One of the loveliest features of being a homeowner is being able to relax and unwind in your outdoor spaces. Gardening has become a popular hobby for millions of Americans, young and old. Designing your backyard area is a matter of taste and space. Creating accessible paths in your garden can keep your yard looking elegant while being safe.
Garden paths help keep your grassy areas neat and clean. High traffic outdoor areas can become sloppy, muddy and worn-looking after years of use. Slippery and uneven grass can add an element of danger to your yard in the form of a fall hazard. Even and well-maintained garden paths can give you the secure footing that you want.
Set a route through your yard with your garden paths that can lead you to your backyard shed with ease, allowing your air conditioner repair technician easy access to your unit when needed and lazily wander through the highlights of your garden. There are several different garden path materials to consider before you start blazing your paths. Check out your local Home & Garden show for some ideas on how to build and map out your design.
Crushed Gravel
There are many different sizes of crushed gravel to choose from when planning your garden path. From the small pea-sized rocks to roughly cut stone, the choice is a matter of taste and comfort for walking.
Gravel is a long-lasting choice that won’t fade or dissolve after years of use. If you put down landscape fabric before laying your gravel you will have very little weed growth to deal with.
Cement
If you are planning a more formal or high traffic pathway you should consider concrete. It will hold up well in all weather conditions and last for many years. The process is a bit more extensive than with other methods.
You will have to build a pouring encasing or mold to hold the concrete while poured until it is set. You can even use shaped concrete molds for a more customized look.
Brick
A brick pathway is a classic addition to any English style garden. Brick is a bit more expensive and labor-intensive. It gives you the freedom of choosing many different colors and intricate to simple designs for your pathways. You can complement your brick patio by extending it will charming brick paths that span out into your garden.
Wood Chips/Mulch
If you are going for a more natural look, you can make your garden paths with wood chips or shredded mulch. This is a good pathway solution for areas that get a lot of rain and need to have good drainage.
This casual looking path material can be found in many colors to complement your outdoor decor. You will have to spruce up your wood chips every couple of years as they will naturally start to deteriorate back into the soil.
Stepping Stones
If you don’t need a continuous path you might want to go with a charming line of stepping stones. Using granite or slate pavers is a great way to start your pathway. There is no need for the building to be too detailed, just place each stone within walking reach of each other and you can lead them in any direction that you need to go. This is a great solution for tighter areas or alleyways.
Conclusion
Adding a system of pathways to your outdoor space can add an elegant and beautiful charm to your garden. Give yourself easy and safe access to your backyard shed and garden beds without the risk of a slip and fall. Choose your path material according to your conditions and the decor style that will be the perfect match for your outdoor space.
