Gaps In Patio Slabs

[RATTER15]

we have a patio at our new house, the slabs are quite rustic and irregular in shape and size and have been laid directly on the soil, it looks ok and the slabs have finished settling and been there for many years, the only problem is the grass coming up between the slaps.

What can I plant between the slabs that will overpower the grass and give a little more appeal than grass? it will need to tolerate the hounds walking over it as they are confined to this (quite large) area when the grass is too wet for them, as they turn it into a mud bath.

Im thinking something that will be there all year, low lying and can maybe planted as seeds. I think I am asking a bit much I know, but not being much of a gardener I dont know much about what is available.

Many thanks.

[dannyk13]

One solution would be to treat the gaps with weedkiller and then fill the gaps with a dry sand and cement mixture which will set after the first rain.

[Chipchopper]

Mind-your-own-business!

No...seriously, this is a low growing plant often used for filling the gaps between slabs.

[Togo]

Morning Ratters. I think I would remove the grass carefully and point them. I have posted a link showing a previous similar question. Any edges of the flagstones that are exposed will need a timber baton along the edges that bridges the gaps and supports the mix while it sets. You can then remove it.

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Home-and-Garden/DIY/Question1434858.html

[RATTER15]

It is pointless filling the gaps with cement as the slabs are so irregular very thick slate for the most, and due to the tapered edges the cement would not be thick enough in some places and would just come out, also the slabs are set onto earth so any movement would break any jointing and make it look worse, hence the idea of just replacing the grass between them with something that will grow and enhance the look of the joints. I will look into the suggestion of "Mind-your-own-business" Thanks all.

[Mosaic]

According to GQT on R4 yesterday, if the soil is relatively free draining thyme might do well.
You could intersperse planting with 'pockets' of pea gravel - cut a little piece of weed-control membrane, scoop out a scant inch of soil, fold in the membrane and pour gravel on top. The odd weed will eventually creep along the edges but very easy to remove and the membrane lasts for years.

[Khandro]

Ratter, there's some more suggestions here;
http://www.flowerpotman.com/bestplantsfor/plantsforpathways.htm

[Gavmacp]

I like the look of mind your own business it comes in different shades. I have a few plants in the garden. My wife thinks it looks like cress.

[RATTER15]

Thanks for the link Khandro, the link didnt actually work but I got there. some good ideas.

Thanks all.

[mikey4444]

I have heard that camomile can be used for this, but I am not sure it will stand the doggies !

As others have suggested, filling the gaps with gravel or concrete would seem to be a more permanent solution.

By the way Ratter...how are you settling in to your new home ?

[murraymints]

I would dry brush in concrete mix with small pea shingle type gravel..will set after rain..any vegetation will become unsightly after a while and creep over paving...

[RATTER15]

As mentioned above, I cant fill the gaps with anything cement based as the slabs are set on soil so the slabs will move, therefore breaking the cement joint and making a bad job look even worse.

[Khandro]

If it's plant you want, you rake out the joints and brush in some dry loam (soil) with the new seeds mixed in with it, then water it.

[jomifl]

Mosaics suggetion of thyme is a good one if the soil is free draining, plus it comes in many varieties and aromas.

[RATTER15]

Mikey, "By the way Ratter...how are you settling in to your new home ?" We are loving it and so are the hounds, a lot of work to do, especially in the garden, last tenants left it in a bit of a mess, I will enjoy doing it up a bit. just planted a living willow hedge to contain the hounds on the patio are when the ground is very wet. Today I will be making a post box. we cant access the front door where the letter box is as there is now a doggy sofa across it (it isnt as bad as it sounds) lol. The postie wont come into the back garden if he sees the hounds so we need a post box in the fence.

[Chipchopper]

If you keep some of that 'Mind your own business' in a large pot or trough, on the patio, I'l think you will be amazed how it will find its own way between the slabs.

[RATTER15]

Chipchopper, worry with 'Mind your own business' is: I dont want it to take over the whole garden, from what I have read about it, I may lose my patio under a bed of 'Mind your own business' I dont mind a spread of a few inched but I dont want it taking over everything.

[mikey4444]

Ratter...so glad you are settling in ! Lets hope you stay in one place for a while. By the way, exactly how many hounds do you have ? I can barely manage Willy, as he is such a bully !

[Khandro]

mikey I'm pleased to learn I'm not the only one, I get bullied by a miniature poodle who has me well trained!

[mikey4444]

lol Khandro ! The little ones are the worst !

[RATTER15]

We have 3 hounds Mikey. Merlin, Gilligan and Keeva.