Here's the issue. I have a very small Japanese-inspired garden (working towards becoming more authentic). The site is on a rather steep bank next to the house. In the summer the area gets a little too dry to support mosses or Irish/Scotch moss. I've tried.

What I'm considering using is creeping thyme. I think that it will give the right look from the viewpoint of this garden, which is designed to be seen primarily from my kitchen window.

I'm wondering if anyone has a suggestion for something else with a little lighter coloring. Something a bit closer to the vivid green of ground moss or Irish moss, but that doesn't have their high moisture needs. I don't think I'll be unhappy with the thyme, but if there's something that would better replicate the look, I'd be glad to know of it.