Designing the right Garden path!

1. Think why you need the path? Is it necessary? What is its purpose? What does it link to/from? Will it be be used & by whom?

2. What is the route for the path? Normally paths go in straight directions (the way you would normally travel) but sometimes designers suggest you direct people in new ways around your garden to utilise the space better. Perhaps it will be a diagonal or even meander around your flower beds and through arches or pergolas.

3. What will you make the path out of? They can be made from paving slabs, gravel, grass, bark, rubber matting, decking and many more materials. New ones are coming on the market all the time. Try not to use more than 3 different hard materials in any one scheme. Try to match it into your existing scheme unless you are going for a radical makeover.

4. Make sure its safe and appropriate. Think about the steepness of the path, do you need to add in steps or slopes. Is the height at the start the same as the end? What about the surface will it be OK in wet weather?

5. Think about the width of the path. Most paths should be at least 1m wide to cope with wheelchairs and pushchairs and to allow you to pass another person easily. But sometimes a designer might suggest a deliberately narrow path for interest!

6. What about edging? There are lots to choose from – if you want to go contemporary what about everedge in steel ideal for edging grass or gravel paths. Or if you have a cottage try house-bricks on edge with the points upwards. But you can use anything you like for example, wooden posts, sea-shells, tiles, stones, etc.

7. Think about what you are laying it on – you need to make sure you have a good sub-base appropriate for the selected surface. For paving you need at least a 10cm sub base or you can lay on 8cm of sand.

8. Finally don’t under estimate the time it will take and the amount of spoil it might produce. You might need a mini skip.

If you need any help, then do give me a call: 01249 782988 or 07917 713 160.