Create attractive and original pathways in your garden

For many of us a garden is a place to do what you like but also a place to relax and get a break from city noises and work stress. A place where you can release all the negative energy, clear your head and see results of your creative work. So, today we shall tell you how to create interesting and original pathways in your garden.

You can design paths based on what you grow in your garden, as well as on the style of your garden. In addition to aesthetics and elegance, paths should create logical connections and separate grassy parts from flower beds for example. So, get creative and get to work!

Photo: Pxhere

Sky is the limit in terms of creation

By making logical and elegant connections you are actually increasing the value of your garden. But there are still few basic rules you should follow. When choosing materials and types of walkways, keep in mind that it needs to have certain logic.

Your garden is probably already divided into few sections, so you need to plan what parts you want to connect and which ones you want to emphasize. You should stick to one style and not change the style in the same section. For example, if you want to have a Chinese Garden of Life on one side with raised gravel beds for bonsai plans no problem, but use one style. Stick to stepping stones for example.

If you want to create an open, fertile garden with more frequent walkways and separated flower beds you should use the same style again. Plan everything in advance and keep it under control. You can find many tips on the Internet telling you how to create walkways for different types of gardens.

Prepare in advance

Before starting and implementing your ideas, check and buy all the necessary tools including all materials. If you are not sure, make a list. In any case, you will need a bucket, a saw, a rake a spade, a wheelbarrow and a rubber mallet. You may also need a shovel and some heavy-duty tools.

For a typical walkway you should prepare the surface first. It should be flat and firm, most often reinforced with fine gravel. The width of the path should be 60 cm. As for side paths, well, it depends on the space you have, but 40 – 50 cm should be enough. If you create a pathway leading to a cottage or a little garden house, the width of the path should be 100 – 120 cm.

A properly prepared surface should support the pathway for several years. Make sure to lay paving stones and other types of walkways correctly.

First, clean the area thoroughly. You need to remove weeds, dirt and stones from the pathway. The soil height must correspond with the height of the paving . Use gravel for paving and when done cover the pavement with a layer of fine sand.

Photo: Pixabay

Creativity

Paths should not be too straight so, if you can, create interesting patterns and let your imagination run wild. Edges may be wavy or jagged. You do not have to maintain the same width either and you should make interesting curves.

Attractiveness

If you are going for a casual style then you should probably use gravel and mulch. These two components are the cheapest and will nicely complement stone walkways. These materials are very easy to handle too.

Gravel and mulch are the best choice for winding turns and you can use many varieties of mulch and gravel. Mulch bark is sold as a decorative material and comes in various colours and prices. However, the simplest option should be enough. As for gravel, you can use washed stones, shells or crushed gravel.

Mulch decomposes naturally, so you need to add more mulch about once a year. Mulch also adds moisture and nutrients to the soil and is much cheaper than gravel. However, if you use sharp stones you may be able to eliminate invasion of slugs.

Source: ireceptar.cz

Preview photo: Pxhere