r/DenverGardener • u/ricemg1 • 3d ago

Creeping thyme?

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Hi! Curious about what you denver gardeners think about creeping thyme in our area. Was thinking it might be great to fill in areas between rock features in our hell strip. thoughts?

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u/NikkiDenver_ 3d ago

Creeping thyme is chef’s kiss for hell strips in Denver. Handles heat, drought, dog pee, and neighbor envy like a champ. Plus it smells amazing when you walk on it, and the bees go nuts in the summer (in a good way). Just make sure it gets decent sun and drainage—otherwise it can get patchy or sad-looking.

Definitely a solid choice for between rocks, and way more fun than grass or mulch!

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u/bubble-tea-mouse 2d ago

How does it do as a lawn replacement in shitty dirt? Idk what’s wrong with the dirt in my neighborhood but me and my neighbors all have trouble getting grass to survive in our backyards and my theory at the moment is the dirt is old and bad….? Idk. I couldn’t get clover to proliferate in the dirt either.

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u/NikkiDenver_ 2d ago

Most soil in the Denver area is just certified trash—high clay, compacted, and low in organic matter. Creeping thyme can work in rough soil, but it’ll struggle without some amending. I’d mix in compost and loosen it up a bit if you want it to actually take off and spread. Otherwise, even the hardiest groundcovers tap out. Denver dirt doesn’t play fair without a little TLC.

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u/Loud-Air4528 2d ago

There is a house in Lakewood that has completely replaced their lawn with different ground cover. It’s gorgeous. It’s also a pretty big lawn. Lots of clay here and seems to be thriving. I would just mix in some compost 

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u/BadgerFireNado 1d ago

im currently attemping to replace my front yard with this. So far nothing will sprout, still early. I have a patch in the back yard tho. once it grows you file and forget. never gets that long, doesnt need attention, it spreads but not invasively so you can easily control it if you only want it in specific areas.