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Lush and Lovely Walk to Pad
Blue Star Creeper
Boston Ivy
Variegated Tobira
Crape Myrtle
Ornamental Onion
Trailing or Prostrate Germander
Blue Star Creeper

Common name:Blue Star Creeper
Botanical name:Pratia pedunculata

Laurentia fluviatilis has bright green, nearly stemless, 1/4" leaves. In late spring and summer, these form a backdrop for equally tiny, star-shaped pale blue flowers.

Boston Ivy

Common name:Boston Ivy
Botanical name:Parthenocissus tricuspidata

This semi-evergreen vine has dark green leaves that are usually lobed and divided into 3 leaflets. It clings tightly to any surface; it looks great on brick walls. In fall, leaves turn orange or red. Flowers are inconspicuous. During fall, small blue black berries appear to the delight of birds. This vine can grow 50'-60' long but it really depends on what it is growing on. This vine is aggressive.

Variegated Tobira

Common name:Variegated Tobira
Botanical name:Pittosporum tobira 'Variegata'

This variegated evergreen shrub or small tree has creamy margins on its grey-green leaves. In spring, clusters of small, cream-colored flowers appear with the fragrance of orange blossoms. Variegated Mock Orange is often used to brighten shaded areas.

Crape Myrtle

Common name:Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia indica

The new leaves of this species are 2" long, bright green, and tinged with bronze. Some cultivars have spectacular fall color. When it has a bare outline, its rounded seed capsules add interest. Its delicate flowers bloom in 6"-12" long clusters. The flower colors could be shades of red, rose, pink, purple, and white, blooming in summer. It thrives on heat, and new cultivars have been created that resist mildew. This tree prefers full sun and has low watering needs once it's established.

Ornamental Onion

Common name:Ornamental Onion
Botanical name:Allium cv.

Large clusters (6"-12" in diameter) of lavender, white, pink or purple pom-poms appear in summer. These unusual flowers are on top of stems which are 12"-15" tall. These flowers are great for dried flower or fresh flower arrangements. Plant the bulbs in fall to enhance rock gardens, containers or with other leafy foliaged perennials. Allium has a slight garlic scent.

Trailing or Prostrate Germander

Common name:Trailing or Prostrate Germander
Botanical name:Teucrium X lucidrys 'Prostratum'

This cushion-like ground cover reaches only 6" tall and 2' spreading. White or red-purple summer flowers appear in loose spikes, attracting bees. Leaves are evergreen, toothed and densely cover this ground cover. This plant needs well draining soil as it cannot stand wetness around its roots. It tolerates poor and rocky soil and full sun.

Ground cover between stepping stones makes the walkway permeable for rainwater and irrigation.

Designer: Jeff Gamboni

Lush and Lovely Walk to Pad
Image: 5 of 15

Photographer: GardenSoft

Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.