Landscaping: Perfect Primrose Paths

When one thinks of a garden, the image usually brought to mind is that of dazzling flowers and bright shrubs, elegant trees providing a cool shady canopy, and a lush lawn surrounding the area. Of course, this is understandable; bright, bold and colorful, this is how gardens are usually designed. A garden is an elaborate stage, filled with beautiful actors and actresses who each play their own parts in making that garden a simply enchanting place. When one mentions the word ‘garden,’ it usually evokes one, if not all of the following words: bright, bold and beautiful.

But also like a stage, there are those who play key roles, yet remain hidden from sight. The quiet workhorses, they often work behind the scenes or are designed so as to be nearly invisible. Our paths, trails and walkways are often overlooked and understated, designed for functuality; simply as a way to get from point A to point B. In fact, many fail to realize that a well-laid walkway can either make or break a garden.

Instead of thinking of your walkway as an accent to your garden, you should think of it as a backbone. Taking some time to plan out your path can be the difference between an average garden and a stunning retreat that you will never want to leave. If properly done, a nice path will accent your home perfectly, increasing not only your personal aesthetic value, but also increasing property value. Here are a few helpful things to take into consideration, while you go about planning out your primrose path:

Materials

There are any number of interesting materials that can be put to use in your garden paths; you are only limited by your own creativity. Colorful or textured stepping stones can create a lighthearted journey through your garden, whereas intricate laid brickwork or cobblestones can create interesting geometric patterns for your pleasure. The crunch of gravel, underfoot, can be a relaxing sound or if you like to appeal to the sense of smell, you might try an aromatic material such as a cocoa mulch.

Whatever senses you wish to stimulate, you can do so while turning your garden into a relaxing retreat. One thing to keep in mind, however, is the practicality of the different materials that you wish to use. While a mulch walk may be useful in drought-prone areas, it can prove messy in a garden that receives a lot of rain on a regular basis. Gravel is very nice and inexpensive, but you may want to take into consideration snowfall, if you live in a northern state; in this case, it may prove more beneficial to lay down some tightly arranged bluestone, in order to make the snow-shoveling easier. Also keep your budget in mind, as well. Brick and bluestone may create a breathtaking walkway, but gravel and stepping stones may be more practical for your pocketbook.

Size Matters

Regardless what they say, size does matter; at least, when you are talking garden paths, that is. Take a moment and consider the size of path that you want to lay down and the type of plants you intend to place along it; your path should compliment your home, so you will want to try and match it up in a way that will be flattering. Common errors are making garden paths too narrow (especially when bordered by tall and/or dense foliage), making the path seem dark, confining and claustrophobic, or making the walkways too wide, in which case, they tend to make the house look small and insignificant. Avoid the gaudy look and take a few minutes to plan and plot out your pathways; the key to a beautiful garden is taking the time to plan it all out before you ever make a move to lay it down.

Stimulate the Eye

Once you have your plan plotted out, you should take your borders into consideration next. What kind of look do you want for your garden? Something neat, clean, and orderly? Or perhaps you want your garden to be more whimsical and romantic, with soft edges of flowers spilling out onto your walkway. Whatever look you decide to go with, you will want to create an environment that stimulates the senses; try using different heights and layers to your garden, keeping the eyes moving and intrigued. Comfortable benches, cozy reading retreats, bird feeders and fountains all add interest in your garden and can accent your beautiful paths.

With a well-planned walkway, you are setting the scene for people as they walk up to your home, as well as giving some insight as to the person you are. Remember, your home is a reflection of who you are, and a beautiful walkway leading to your front door can only make a good impression. Don those gloves and get creative!