Last year, we installed raised beds in our small kitchen garden, taking advantage of some free, massive beams and the ability to build them ourselves (thank you, Dad!). With the beds in place, we finally found a use for the mountain of bricks we had dug up from our yard. (We seem to "grow" bricks—no idea where they came from, but they appear every time we dig into the soil!) We used them to create pathways through the raised beds, offering both charm and function by repurposing something that’s made to last.
With narrow strips of dirt left between our paths, we naturally began to think about how to use them. We also wanted something that could help control weeds. After some thought, we chose thyme, a reliable favorite for tight spaces. It’s not only attractive but also highly functional, with the added benefit of releasing a wonderful fragrance when walked on. Plus, thyme bounces back even after being trampled—perfect for those narrow gaps. There are several prostrate or creeping thyme varieties that thrive in such conditions.
But then we had an idea—why not try oregano in those same tight margins? We picked up a few 3-inch pots and tucked them between the thyme plants. These weren’t creeping oregano varieties; they grew a little taller, but we honestly didn’t overthink it—we just figured, "Why not?"
And they thrived! The oregano flourished, growing both up and out with vigor. Not only did we have fresh oregano all season, but we also enjoyed a dense, attractive patch of its dark grey-green leaves lining our paths. The scent was an added bonus every time we passed by, and the oregano took regular trampling in stride. It was as carefree as could be, even when we pruned it back.
This spring, we decided to remove the bricks from the paths. Our initial setup hadn’t kept them level, and they weren’t holding up as we’d hoped. The bricks are now neatly stacked by the chicken yard, waiting for their next purpose. Instead of bricks, we mulched the paths, which is likely a better solution, even if it lacks the charm of the bricks. In the process, we also had to remove the thyme and oregano. It was trickier than we anticipated, especially with the oregano, which had formed a dense root mat. Had we left it, it would have spread aggressively, potentially overtaking the thyme.
It turns out that oregano isn’t just good for adding flavor to pizza or Mexican dishes—it can be an excellent ground cover, too. While I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about plants, I love when something surprises me, and oregano definitely did. Of course, I know we weren’t the first to realize this; a quick internet search shows that oregano is often used as ground cover or even as a lawn replacement. But there’s something special about discovering it for yourself. It’s a reminder of how wonderful it can be to experiment with plants and see what they have in store for you.
