I'm in the middle of a big garden redesign, reducing the size of the vegetable area and creating a new family garden.

I would like to turn one of the veggie plots into a "stepable" lawn substitute. Can anyone suggest tough, earth-friendly, easy-to-maintain perennials that take foot traffic. Preferably aromatic plants and suitable for a mediterranean climate in Puglia, southern Italy (long hot summers with temperatures from high 20's often reaching low 40's, generally mild, can be wet, winters. Occasionally winter temperatures can drop to 0 but its unusual).

Also, should I weed kill the area before planting out, and if so with what, and how long before planting.

Thanks for all your help, suggestions etc!!

Hi, Andiamo, have just noticed you enquiry and whilst I am not familiar with your region of Italy, many of the plants that you grow we also grow here in Cornwall UK. I would suggest that you talk to your local nurserymen or the plant sellers at your local market (if you have one) Ask whether or not you could use camomile, which is the traditional alternative to grass, especially if you need a plant that is aromatic and the other I would suggest would be the low carpeting varieties of Thyme. With both of these, they will only stand a limited level of 'footfall' and depending on the size of the area, I have had great success in the past by adding slate stepping stones randomly to the area and planting inbetween, this will just ease the 'pressure' on the planting as people tend to walk mainly on the slate. As regards preparation, I would prepare it the same as if I was preparing a lawn; Remove or kill any existing weeds (spray with Glysophate-Round up) Cultivate the area, level and rake, removing any large stones etc. when you have a reasonably flat, firm, level surface which is free of perennial weeds and stones add a 2cm. layer of sharpe sand or fine grit (4mm to dust) and rake into the top 5cm. of soil, this will ensure that the winter drainage is good (a must for either camomile or thyme) The best time for planting would be in the spring and you would need to keep off the area until the plants are established.
I hope some of this is of use, best wishes Lannerman

Course I can (sorry)! How about corsican mint? Very low growing and very aromatic. Judging from its name, it should be well suited to the heat. Her's the entry from my 'RHS Encyclopedia':

"Mentha requienii (Corsican mint): Semi-evergreen, creeping perennial. Height to 1 cm (1/2 inch), spread indefinite. Frost hardy.
When crushed, rounded, bright apple green leaves exude a strong peppermint fragrance. Carries tiny, stemless, lavender purple flowers in summer. Suits a rock garden or paved path. Needs shade and moist soil."

Surely the last sentence is wrong? I think it would do well in sun and, as long as it was watered regularly while in the establishment phase, it would cope with heat/drought after the first year or so? I'm planning to get some myself at some point but at present, I'm very limited as far as gardening goes since I'm only at the house 12 weeks (not consecutive )of the year.

Any advice from you about gardening in Puglia gratefully received!

Thanks for that, will have a look out for corsican mint. Gardening advice, ummh, what sort of garden are you planning. I do intermittantly record my gardening experiences on http://www.andiamoinitalia.co.uk/and...ning-in-puglia

Thanks for that.