Tips for Designing a Garden Pathway That’s Beautiful and Functional

Building a garden pathway isn’t difficult. All you need is a weed block of some sort and your path material. Still, there are things to consider. Most involve usage. What purpose will your pathway serve? What type of look do you want for your garden walkway? Have you given thought to how your garden will develop in the future? These tips can help you design a beautiful and functional garden pathway.

Consider the purpose of your pathway.

Should your path be utilitarian or decorative? It can be both. Still, if your pathway is for a vegetable garden, your personal goal might be functionality, rather than beauty. Maybe you just need a way to keep your feet out of the mud as you work. On the other hand, a decorative garden might call for a pathway to match.The choice is up to you.

Will you be kneeling on the path to garden?

You will need at least two feet of space to work in. Remember to use a material that’s comfortable to the touch. Pebbles or bark mulch paths, for instance, can poke and bruise. Cement paths can heat up in the mid-day sun. Some gardeners solve this issue by using grass pathways. Others simply wear protective knee pads.

Note:

Keep in mind that grass paths might present migration issues. You may have to weed more often or use a border to separate the grass from the garden.

Will others be strolling your garden path with you?

If so, you might wish to widen the garden path so you can walk side by side. Single file is OK in a small garden. If your garden is large, walking side by side encourages more meaningful conversation. It’s a good idea to provide rest areas with benches in larger gardens. That way visitors don’t feel rushed to finish. They can take a leisurely walk at their own pace.

Note:

Benches are helpful for tired gardeners too.

Avoiding straight lines gives a natural look.

Most people think of vegetable gardens as straight rows in succession. Actually, even vegetable gardens can be given a more natural look. You can still have your rows, but round off the edges. Rather than having one large area, plant many smaller areas, surrounded by curving pathways. It’ll make either decorative or vegetable gardens seem friendlier and more inviting.

Limit “bling” to keep focus on plant life.

Gardens are a celebration of nature, not commercialism. Scattering a few small decorative pieces along your garden path can enhance your plants. Use too much decor and your garden pathway becomes a showcase for merchandise, not wildlife. Keep the focus on mother nature with minimal decorating. Let the natural beauty of your garden shine.

Keep the future in mind.

When planning your garden pathway, consider your perennial plants. How big will they be next year? Will they overtake the path? Do you have plans for expansion? Will your current pathways have to be moved? If so, you may want to use materials that don’t require heavy lifting. Planning a garden pathway is no different than planning any other project. With an eye to the future, everything works out better in the long term.

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