Question
We live in zone 7A and have a path around the back yard that was used by a previous owner's dog to protect the perimeter.  It is in the shade in the morning with afternoon sun.  Would like a ground cover that could handle some foot traffic.  Can you recommend some plant options.  Thanks.

Answer
Hello Elizabeth, unfortunately there really arent any ground cover plants that can resist the passing of feet, even light passing of feet. However, if you were to create some sort of stepping stone or gravel solution for the feet and dedicate the rest to plants then there would be several options.

You could use plants like Vinca major, Stachys lanata and even useful thymes so please consider that. The outer reaches could then be planted with Iris, lavender and rosemary to create a truly useful, scented and symbolically Mediterranean pathway experience! Strategically place an Italian amphora or vase and you'll have a winner that'll have the neighbours peering over the garden fence! Check out Teucrium fruticans, Atriplex humilis and Vitex agnus castus for some metallic-silver backdrops.
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