by Kristen West
creating a beautiful way to navigate the yard and garden
IF YOU’RE LACKING a designated path to your front door, to backyard structures or even meandering around your yard or garden, consider adding one for beauty, function or just for fun. A pretty path can give your yard that finished touch you’ve been longing for. Taking time to plan your walkway— whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional landscaper—is essential to ensure a smooth process. Fortunately, this is part of the fun.
To start, decide whether your pathway is for business or pleasure. Is its purpose to take you from one place to another, or will it gently meander its way through the garden on a sensory-pleasing journey? A curved pathway can make the yard or garden feel larger and has a more natural appearance, while a straight path will craft a cleaner, more formal look that tends to lead to things like sheds, pools or entranceways.
Draw out a plan or mark a temporary path outside to see how it looks. Consider things like scale, whether the area is level and if it has enough drainage. Depending on its intended use, the path might need to be wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side or for you to push a wheelbarrow. If the area is sloped, a zig-zagged, wandering or even staired path might be appropriate. If the area is prone to some standing water or heavy runoff, choose more permeable materials to help with drainage like crushed or fine gravel.
Other common materials include concrete, pavers and flagstone. Concrete is one of the less expensive, more durable options that will withstand the summer heat. You can use stamped and colored concrete to imitate natural stones, brick or wood. Pavers are popular for a uniform and smooth appearance and consistency in size. Flagstone can be installed over sand or embedded in concrete and can be a versatile option with natural patterns, shapes and textures. Consider the cost, level of maintenance your walkway will require, plus the safety and comfort of those who will be walking on it.
Outline your path with metal or plastic edgers to keep loose materials such as rocks contained. You can also use brick, stones or larger boulders depending on the space. For a softer look, line the edges with greenery like small plants and flowers.
Draw your eyes along the garden path with a focal point like a bench, a large tree or sculpture. You can add a pergola dressed in climbing plants like honeysuckle or a fragrant wisteria as an entrance feature.
The best garden pathways incorporate both aesthetics and purpose—in other words, make it appealing and functional at the same time. With a little bit of planning, you can upgrade your yard or garden with an inviting pathway that will serve you for years to come.
