Need Groundcover meeting this description:

[ThisIsMelissa]

I'm almost done planting out a garden in my front landscape.

I need 1 more plant though (actually 3-5 plants, 1 cultivar). Very low groundcover (not more than 3", since a 4" sprinkler head has to clear it). Needs to be able to take full sun, heat off the asphault driveway, dry out between waterings (rain + every other day irrigation) and mild foot traffic. It's going right where my driveway meets up with the concrete walkway to the front door. It won't get a lot of foot traffic, but it's likely going to get stepped on, especially by our 13 lb dog, small kids and careless adults.

Any ideas?

I think my best solution, thus far is Nepeta 'Little Titch'. I have it in another part of the front garden, also around a sprinkler head, and it's doing great. Not sure about the foot traffic aspect of it though. I've been told to consider thyme, but I know nothing about it.

Sedums are probably not a good idea since the area does get very very wet when it rains or irrigation runs.

TIA,
Melissa

[Aud]

Sedum probably would be a good choice you should try some and see how it works out. Sedum is like Hostas. A hosta is shade tolerant but if it gets half day sun most will do good.

Sedum are the same. They do tolerate in a dry area but some do better with water and probably more than you think. I have some in a area that I put half gravel and soil that get very wet it is under the gutter run off area and it is my best sedum area.

[Tigger]

I think the plant you're looking for is called "grass."

Other thoughts I had don't grow quite as low as you need. A creeping thyme might work, but needs good drainage. Groundcover perennial geraniums (like Hampshire Purple or Biokovo) are a little tall. A grass-like acorus? (too slow to spread) Maybe the silver variegated liriope or the dwarf mondo grass?

Find a nursery that has one of those "Steppables" displays, and see what strikes your fancy.

David

[ThisIsMelissa]

Well, the Stepables idea was where I started (thanks to a suggestion from another garden friend).
I found what I wanted: Trifolium 'Dark Dancer' aka 'Black Clover' aka 'Bronze Dutch Clover'

I ended up finding 3 of them at a local nursery and placed the pots in the spot.
Looked like I had the perfect plant for the spot.
UNTIL
the next morning: sheered completely down.
Apparently the rabbits found it to be the perfect thing for them too.
So, I'm either going to have to find a different solution, or plan on spraying these a lot. UGH.

It's frustrating, cuz I can't even return them now!

[mooie]

gold moneywort is a very low growing groundcover, takes sun, shade, heat, foot traffic. Of course there is a downside also. It's very vigorous! Meaning you will have to keep an eye on it to keep it where you want it. I use it a lot because I absolutely love spring color.

Teresa

[ThisIsMelissa]

gold moneywort is a very low growing groundcover, takes sun, shade, heat, foot traffic. Of course there is a downside also. It's very vigorous! Meaning you will have to keep an eye on it to keep it where you want it. I use it a lot because I absolutely love spring color.

Teresa

I have lots of the stuff in the back yard, where it's shady and more moist. I don't think it could handle the heat that the driveway is gonna give off, nor will it handle the drying out that it'll likely have to handle.