I am interested in using ground cover instead of a grass lawn for a number of reasons. I am considering Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz" and would appreciate comments on this. I live in Kelowna on a sunny mountain side. Soil here is heavy clay hardpan and not very good. It is nearly impossible to cultivate. I plan to add about 6 inches of good topsoil as a growing medium and have proper water sprinkling system. Sadly this topsoil or other medium, such as sand, is nearly impossible to cultivate into the subsoil hardpan. I am almost certain that regular lawn sod planted on this hardpan with only 6 inches of soil will not survive for long. Does use of this ground cover as an alternative have a chance? Your comments much appreciated.
Thymus did not do well in my clay soil garden in Delhi, India. But then I seeded it with Dychondra, with amazing results - it never needed mowing and it was the most beatiful, even shade of green.
Ajuga works anywhere! I have red clay & it grows like crazy. It does draw bees when in bloom....June.