We have an architect designed narrow garden with a 7 ft wide pool. Between the fences and the pool will be a path on each side with spaced 18″ x!8″ black granite pavers. Rather than have gravel for drainage around the pavers, can you recommend a hardy low maintenance dense low ground cover. One path is on the east side in the shade of a fence, and the other path is on the west with full afternoon sun.
Thank you very much,
Adrian
Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners. I have attached several links within this answer which will give you lots of information and ideas.
That is a question we are frequently asked. I suggest you check your soil before adding any new perennials – Soil Fertility: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide will provide details on what you need to know before planting. Soil Fertility: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide
There are deciduous ground covers and evergreen ground covers that you may want to consider. Toronto Master Gardener website provides a list of Broadleaf Evergreen Groundcovers: Broadleaved Evergreen
There are many varieties, colors, shape and size of Sedums that do well both in full sun and part shade. The Spruce Websites lists several varieties that can be grown in our colder climates. Sedum Descriptions
You may also want to consider ornamental grasses and sedges list on our website.
Grasses and sedges
For more information on growing sedges, see scorpionfly.ca
Common wood sedge (Carex blanda)
Bristle-leaved sedge (Carex eburnea)
Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
Plantain-leaved sedge (Carex plantaginea)
Broad-leaved sedge (Carex platyphylla)
Stellate sedge (Carex radiata)
Bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix)
There are many Carex Cultivars as well listed on GardenersPath.com 15 Of The Best Sedges
Good luck in your garden, I’m sure it will be beautiful when complete.