Whether a path is being considered as a part of a whole new garden, or whether you see one little opportunity to add a path to an existing garden, I share with you, my considerations for the purpose of a garden path, and my little rule book.

1.  Only build a path where people are naturally going to walk

Normally, this is in a straight line, or in a wide sweeping curve. There needs to be a reason to walk the path – i.e. to the car, or to a point of interest, (example would be a seat), within the garden. People naturally cut across awkward corners, or not bother to use a path that does not lead to a useful place.

2. What surface is required for the anticipated traffic?  

Be practical about the amount of foot traffic expected on the surface. If the path will be used daily, to move shopping, prams or children’s equipment, the most sensible choice might be a solid paving or concrete. If it is a minor path to a small garden seat, stepping stones in gravel, or a decked surface might serve a more aesthetic purpose.

3.   What material choice will look best?

Refer to your existing surfaces, or other material decisions to make this decision. A path isn’t a highlight within a garden. It should look as though it is meant to be, and integrated into other decisions. If you already have a main, solid, paved path, a minor path could be the same paver material, set in gravel, lawn, or a groundcover. Natural bluestone paving, or steppers can look great in many situations.

This pedestrian entry path will not be used on a daily basis, and the driveway will be the main access for vehicles and bicycles. A bluestone stepping stone pedestrian path through lawn was a soft touch to this 1950’s weatherboard.

4. How wide should my path be?  

The proportion of the path in relation to other paths, and to the scale of your residence is important. Within a formal garden or larger residence, it might make sense for your main path, from front gate to front door to be significantly wide (i.e. 1.4m wide, or larger). In a small house with a cottage garden, a wide, solid path from front fence to front door could easily look too barren. A 1m wide path might be correct for a minor pedestrian path. A minimum 1.2m wide path would probably be required for a pathway that might haul children’s bikes and prams. There is a balance between the practical purpose of the path and the message that this path sends to people. Do you want to communicate “Welcome to my grand abode” or ’ vs. ‘there’s the quaint little path to the garden seat’)

A wide, solid sandstone paver to the front door provides practical purpose whilst a complementary natural sandstone stepper pathway provides a minor path.  

5.  The economics of a path, now and into the future.

There are many times and places where a simple, inexpensive gravel path is the right choice. They can be perfect for creating a minor path, or adding to a country atmosphere. Be mindful however that over time, they may require further compaction, top dressing and not respond well to heavy downpours. Similarly, groundcovers grown between pavers can be a softer addition to a path but require irrigation and maintenance. Exposed concrete and solid paving might be the more expensive option at the outset, but built correctly, they become a set and forget asset to your property. Again, there is not a right decision but another consideration in the many thoughts that arise when you make a decision to add a path within your garden.

Stepping stone pathways, where appropriate, are often an inexpensive choice. Some maintenance, weeding and water supply is required to keep groundcovers (dichondra repens) growing well between these steppers.

Another stepping stone example for a minor path (recycled sleepers). The mulched finish between these pavers may be suitable for a minor path, but if used regularly, mulch may tread from foot to other pathways.

This article considers my personal preferences for pathways. I have developed these ideas from my design courses, work experiences, and review and follow up of different projects. I have not touched upon some feng-shui principles of a garden and pathways, which I also know to be important for some people.    

Perhaps you have an idea for a garden path at your house?

Feel free to contact Brendan on 0411 660 855 to discuss, or seek a quotation.

Courtyard front garden

In some cases, an enclosed front fence opens up the opportunity for a whole new, courtyard garden area. Recently we have undertaken a few front fence projects, and assisted our client with details such as seeking council consent, organising the building permit and building the masonry components (brick or rendered besser block). We have also coordinated associated products and services such as rendering, painting, driveway gates, and metal infill and electrics. Here is a before and after shot of one example. The existing brick pillars have been retained, panels have been cut to suit new gate positioning (and feng shui requirements). A besser block infill, rendered finish and new gates have created a whole new look, and a private 8x8m courtyard space that collects the morning sun.   To create a very practical space, we have deleted steps from the entry and created a ramped, paved surface. To completely finish the property, we also coordinated council approvals, and necessary traffic management to widen the property’s crossover – perfect for our double driveway entry. It’s great when we get the opportunity to work to such level of detail, adding useable space, and comfort within a property. We look forward to seeing the plants fill out in spring!

BEFORE

AFTER

NEW COURTYARD SPACE

 We look forward to seeing the plants grow up in Spring!

2010 saw Desired Landscapes undertake a garden display at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.  The space, designed by our in-house designer, Jenna Mellerick and constructed by Desired Landscapes received acclaim with a bronze garden and first prize award.

We were proud of our achievement within the garden show and can now reflect that a show garden does provide one real opprortunity for a designer and crew to really display their core design style and preferences.  Without compromise, the designer can select the colours, plants, dimensions and materials that she would choose with a free reign.  For Desired Landscapes, this display garden shows our interest in creating spaces that are useable and functional for people -a courtyard area with raised walls provides ample opportunity for seating and the surrounding plants provide a sense of encapsulation within nature.  Our surfaces referred to our preference for natural stones, bluestone capping and granitic sand.

Following the Garden Show experience and back to real life,  we recognise there are so many more considerations within a garden than what can be presented within a display.  Desired Landscapes values garden design that matches into architecture and local environments.  We work around existing garden features and site considerations (soil, land slope, shade and sun).  Our garden design also provides practical solutions to common household concerns around garden privacy, views, and practical placements of barbeques, bins and even the clothesline.  We are conscious of budget constraints and client preferences with plants and material choices. 

A Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show display was great fun and a very exciting time in our business, but we are also very happy to get back to our core work - working with home owners to solve the design issues that exist within real gardens and creating beautiful and enduring outdoor spaces for our clients to enjoy with friends and family.