Planting between paving stones

[NeverNaughtyNanna]

Hello, I have a small totally paved courtyard garden and I am wondering if I can ‘soften’ it a little by adding some planting in between the paving slabs. I think I would have to put seeds down as the gaps are only a centimetre wide - would this work and can anyone recommend something suitable please?

One of my neighbours has Soleirolia soleirolii in amongst cobble stones in a shady front garden path, it's very pretty and soft looking. I think it can be I. As I've if used near lawns etc (unless you want it to be your lawn I guess)

www.victoriananursery.co.uk/Mind-Your-Own-Business/

I put a small amount of soil in between paving then fleabane seeds. They will also selfseed.

https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/erigeron-karvinskianus/classid.2000013202/?gclid=CjwKCAjwzo2mBhAUEiwAf7wjkr372M8OZqqhBle5IMTpuCe49KnUsxAB5OrOR7-SsQPMMfzT3aXozRoC-w4QAvD_BwE

Oh yes Fleabane is so pretty, softening paving, I’ve got self seeded viola, lobelia and welsh poppies growing in the gaps.

Creeping thyme. Smells lovely each time you brush past and the bees love the flowers.

We have fleabane, creeping thyme, oregano spilling down the wall and flat leaved parsley springing in random places 😂

I think a mix of plants as described above.Soleirolia soleiroliii j is v invasive and might cover everything.

Thank you everyone 😁

I'd go for creeping thyme where you'll walk and erigeron near the edges. I love erigeron and they thrive in dry cracks but the plants can actually get quite large!

I'd steer clear of soleirolia, unless you can 100% prevent it from entering lawn/borders (and you want it in all the cracks)!

https://www.rhs.org.uk/weeds/mind-your-own-business

The key question is how sunny or shady the paved area is.

Mind your own business loves damp shade but will go brown and crispy in hot sun. There is a point in my garden beyond which it won't grow! Some thymes or Erigeron however will love a hotter, sunnier aspect.

Good point
What's invasive in one place might be ok in another.

I just see what comes up. I like the oxalis and small creeping things. I remove what I don't like.

It’s south facing so get very hot, I think that might rule out mind your own business. Thanks for pointing that out. 😁