I have a large shady corner in my yard (about 400 sq ft) where grass just won't grow, so I'm looking to try some ground cover. I have two questions: 1) Can creeping thyme thrive in heavy shade, or do you have other suggestions? 2) What's the best way to plant it? Can I just spread the seeds and rake them into the soil? Thanks for your help!
2 Answers
Creeping thyme really isn't suited for shady areas since it loves the sun. If you're looking for something to thrive in the shade, consider sweet woodruff. It spreads quickly and does really well without direct sunlight. Plus, it has a lovely smell!
You're better off with other options for a shaded spot. Try checking out Prairie Moon's site for native Illinois or Wisconsin wildflowers. They’re hardy and great for low-maintenance. A carpet of wild violets could look beautiful, and mixing different wildflowers can give your yard some lovely textures and blooms at different times. Plus, they require less care!

Sounds perfect! I want it to look nice but don't need a lot of traffic in that area. Are those wild violets perennials?