How to Design a Garden Path
A garden path enables you to get from one point to another without trampling the plants growing along the path. However, it can be much more than that; designing your garden path is fun and gives you a chance to get creative. You can make the path a straighforward line, or a curvy, tranquil, journey where you wonder what you will see next.
Materials needed to design a garden path
- Pencil
- Paper
- Rope
- Sticks
- Pictures of plants, trees and flowers
Designing a garden path
- Draw designs with pencil and paper. Make a straight path and some curvy paths. Be sure to have your paths leading to each place you may need to go. For example, the dining area, the gate, the driveway, to the trash barrels. Experiment with different turns and curves.
- Add plants, bushes and trees along your path. Take into account how these items will look when full grown. If you have pictures of the items you wish to use, you can cut them out and attach them to the paper. Bushes and trees near curves help to block the view of what is coming up next, allowing you to put a surprise beyond the curve, maybe an extra-large grouping of flowers, or a garden sculpture. It is a good idea to choose a color scheme and stick with it to make your garden path have a pulled together cohesive look. Low going plants work well along the edge of a garden path.
- Using rope and some sticks, mark out your garden path on your property. Test it to see how it feels and works. Walk the path to each area you have the path leading to. Leave it for a day or so to get the feel for how it will fit in with everyday life. Make any changes and adjustments necessary so it is a better fit for you and your family. For example, you may want to make the section leading to the trash cans straighter to make the walk to the barrels quicker.
- Determine what material you want to use for your path. Bricks or pavers are good choices as they are sturdy and not slippery.
- Dig out the area for your garden path, or hire someone to take your design and bring it from paper to reality. If you dig the area yourself, be sure to check with your local dig safe office. You will want to dig down about eight inches. Place a layer of gravel next, then a layer of sand before installing bricks or pavers.
- Plant your flowers, bushes and trees along your garden path.