Creeping Thyme (Thymus spp.)
Low-growing creeping thyme makes great ground cover. Although the plant's small blue-green leaves are beautiful year-round, its pink, purple, and white blooms bloom in late spring to summer.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
"This is a great option for filtered sun spots and comes in a variety of colors," adds Tilly director of design Cate Singleton. "I prefer a blend for cottage or lime green or dark purple for contemporary.
Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
This hardy perennial can tolerate full sun, full shade, and dryness. This low-growing vine blooms blue, purple, or white throughout spring and summer.
Begonia
The flowers of this shade-loving shrub give long-lasting beauty to borders. You may plant them as perennials in zones 9 11 or annuals elsewhere.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera)
With its brilliant green leaves and stunning pink, purple, and white blossoms from spring to summer, creeping phlox is the ideal border and edge filler.
Angelina Sedum (Sedum rupestre Angelina)
This is a favorite for hotter climates, Singleton explains. "The lime green hue and leaf texture make the garden beds stand out. In rock gardens, this cascades over walls and fills garden area."
Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
This luxuriant, emerald green ground cover can endure foot activity, making it ideal for garden margins. Though not a true "moss," it requires full or partial light to grow.
Liriope (Liriope Spicata)
"While this may be overused a bit, it is a great bulletproof option," he explains. "It looks great as a border on more formal garden design and can be mixed in with daylilies for an eclectic look."