Plant Tiles

Matching a groundcover to the spot

Start with sunlight and traffic, not looks. In full sun, No Mow Grass (Zoysia tenuifolia) builds the soft, undulating mat it is known for, shrugs off heat, drought and coastal salt, and rarely needs cutting. Thyme 'Magic Carpet' (Thymus serpyllum) takes the same hot, dry positions and adds pink flowers and fragrance underfoot. In shade or damp ground, the natives take over: Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens) makes a soft lawn substitute for light foot traffic, Native Violet (Viola hederacea) flowers white and purple in moist shade, and White Pratia carpets cool, damp spots. Green spikemoss rounds out the range for humid, sheltered corners, indoors included.

Traffic is the honest filter. No Mow Grass and both dichondras handle regular light foot traffic, thyme and pratia suit the occasional step between pavers, and native violet prefers to be admired from the path.

Plant tiles or tubes: speed versus budget

Most varieties here are sold in more than one format, and the difference is time. A 330mm tile is a fully knitted mat you lay straight onto prepared soil for immediate coverage, which suits finished landscapes and anywhere bare dirt is not acceptable. Tubes cost a fraction of the price per plant and reach the same finish, but ask a growing season or two of patience.

Spacing and laying, with real numbers

Lay tiles edge to edge on level, weed-free soil and water them in heavily. For tubes, spacing sets how fast the gaps close:

• 20cm apart. Kidney Weed and green spikemoss, for quick dense cover.
• 25cm apart. White Pratia, which runs quickly once established.
• 30cm apart. No Mow Grass, Dichondra 'Tiny Delight', thyme and native violet.

Planting tighter buys little, because these spreaders run well beyond their pot footprint.

Care while the carpet knits together

Keep the soil consistently moist for the first six to eight weeks, then ease back. The frost hardy choices for cooler southern gardens are Kidney Weed, 'Tiny Delight', Native Violet, White Pratia and thyme. No Mow Grass takes light frost only, so in tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean climates it is the standout, while green spikemoss is frost tender and belongs in sheltered or indoor positions. Hand weed until the cover closes, because young groundcovers cannot outcompete established weeds.

Common questions

How quickly do plant tiles cover an area?

A tile is covered the day you lay it. Tubes planted at the spacings above generally knit into a continuous mat over their first spring and summer, faster with regular water.

Can I walk on these groundcovers?

Lightly, yes. No Mow Grass and the dichondras cope with regular foot traffic on the way to the clothesline. Thyme and pratia are best between stepping stones, taking a footstep here and there rather than a daily route.

Are plant tiles safe around pets?

No Mow Grass, Kidney Weed, 'Tiny Delight', Native Violet and thyme all carry our Pet Friendly flag. White Pratia and green spikemoss do not, so check with your vet if your dog grazes the garden.

Which option replaces a lawn outright?

No Mow Grass is the closest thing to a lawn without mowing, and 'Tiny Delight' gives a finer, flatter version of the same idea. Our No Mow Grass guide covers establishment step by step, and the low maintenance groundcover collection holds more options if none of these fits.

How does delivery work?

Tiles and tubes are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and no minimum order. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.