???Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' for karensansui???

[Mr. Hanami]

Hi,
I have a full-sun spot around a large rock that I would like to do the karensansui affect. I found a groundcover online called Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'. It sounds like it would be a perfect substitute for moss. I originally was interested in Corsican mint, but I think Thymus would be a better choice for my zone. Has anyone used it before? Should I plant seeds or plants?



http://www.rainyside.com/features/plant ... Elfin.html

[George Nesfield]

Hi Jason,
I used a thymus a lot of years ago but I had no luck with it as it eventually died off, so the best solution for me in our zone was to use saxafraga and Soleirolii which works perfectly.
George.

[irkwater]

Jason Hi.


i think George is right as my creeping thyme became choked with a kind of moss and was never happy with the damp of the North of England,but the saxifrages thrived.
Regards Brian

[Mr. Hanami]

Hi guys,
I love the way saxafraga and soleirolii looks. George, that’s a beautiful picture, especially with the koi/goldfish? and water. WOW!

From what I’ve been reading, saxafraga and soleirolii might not like my spot. It’s in full sun all day, no shade. That’s what brought me to thyme. I’m in eastern Massachusetts where we have pretty brutal winters. So I guess I need something fairly rugged. Well…that’s my conundrum. Is it worth going through the trouble for the moss affect? Maybe I should just bring the gravel right up to the big rock. But I really wanted to mound it up and plant something moss like. What should I do?:hmm:

[George Nesfield]

Hi Jason,
I would give it a try with your thyme, just with a few plants if it lives great if not it will have to be chippings upto your rock.
George.

[Mr. Hanami]

Thanks George, that makes sense. I'll experiment with a few small plants. I just need to find it now. I'll see what I can find. Mean while I'm in the middle of a new lawn project in the back yard. Little by little, it's coming along.

[George Nesfield]

Hi Jason,
You will get there in the end but most of all enjoy your journey.
George.

[marlin]

Great photo George ! What is the varigated tree on the left ?

[caliloo]

It never ceases to amaze me that you have created such beauty. Your photos are breathtaking and I can only imagine how lovely it must be in person.

thanks so much for sharing you special gardens.

Alexa

[George Nesfield]

Hi Marlin,
I assume you mean the first photo, it is a CORNUS CONTRAVERSA VERIAGATA, how's that for a mouthfull, it's common name is a CHINESE WEDDING CAKE TREE.
George.

[Daren]

I have been experimenting for ages with a good moss substitute. I tried thyme but the UK has too wet a climate for it to thrive. Soleirolii works well but only if kept damp. If you have full sun it won't do well, plus any frost will blacken it over winter.
Thyme is good for full sun & dry conditions, it should thrive if you have good drainage.
Another option is camomile or sedum. Both like it sunny & dry.

[George Nesfield]

i darren,
Some of the soleirolli does blacken off in the winter months but it soon regenerates in the spring and the one's at the rear of my small koi pond are allways green I think it must be in wich situation that they are.
George.

[Mr. Hanami]

Darren-
I'll have to look into camomile or sedum. Thanks!