Irish moss, another of our Toe Ticklers steppables, forms a plush emerald cushion barely an inch tall, dotted in spring with tiny white star flowers. It is the classic filler between flagstones and the go-to carpet for fairy gardens and container edges.

Give it sun to part sun, ideally with a break from the hottest afternoon rays here, and soil that stays evenly moist but drains well; it dislikes both drought and standing water. It handles light foot traffic and stays green through winter.