Gardens are loved by many homeowners and research shows that 87% of UK homes use them for different purposes, with the most common being relaxation and entertainment. Your garden can blend functionality with aesthetics and transform your outdoor space into one worth spending time in. You can enhance this further by creating a pathway through your garden. Creating the perfect garden path is an art that requires planning and other considerations to make the space worth its value. This post explores three key steps to create a masterpiece garden path that serves a practical purpose and adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.
Plan the path
Thoughtful planning is significant to a garden pathway and is the first thing to do before buying the required materials. First, envision the overall design and purpose of the pathway you intend to create in the garden. Does your garden have a natural flow, and does it have key features like seating and flower bed locations? Can you determine if your garden has always had lots of foot traffic, which is beginning to affect flower beds? These are vital considerations in determining the layout and location of the garden pathway.
You don’t need technical expertise to do a rough sketch of your garden layout. You can start by indicating the spot you want the path to run through. Use design software if you’re good with computers to help you get a visual representation of your ideas. The good thing with design software is the range of pre-set layouts to simplify the drawing process. You can choose a curved garden pathway or a straight one, but what you settle for will depend on practical elements like the width of the path and the type of surface.
Choose the right materials
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, choosing the right material based on its durability will go a long way to ensure that your garden path lasts for several years. A popular and versatile garden path option is block paving. By interlocking concrete blocks, you get a visually stunning garden pathway with a durable surface that is less likely to be damaged by water or sunlight. Many households prefer the block paving method because they can be arranged in different patterns to add a personalised element to the garden.
You can also rely on natural stones, recycled bricks, or salvaged tiles to add a touch of eco-friendliness to the project. Remember that every material comes with its own set of characteristics, so consider that before opting for them. These characteristics will also determine maintenance expectations and environmental concerns. The choices are endless but the onus rests with you to use what works for your garden aesthetics and the environment.
Consider landscaping and maintenance
Thoughtful landscaping enhances your home’s surroundings and increases property value. The best way to soften the hard appearance of the garden pathway and create a seamless transition is to add ground cover plants along the edges. Doing this helps create a seamless transition between the garden and the newly constructed pathway. Enhance the landscaping by incorporating lighting elements to illuminate the path at night. It’s best to use solar-powered options to cut down on your monthly electric consumption.
When everything is done, regular maintenance will ensure that your garden pathway maintains its appeal as when it was first constructed. It is recommended to pull weeds along the edges and clear organic debris that collects on the path’s surface. Some households add a layer of jointing sand along the garden pathway to prevent weed growth, and you can do the same. Sand enriched with sodium silicate works better than ordinary sand. Also, it helps to power-wash the surface periodically to dislodge dirt and clear stains that may have appeared on the pathway’s surface.
