Paths
By: Garden Gate staff
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Gravel and pebbles
Alternate the fine texture of pea gravel with smooth Mexican beach pebbles. A contrasting pairing like this makes for a path that really pops in the yard, especially alongside foliage plants.
This chevronlike pattern isn’t just beautiful, it adds movement, too, almost pointing the way to visitors walking along.
MAKE IT Once you’ve decided on the textures and colors of the gravel and pebbles you’ll use, edging is next. Without a strong, sturdy material lining your path, such as steel or thick strips of plastic, it’s impossible to keep smaller sized rock in place for long. Just hold a leaf blower at an angle parallel to the path’s surface (so nothing scatters) to remove debris.
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Grass and stone
Want a path that adds lots of texture to your garden? Mixing materials, such as the grass and stone above, makes for an interesting contrast and creates more green space in this shaded area.
MAKE IT Well-placed stones, spaced at natural strides, will help prevent worn grass where there’s heavy foot traffic. Sections of turf like these are easy to manage, too. Because it’s edged with brick, this grass stays neat, and it only takes a few minutes to run your mower over a patch this size — very little special trimming is needed.
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Bricks or pavers
Two of the most traditional materials you can choose for your path, bricks and pavers come in all shapes and colors and are easy to arrange into endless patterns.
MAKE IT In shady areas, clean brick surfaces to keep them clear of slippery moss, algae or lichens. Use an organic alternative to bleach or other chemicals, such as GreenCleanFX Moss, Mold & Mildew Treatment, available at True Value stores, to avoid harming plants along your path.
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