Grass or ground cover options for high traffic garden paths? - Ask Extension
Hi, I have recently established a large garden with some meandering paths through raised beds and 'islands' planted with shrubs and perennials. I typi...
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Grass or ground cover options for high traffic garden paths? #924649
Asked February 16, 2026, 1:23 PM EST
Hi, I have recently established a large garden with some meandering paths through raised beds and 'islands' planted with shrubs and perennials. I typically would use wood chips as the surface for these paths, but my beds are all mulched in chips so I need something to differentiate the pathways. I don't want to use stone or any hardscaping and I won't be putting in formal edging, so I'm looking for ideas for a vegetated ground cover that would be fairly easy and inexpensive to establish. Are there any kinds of grass that might work in this setting? It would have to be something that doesn't readily spread/invade since there is a lot of edge to maintain. Or, if not grass, any other suitable ground covers? These areas get full or partial sun, can receive some water if necessary, and will need to be walkable and tolerate a wheelbarrow from time to time. Am I looking for a unicorn? The soil is clay but has been covered in layers of woodchips for years so it's got some organic material as well. Thank you!
Benton CountyOregon
Expert Response
Thanks for contacting 'ask extension ' with your question about vegetative pathways. Unfortunately, I could not find a maintenance free plant for you. All the suggestions below have the potential to spread. Turf grass: perennial ryegrass, tall fescue or clover. Ground covers: Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow) (moderate traffic) Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) (light traffic) Aster chilensis ‘Point Saint George’ (coast aster). (Light traffic) Fragaria chiloensis (beach strawberry) (Light traffic) Fragaria virginiana (wild strawberry) (Light traffic) Fragaria vespa (woods strawberry) (Light traffic) Phyla [Lippia] nodiflora (lippia or frog fruit) (Light traffic) Other options: Hazel nut shells Mint mulch Leaves My suggestion is to use turf and yarrow in your highest foot traffic area, and Yarrow and creeping thyme in lighter traffic areas. Good luck with your project ! Let me know if you have any more questions.