A garden path is an enticing invitation. It provides a comfortable route for plant maintenance. A garden path that is well-built of well-designed enhances the functionality and livability of any home garden.
Dream backyards cannot be had all of a sudden. It takes gardening and landscaping for years to see an oasis at your home. Decorating the backyard by taking small steps also ensures you have your yard and a garden path.
How to build a small garden path
Building a garden path should be such that it is beneficial and needs low maintenance. Thus, deciding on a workable budget, proper materials, and to suit your taste is the goal.
Stepping Stone Designs
Stepping stones are square or round. They form a walkway path on setting it in the ground. The stepping stones prevent people from placing their feet on the grass. It is also easy for guests to stroll around the garden. Build a garden pathway using stepping stone, in your style.
- Lay it as flat pavers or stones in a row such that it is having one step distance.
- Lay through a lawn by removing the underneath grass for the stone to sit.
- Keep the earth free of wobbly rocks below each stone, so that it stays steady.
Stoneware Timber
A great choice is Stoneware Timber if you wish the pavers should appear as any natural stone. They are available in different colors that look perfect to suit any theme and style of your garden. The biggest advantage is it is durable, steady and needs low maintenance.
Timber Stone Pavers
These pavers steal the natural timber’s look. It offers the benefits of stone. It is termite-proof and weather-proof, so you need not be concerned about its durability. A great alternative for people loving a reclaimed or a textured wood look. It will never rot or splinter.
Permeable pavers
These are solid concrete surfaces that can be laid on a bed of gravel. Suitable even for wide spaces. It filters pollutants and runoff is prevented. Permeable pavers are porous and filters rainwater. Its interlocking grid system gives a beautiful look. It is environmentally friendly that it is a great pick for a garden path, a driveway, or a patio.
Brick Patterns
One of the popular choices is brick patterns. They complement the landscape and durability is the biggest advantage. As a weekend project, use old bricks and plan a DIY garden path. Brick patterns look unique in any pattern. Make a rustic path attractive with brick patterns, but ensure to lay the bricks over an uneven surface.
- Create a path that is lined up, leveled and has no major gaps.
- Play with layout and patterns, ensure a solid solution.
Informal Garden Paths
Having a winding gravel path offers the ease of maintenance. Gravel and mulch are cost-effective pathway materials. They are easy to construct and are the best path ideas. You just have to:
- Eliminate the sol
- Level the landscape fabric
- Spread the gravel or mulch
Gravel and mulch paths can be anything wood chip trails, meandering or well-planned designs. They can be formal or casual depending on the edging material and design. Choose loose materials such that it can be decorative mulch, coarse bark, crushed shells or gravel and also washed stones.
Mulch
Mulch is always appropriate for garden paths mainly the cocoa bean, wood chips, and cypress bark. They are lighter than stone, easy to spread. Cheaper than stone pebbles and gravel. Remember:
- Avoid using wood chips or bark or mulch in the poor drainage areas.
- Organic paths decompose after some time, rejuvenate once in two to five years.
Get organic materials of mulch, check with a landscape supplier or a local nursery. Plan for a layer of 3-inch-deep and 3ft width.
Gravel
Gravel for paths is inexpensive. There are the crushed limestone, crushed gravel, and pea rock. Go ahead with washed gravel for a longer-lasting or formal path. Even crushed shells or crushed stone lasts longer. Gravel is sold by the ton. Crushed stone does not get kicked off and instead forms a firm surface. Remember:
- Occasional weeding is required so that it lasts indefinitely and looks best.
- Having ½ inch smaller stones are ideal for paths underfoot and when packed together.
- The stones may get into your house, so never place them near the entries
Garden path tips
- Going Classic: It means considering red brick or clay driveway pavers. Ensure the pavers are installed perfectly to offer the classic appeal.
- Complement Your Architecture: Your garden path should complement your style. It should match the structure and design of your house. E.g. Rectangular paver stone and symmetric lines make an ideal pathway for a formal home.
- Add Fragrance: Flowers aroma promotes energy and creates a good mood, giving a relaxed feel. Choose fragrant flowers such as lily, lavender, and magnolia. Incorporate flowers and plants benefitting the environment.
- Keep It Simple and Lit: A garden path should be safe even after sunset. Add a lighting fixture outdoor to keep it illuminated.
