Are you getting ready to do some upgrades to your landscaping on a mid to large-sized property? You will want to maintain adequate access to all your DFW outdoor living areas and special features. Consider this - an isolated reflecting pool with no way to get near (other than wading through mud) doesn’t offer much enjoyment. What a waste!
Creative Conduits
Adding a few rugged surface
pathways that will hold up to frequent use can make your entire property more accessible. Remember that getting from point A to point B is only part of the purpose of a garden path. It should also lead you to your destination along the most eye-pleasing route possible.
When you are plotting the layout of your path, take advantage of existing features such as large trees to guide the trail in gentle curves that wind through your property. The path should fit organically with the surrounding landscape - as if it was meant to be there.
Possible Material Choices:
+ Stepping stones
+ Interlocking pavers
+ Bricks
+ Cast concrete
+ Mortared flagstone
+ Wood planking
+ Cement
+ Adobe
+ Gravel
+ Smooth river stones
+ Wood chips
+ Rubber Mulch
These materials can be combined to create the ideal path for your property. For example, you might outline the edges of the pathway with bricks and fill in the walking surface with foot-friendly wood chips or long-lasting rubber mulch. Or, consider a
glazed concrete trail with gravel borders for easy travel and good drainage.
Your trail doesn’t have to be completely solid and utilitarian if that doesn’t appeal to you. For a “wild” look, you could choose stone or brick set into the ground but with no mortar filling the gaps. Sprinkle wild flower seeds over the path and let them grow in the crevices. Or, intersperse patches of moss with the stepping stones to create a living lane that feels cool and delicious under your bare feet.
Pick a Theme for Continuity
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Do you have an existing wood deck? Consider using this material to lead you into the rest of your property with wood plank pathways and bridges.
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Does your home boast a lovely stone façade? Incorporate a terraced stone stairway into a sloping area of your property to continue that theme.
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Is there a water feature near the trail? Consider mixing blue glass landscaping rocks with the gravel in your pathway to accentuate the cool, refreshing ambience.
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Mix It Up For Visual/Textural Interest
If you have separated your property into “
garden rooms”, think about using a different pathway surface for each room. Or, simply plant a different border to differentiate each section of the path. For example, your formal garden room might be bordered with low hedges or colorful flower beds. Fragrant rosemary or lavender could line the trail to provide aromatherapy in your tranquil relaxation garden room.
Whatever vegetation you choose, make sure it is planted far enough from the trail that it will not impede walking as it grows lush and thick. The less time you have to spend pruning along your pathways, the more you will enjoy them.