Stepables come in individual pots so you can purchase just a few. Or, you can buy one of each type you want to try and decide which you like most later.

Classy Groundcovers, on the other hand, sells their plants in bulk, 50 to a flat. The more you buy, the less you pay per plant.

With plants from either company, treat them as you would any other perennial. Many can be divided before planting with a sharp knife. Water well after planting and until they are established.

As for spacing, the Stepables Web site has a handy plant calculator. You put in the size of the garden and the spacing you want to use between plants, before your eyes appear the square footage of your garden and the recommended number of plants. If you need to add top soil before planting, it'll figure that for you too.

For more information on growing groundcovers, go to www.stepables.com and www.classygroundcovers.com.

(Nancy O'Donnell owns Perennial Graphics Nursery in Schaighticoke, N.Y. Contact her by e-mail at dodonnell@nycap.rr.com. Gardener's Notebook can be found online at timesunion.com/life)