather (Tanacetum densum ssp. amani, Zones 4–9)
Mary Ann Newcomer is the author of two books: Rocky Mountain Gardener’s Handbook and Vegetable Gardening in the Mountain States.
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Whichever one (or more) of these challenges is the source of your problem spot, chances are the cure is pretty universal: cover it up … quickly, inexpensively and permanently with flowering or lush, green ground cover.
Its small, delicate flowers provide nectar sources and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the area. Overall, the magical tapestry creeping thyme is a remarkable plant that effortlessly combines beauty, functionality, and ecological significance. Whether used as a ground cover, a fragrant pathway accent, or a habitat for pollinators, this versatile plant will undoubtedly add a touch of magic to any outdoor space..
Reviews for "Transform your dull lawn into a magical oasis with creeping thyme ground cover"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really excited to try out the Magical Tapestry creeping thyme ground cover in my garden, but was ultimately disappointed with the results. The plant did not spread as fast or as far as advertised, and it struggled to thrive in certain areas of my garden. Additionally, the colors were not as vibrant as I had hoped, and overall, it just didn't meet my expectations. I ended up removing it and replacing it with a different type of ground cover that worked much better.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - While the Magical Tapestry creeping thyme ground cover did have some positive aspects, overall, I wasn't completely satisfied with it. The plant did have a lovely fragrance and some of the stems did grow and spread nicely, but it didn't cover the ground as densely as I had anticipated. It also required more maintenance than I had expected, as it needed frequent trimming to keep it looking neat and tidy. In the end, I decided to try a different ground cover that required less upkeep and provided better coverage.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Magical Tapestry creeping thyme ground cover, but unfortunately, it just didn't live up to my expectations. The plant struggled to establish itself in my garden and didn't spread as quickly as I had hoped. The colors also seemed dull and faded, not the vibrant and eye-catching display I was promised. I ended up removing it and trying a different ground cover option that provided better results. Overall, I was disappointed with the Magical Tapestry creeping thyme ground cover and would not recommend it.