Stepables - Good for Your Sole

Do you have an area in your yard or garden, perhaps around plants or stones, that you would like to fill in with something special? Or perhaps a stone wall that you would love to see something cascading over? Or, maybe something to use in that tough area of your lawn (you know, where the grass doesn’t want to grow) as a grass alternative? Well, look no further because we are sure to have something to suit your needs in our Stepables line of products! From flowering to grasslike plants, light foot traffic to heavy foot traffic --- WE HAVE YOU COVERED! Read on to learn a little more about Stepables. One more thing... we are going to have a Stepables seminar on April 26th at 10:00 am ... so mark your calendar!

 

What are stepables?
Stepables are short little plants that tolerate foot traffic. They are plants that are easy to care for, reduce weeds as they spread, and can be used creatively throughout your landscape or in containers. Many years have been spent developing an extensive collection of tough, durable and dependable plants for your landscape needs. Would you believe that there are over 130 varieties to choose from? Each stepable plant variety has been put through rugged testing to ensure that you have great success and fun with your landscape ideas.

What are stepables used for?
Stepables can be used on patios, as fillers between stepping stones, in or along pathways, along the edge of a pond, in herb gardens, in play areas, around decking, front entry ways, curb areas, lawn substitution, underneath and around taller plants such as trees and shrubs, in containers, over flower bulbs, the list goes on and on. Your list of ideas can be endless, so be creative and have fun planting!

How do I know what plant to use for the right spot?
When you have your project all planned, you need to consider what your site will be like in the middle of summer. This is the time of year when rainfall is usually at its lowest and temperatures are at their highest. When you know what the conditions are in the area to be planted you will be able to choose the correct plant for the right spot. For example: Is your project area in full sun, part sun, shade or part shade? Is this area a place that will receive light, moderate, or heavy foot traffic? Does this area have good drainage?

How do I plant stepables?
There are several different ways you can plant stepables, depending on your project. Many of these plants can be planted in shallow soil and others can be pinched and poked into small crevices. When planting the entire plant, make sure you plant at the same depth of the soil line and try not to create any sinking spots in the planting area. Water well after planting and maintain a regular watering schedule as it is very important for the root system of the plant to develop in order for your stepables to thrive. Remember that different plants require different watering needs, so be sure to water according to plant selection.

Are stepables easy to maintain?
Most stepables are maintenance-free plants, but as with any plant, they will require a little bit of attention. It’s easy! Just dig the hole, plant them and watch them grow. After they have grown a bit, you might notice they need a little trimming. Most stepables can be mowed or cut with a weed-edger. Always remember that a general liquid fertilizer of 20-20-20 during the growing season will help promote plant growth and bloom time.

How do I learn more about stepables?
Join us here at Fairview Garden Center on April 26th at 10:00 a.m. for a free seminar all about Stepables. Fairview will have a great selection of Stepables stocked throughout the spring and summer months in the perennial department and will also provide you with brochures to help with ideas, selection and questions. Just look for the foot-shaped tags in the perennial department. The front of each tag displays a colorful plant photo and the back includes detailed plant care tips and lots of other information that will help you to pick the right plant for the right spot. For more information and fun ideas, please visit stepables.com. Have fun with all of your new creations!