How to Design Paths in the Garden

Paths can not only be useful in the landscape, they can lead you from one space to another. They can save your lawn from having worn out trails and guide the walker through delicate parts of the garden. They can create the illusion of trails on small properties or turn into longer trails on larger pieces of land.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   A gently curving path

   Design paths to get double duty, that is, make them useful AND decorative. Paths that go nowhere are disappointing. Most paths that make a bee-line straight to their goal are very severe looking. A little curve usually works best. It can be an angular curve if the style you are working with has a geometric feel. A serpentine curve that leads you all over will only work where the walk itself is a goal. If the path is utilitarian people -- most being somewhat impatient -- will simply cut across the path to get to the end faster.

2. 
    
   Paths that disappear out of site create a sense of mystery.

   Paths that curve out of sight are very intriguing and are inviting to the eye.

3. 
    
   Longer trails are great for exercising or children's play vehicles.

   If you have a fair amount of land, you can carve it up into sections for various uses -- like gardens, orchards, play or sport areas, entertainment areas, swimming pools or hot tubs, vegetable gardens, lawns, pet areas or anything else -- using the path for both access and border definition. You can also make a sports path that winds around your property and offers a trail for jogging or biking.

4. 
    

   Paths can be made of many materials. They need to be durable in all kinds of weather. You want pathways to be easy to walk on and maybe even smooth enough to roll something on if there is a chance you'll be moving a items like a wheel barrow or a bicycle along them. Try rock, stone, brick, decomposed granite, gravel or pavers. You can also pave them with concrete or asphalt. Unsurfaced paths can get muddy and dusty. You will also have to battle weeds constantly if your path is not surfaced.

5. Paths can be a major defining aspect of a landscape, giving it form and shape. A good pathway adds texture and beauty as well as practical use. Consider designing paths and walkways into your garden.

Resources

• Gates & Croft Horticultural Design ideas and info.
• How to design with stepping stones
• How to use permeable and porus pavign
• How to do a landscape design plan

[Sush56]

on 9/10/2008 Great landscaping tips!