“Once established, creeping red thyme lawn is a very low maintenance ground cover plant that grows low and slow,” said Mark. Thanks to its slower growing pattern, you also don’t need to mow it as often as traditional grass.
Mark Dwelly, Head Gardener at Audley Villages, has shared his expert advice on the best plant to sow this weekend if you want to have a blooming garden in time for the warmer months. According to Mark, creeping red thyme is the perfect choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance option. This plant, also known as thymus serpyllum, is often used as an alternative to traditional grass lawns in the UK, either alone or accompanied by other low-growing plants. As it rarely needs mowing and requires almost no water, it’s a great option for gardeners who want to reduce their maintenance workload. Some of the benefits of creeping red thyme include:
- It produces vibrant dark pink and purple flowers, making it a great addition to any garden.
- It is a natural weed suppressant, with its dense growth shading soil and making it harder for weeds to sprout.
- It is non-toxic and pet-friendly, making it ideal for owners who have adventurous furry friends.
Mark also noted that creeping red thyme can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- As a ground cover plant, it can be used to replace traditional grass lawns.
- As a border plant, it can be added to path edges, raised flowerbeds, window boxes, and shallow pots.
- Its aromatic leaves can even be used in cooking.
In terms of its care, Mark emphasized the importance of:
| Sunlight | Direct sunlight is essential for creeping red thyme. |
| Planting | Water it regularly to start with, so the roots can grow strongly. |
| Soil | Ensure the soil drains well for rainy days or when watering it by adding organic matter like compost or decomposed leaves. |
Mark also cautioned that creeping red thyme is not suitable for areas with heavy foot traffic, as this can risk damaging the plant. Instead, it’s best to plant it on the side of a path or an area of the garden that doesn’t get many visitors. “It’s not the type of lawn you’ll want a lot of foot traffic on,” said Mark.
