Sagina subulata
Irish moss is an evergreen perennial plant that forms a dense carpet, sometimes in little mounds, that is not only beautiful to look at, but is also soft and cushiony to walk on. The rich emerald green foliage only grows a couple of centimetres high, but can spread to around 30cm or more. It looks very similar to a moss (as many of its common names suggest) but is in fact not one, but a member of the carnation family, Carophyllaceae.
Tiny little white flowers pop up on straight stems about 3cm high from spring to summer, turning the carpet into a miniature meadow. It may look delicate, but will bounce back well after being walked on. It makes a great edging for a bed, a plant to soften rocks, and a low-maintenance groundcover for a minimalist garden. It also does well in pots, and you will often find it in fairy gardens.
