Garden Pathways

When we speak of pathways, we may be speaking of a lot more than a convenient and attractive way of negotiating our outdoor living space. We may be speaking of our life’s journey and the route which takes us on that journey…and we all know that this pathway is littered with obstacles which impede the progress of our journey.

But of course, when back in the backyard and done with philosophising, we know that these actual pathways need not be an impediment to our progress at all. In fact, they should be designed to facilitate our every need in terms of negotiating the space and in terms of being an attractive asset to the infrastructure of our home.

Pathways can be as simple and as complex as their creators. They can be a short straight line pathway from the front door to the gate. They can be a link between the backdoor and the tool shed out the back…and they can be a labyrinth that interconnects the various outdoor rooms of a complex and large formal, or indeed informal garden.

When planning your pathway, whether it be a humble pathway or one on a grand scale, you need to consider such things as the width of the pathway. It ideally should be wide enough to accommodate two people walking side by side, and remember that you will probably need to be able to transport garden implements such as a wheelbarrow along the path.

What materials you use to construct the pathway depends upon the amount of use that you expect the path to get. If you expect it to be used frequently then you should consider using robust materials such as brick or concrete pavers. A gravel path may suit a situation where the path will endure relatively little use.

If paving with concrete or brick pavers, make sure that you prepare the base for the path thoroughly. If unsure about how to go about this, get the advice of someone experienced in the art.

My personal favourite pathways are those which meander mysteriously around the features of cottage gardens, revealing on the one hand the bulbs of spring, and on the other the gnarled trunks of trees which have seen more of life than I have. And what is a pathway that doesn’t take you to a place of rest? A garden bench around the next corner, I believe.

My view of gardens and pathways in relation to those gardens is romantic, but romance need not preclude the practical. A thing of beauty can be successful from a functional point of view, so let’s get on with it.

If you wish to read a lot more about the various aspects of garden paving then please check out my website at http://www.garden-paving.com.