Mind the gap!

[Odds]

I can understand why some folk want 'the perfect garden' after flicking through all those perfect pictures in Home and Garden or watching Garden Rescue, to see all those sparkly green spaces with no leaf out of place. But consider leaving a gap or two for your plants to grow in to, not necessarily planting a garden ready-made with little or no maintenance involved.

 

[Odds]

This patch of Irish moss...

...has been growing for a couple years now; gently feeling its way along the gap left between (2x2) paving slabs. Only an inch wide and easy enough to step over without crushing the plant. It'll bloom tiny flowers to add a touch of colour and remain green year round, softening the edges of the slabs. Easily kept tidy with a pair of scissors if you must, but why not try it for yourselves and see how the effect can alter the way you relate to your garden spaces.

 

[Odds]

Another example can be seen when you allow it to develop around the base of a plant:

This has been growing 'neath a dwarf azalea for just over a year and in time will carry on as far as it is allowed; creating a garden within a garden. Decorate with stones and let a low growing creeper like nepeta mingle within to create contrast. It isn't that difficult, requiring patience and attention to detail which is usually overlooked in larger gardens.