Pachysandra is a very containable groundcover for most non-sunny locations. Hand pruning with pruners or even scissors on a regular basis will keep healthy pachysandra at bay.

Most pathways can be kept clear of plantings with this technique as well. Also installing plantings a little further from the paths edge will help keep a gap. However the purpose of plantings along a stepper or mulched path is to soften the edge and have a bit of an overhanging or cascading effect.

Thank you! I’ll get out the clippers.