I've had similar experiences with Corsican mint. It smells fantastic, but it just doesn't hold up under regular foot traffic. Thyme definitely seems tougher overall.
"Does better in spots with occasional rather than constant stepping."
Have you considered mixing the two? Maybe thyme in the high-traffic areas and Corsican mint around the edges or in spots less frequently walked on...could give you the best of both worlds.
Mixing them could actually be a smart move. Thyme definitely holds up better under regular stepping, while Corsican mint gives that amazing scent. Like you said:
"thyme in the high-traffic areas and Corsican mint around the edges"
Seems like a practical compromise...worth trying imo.
I've actually tried something similar last spring, and here's a quick rundown if you're curious:
1. Clear out the patio edges first—trust me, it's easier to plant mint before thyme takes over.
2. Space Corsican mint plugs about 6-8 inches apart; they'll fill in surprisingly fast.
3. Thyme goes in the main walkway areas—it's tougher and can handle foot traffic without looking scraggly.
"thyme in the high-traffic areas and Corsican mint around the edges"
Exactly this. Worked pretty well for me...plus, stepping on mint barefoot is a bonus I didn't expect.
Thyme goes in the main walkway areas—it's tougher and can handle foot traffic without looking scraggly. Exactly this.
Mint underfoot does sound nice...but did you find any issues with bees or insects being drawn to the mint near seating areas? I've noticed mint flowers can attract pollinators, which is great for the garden overall, but maybe not ideal right next to patio furniture. Curious if this was a thing for you or if Corsican mint behaves differently.
I've had Corsican mint near my patio chairs for a couple seasons now, and honestly haven't noticed much bee activity around it. Regular mint definitely draws pollinators when it flowers, but Corsican mint seems way more subtle...might be worth a shot?
