Build a simple, durable garden path

A pathway will lead you and visitors through your garden, up to the front entry or to those little hidden areas that help make your garden so well designed. Every pathway should be sturdy and made to last through many years of weather and processions of feet. A pathway should add to the garden but not standout like a sore thumb.

For a simple and natural pathway you can use natural materials such as tree rounds. Tree rounds can be made simply and easily. The tree rounds are usually cut from fallen trees. With a chainsaw, cut slices about six inches thick. The tree limb can be a diameter of about six inches to larger ones that are as big as the tree you have. The bark can be left on or taken off.

Each tree round will be placed in the pathway like stones would be placed. Mix and match or just use sizes that are similar in size. You will need quite a few tree rounds. The number will depend on the sizes you cut.

A pathway should reflect the homes style. Curves look more natural and less formal. Pathways should be wide enough for two people to walk down, hand in hand. A good width is about 3-4 feet. Decide where the pathway will lead you and be sure to follow existing travel patterns. Do not put a pathway too close to a fence, hedge or house wall. This will not be comfortable to walk on. Both sides should be free to have planting beds if you wish. For an area that has a slope of more than 10%, then be sure and add steps in several places down your pathway. The pathway ends and curves can be wider than the main pathway to add interest.

The area where the pathway will go should be prepared well. Take out any existing plant material to a depth of 8 inches. Add two inches to the trenched out area and level as much as possible. Place the tree rounds in the sand bed. After all the tree rounds are in place you can fill in between the rounds with good soil and compost for planting plants that like to be stepped on such as some of the thyme plants. You can also use dwarf monkey grass or some kind of spreading plant that will fill in all the cracks between the rounds. Water the plants in well and be sure and walk on them to make root to soil contact.

If you don’t want plants between the tree rounds, you can put small gravel, mulch, more sand or a sand/concrete mix. The edges of the pathway can be lined with metal edging or whatever material you choose to use to keep the pathway edges neat and in line. It is not required that you use an edging for your pathway.

Other materials that can be used for a pathway are bricks and pavers. Flagstone is a popular choice. You can purchase pavers that are whimsical or you can buy molds to make your own pavers. If you choose to mix materials then take into consideration the colors and the styles. Whatever material you choose, use safety when handling heavy rocks or wood.