non-evasive groundcover to edge gardens

Our backyard has a drainage swale that cannot be changed, so I have built it into a natural looking garden. In the spring, it appears like a small stream, and (hopefully) come summer when it is dried, will look like a dried riverbed.

My question -- we do not want a hard edge between the lawn and the garden, thus eliminating a brick or stone garden edge. Because the beds are not raised, we want a natural transition from lawn to bed, and I have seen this done in pictures with moss. Living in zone 5a (Southern Ontario), does anyone have any suggestions for a groundcover that I could use as an edging? If the same groundcover could be used in between the stones on the pathway leading to the yard, that would be great. It would have to tolerate medium traffic, and be non-invasive. My research indicates that because we get full afternoon sun on the area, moss will not work.

I'd be most grateful for suggestions.
Logan

Does the area where you will be planting have good drainage? If it does, you might want to consider thyme. I have this particular variety from Bluestone Perennials http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/b/bp/THAHS.html but I'm sure there are a lot of other sources. However, if the area stays pretty wet, I'm not sure if thyme would work.

You should check out Bluestone's catalogue, they have a lot of ground covers and good info on the conditions that they need. You might want to try out a few different ones, and see what takes. Ajuga is beautiful and takes a variety of light and moisture conditions, and can be walked on moderately. I have't had a problems with it being invasive, but I've heard that it can be aggressive in the right conditions (I think different varieties behave differently, but I don't know any specifics.) It is really pretty at this time of the year.

The area is poorly drained on the west side, and well-drained on the east. The surrounding neighbours all adjusted their drainage (illegally, but prior to our purchase of the home) resulting in approximately 6 yards draining into ours. We are hesitant to start playing with the swale as others have done, since the water has to go somewhere, and at them moment is at the rear of the yards, and not affecting anyone's houses. We are just going to try to incorporate it into our landscaping plans.

Thank you both for your suggestions - I will look into them. Eogrinz, you may be correct in the suggestion of choosing several species, as the sun exposure and drainage are different across the yard. I have looked into Creeping Thyme, on shebs45 suggestion, and quite like 'Coccineus', although my research has been very cursory.

Ultimately I would like to take my time, make the right plant selections for the ground and exposure, and "do it right the first time" - but I am new to this and require some hand-holding. Thanks so much for the help - most appreciated.

Hello
Check out highcountrygardens.com

Easy to navigate site and you will find all you need to know. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

My parents planted ajuga along a dry creekbed many years ago -- and now it has spread throughout the grass in their back yard. As it spreads by sending shoots underground, it will keep going unless you give it a barrier. I also like creeping phlox for some of the sunny areas. If it spreads too much -- just move some or trade it with someone.

Don't feel too pressured to "do it right the first time". Sometimes it can be difficult to ID the right plant without actually trying it out. I'd say that in my first few years as a gardener I lost about half of the plants I planted. My averages have been getting better as I've gotten to know the light and soil conditions around my yard. If you start by trying a few patches of different plants, you don't have to put in a huge investment while you figure it out. If something does well, you can divide those plants to increase the planted area for free.

Thanks again for all of the suggestions (and encouragement). I am so excited to be out of an apartment and have a "real' garden, and look forward to exchanging ideas with all of you as time progresses.
Best,
Logan