I've actually been looking into creeping thyme myself, and from what I've read:
- Pretty hardy overall, handles cold winters decently.
- Might look a bit rough right after snow melts, but usually perks back up once spring kicks in.
- Good drainage seems key—standing water or ice buildup can cause issues.
I'm still debating it though...my yard gets pretty soggy in spots. Wonder if anyone's had luck mixing it with gravel or sand underneath for better drainage?
"Good drainage seems key—standing water or ice buildup can cause issues."
You're definitely right about drainage being crucial, but honestly, if your yard is consistently soggy, creeping thyme might not be the best choice. I've seen a few projects where people tried to compensate by mixing gravel or sand underneath, and it didn't always pan out well. Gravel can help somewhat, but sand can actually compact over time and make drainage worse, especially if your soil is heavy clay.
If you're set on creeping thyme, you might want to consider raising the planting area slightly—maybe a gentle berm or raised bed—to ensure water doesn't pool around the roots. I've had better luck with that approach than trying to amend the soil underneath extensively. Alternatively, have you thought about plants that naturally thrive in wetter conditions? Something like Irish moss or even certain sedges could give you a similar low-growing look without the headache of constantly fighting drainage issues.
Just my two cents from past experience... drainage fixes can get complicated fast, and sometimes it's easier to pick plants suited to your existing conditions rather than trying to force the conditions to fit the plant.
"Gravel can help somewhat, but sand can actually compact over time and make drainage worse, especially if your soil is heavy clay."
Yeah, learned that one the hard way myself. Thought adding sand would loosen things up, but it just turned into a muddy mess after a season or two. Ended up building a slight slope with some amended topsoil instead, and it made a huge difference. Curious though—anyone tried French drains for smaller garden areas? Seems like it could work, but maybe it's overkill...
French drains can definitely work in smaller areas, but honestly, it depends a lot on your particular setup. I put one in last year around the back corner of my garage because water kept pooling there after heavy rains. It wasn't a huge space, maybe 10 feet or so, and I just ran the drain out to a lower spot at the edge of the yard. Took a weekend to dig and set up, but it was pretty straightforward.
I wouldn't call it overkill exactly, but it's not always necessary either. If your slope and amended soil are already handling things well, you might not see much benefit. On the other hand, if you've still got persistent soggy spots even after grading, a French drain can be a lifesaver. Just make sure you've got somewhere suitable to direct the water—otherwise you're just moving the problem around...
Good points about the slope and drainage—it really does depend. I wonder though, did you notice any issues with erosion or shifting after installation? I’ve seen a few setups where french drains solved one problem but created another. Either way, sounds like you got yours dialed in pretty well...definitely worth the weekend if it keeps your garage dry long-term.