Preparations
Knives and tools with a thorn or scraper will help you remove the weed growth between the stones. They are effective against mosses that have not developed deep roots. A more convenient and effective method is electrical Grout cleanerthat can be expensive. Make the choice of means high pressure cleaner(€ 99.99 at Amazon *) and flame burners, where you have to pay attention to the material resistance.
also read
- How to fill paving joints
- These are the means to remove moss from pavement joints
- Seven tips on how to permanently remove weeds from pavement joints
Fill up the earth
After the unwanted growth has been completely removed, fill the joints with a well-loose soil mixture. A little sand increases the permeability. There are special mixtures on the market under the name of roof garden soil, which are suitable as filling material.
Planting
So that the plants grow well, the joint width should not be too narrow. Mixtures of annual and perennial herbs are recommended for joints under two centimeters. These should be hard-wearing and robust. Wide spaces offer space for upholstered perennials that grow flat.
Planting ideas for paving joints
- Cushion plants: Star moss, Houseleek, Cat paws and stonecrop
- Ground cover: Penny cabbage, woolly thyme and prickly pebbles
- Drought indicator: Hungerblümchen, Steinquendel and Mastkraut
- Grasses: Meadow bluegrass, bearskin fescue and dog-tooth grass
What to look out for
Most species do not prove to be step-resistant, so that their heart must lie protected in a deeper level. Roman chamomile and brown elk are exceptions, which give off a sensual scent when they are treadled. However, even these plants should not be planted between heavily used road slabs.
advantages
Herbs add color to the overall picture and enrich the diversity of species. Flowering herbs attract wild bees, Bumblebees and butterflies. The functional benefit of such a green roof is not to be neglected. The joint planting ensures that undesirable species such as mosses and root weeds have no chance of growth.
care
In the first few weeks after the sowing of seed mixtures, you need to ensure regular watering. Reseeding may be necessary if not all of the seeds have sprouted. Once the plants are firmly rooted, they don't require special attention. They develop a natural picture over time and can be cut back if necessary.
