Dense, mat-forming creeping thyme ideal for filling gaps between stone and along path edges. Extremely durable with strong resistance to foot traffic and dog urine. Releases a pleasant herbal fragrance when brushed. Spreads slowly and stays tight against the ground.

Striking low sedum with deep red-bronze foliage that intensifies in sun and takes on rich color in fall. Thrives in rocky, dry conditions — a natural companion to the stone sculpture. Cascades beautifully over stone edges. Semi-evergreen in Zone 7b.

Delicate but tough creeping perennial forming a flat, dense carpet of fine-textured foliage. Produces cheerful small purple and white flowers in spring. Excellent in shaded areas between stones or beneath the Japanese maple canopy. Handles occasional foot traffic without becoming invasive.

One of the most reliable ground covers for shaded urban gardens. Dense rosettes of deep bronze-purple foliage spread via runners, sending up striking vertical flower spikes in spring. Excellent under the Japanese maple and along the base of stone steps. Multiple foliage color varieties available.

A workhorse of the shade garden with grass-like arching foliage and upright purple flower spikes in late summer. Virtually indestructible once established — tolerates drought, deep shade, and tree root competition. Ideal massed along stone step edges or as a repeating element. Evergreen in Zone 7b.

Among the most visually striking perennials for shade. Available in extraordinary foliage colors — deep burgundy, lime green, copper, silver — making them powerful for color and contrast near the stone feature. Mounding habit provides clean definition at stone edges. Year-round color impact.

Brings vertical drama and soft, feathery texture to the shade garden. Plume-like flower spikes rise above ferny foliage in white, pink, red, or lavender — and dry attractively for winter interest. Ideal planted in groupings of 3 or 5 to create rhythm. A natural companion to stone features and the Japanese maple.

One of the most elegant ornamental grasses for shade. Cascading, waterfall-like mounds of bright chartreuse or gold-striped foliage glow in dappled light and move beautifully in the breeze alongside stone elements. Fall color shifts to warm copper and orange. The 'All Gold' variety is especially striking near dark stone.

Dense, fast-growing evergreen ideal for a tall, narrow privacy screen along the entry bed. Responds well to shearing and maintains a clean formal wall at the desired height. Dark, glossy foliage provides a strong backdrop that contrasts well with flowering plants. Trim spent blooms after flowering to minimize self-seeding.

An excellent alternative to privet — columnar, refined, and virtually maintenance-free. The extremely narrow upright form makes it ideal for tight urban spaces like the entry bed. Fine-textured dark evergreen foliage with no shearing required. A strong architectural choice that reinforces the garden's structural design language.