NEWS HOME

Take a stroll down your new garden path
by Margie Lachman

Mild sunny fall days are ideal for outdoor projects. One to consider is making a garden path to facilitate access where none exists or to keep feet out of puddles this winter as you traverse your yard.  An attractive path can be done in a day or two with planning.

A good local resource for sand and rock as well as garden soil is Cedar Mill Landscape Supply, 12700 NW Barnes Rd. near Cornell Rd.

The first step is to decide the shape. Straight paths appear shorter and more formal, and a sculpture, fountain, or garden bench at the end is an attractive addition. Curved paths seem longer and more natural, giving the illusion of more space.

Materials should be durable, allow drainage and afford good traction when wet or icy. Gravel or crushed rock are ideal and simple to use. Solid paths of flagstone, pavers or brick keep shoes clean. Pea gravel is not recommended as it is round and does not pack well, giving an unstable surface.

Make the path wide enough for a garden cart to pass—about three feet—if there isn’t open area like lawn next to it. Narrower paths that accommodate one person are useful in some areas. Prepare the site by removing at least four inches of soil and installing treated bender board edging. The grade can be made more level at this point to keep water from collecting.

Landscape fabric can be laid down to prevent weeds, but be sure to secure fabric edges under bender board. Put two inches of sand over the fabric and rake smooth. In low spots where rain collects, put down two inches of small gravel first, then sand. Moisten sand and firm it with a drum roller or hand tamper, packing well. You can now put down pavers, flagstone, preformed stepping stones, or bricks, pushing them firmly into the sand, or add more gravel to fill up to the edge of the board. Fill spaces between with decomposed granite which will hold pavers or stones firmly.

There are many ways to build a garden path that take more time, labor and materials than these guidelines. DIY instructions and ideas are available on the internet and in books. Take time to decide which is most useful and practical for you before investing a lot of energy. Paths are useful and add visual appeal if done well, and make moving about the garden easier. A good local resource for sand and rock as well as garden soil is Cedar Mill Landscape Supply, 12700 NW Barnes Rd. near Cornell Rd.

Questions?  Email me at  margierose2@gmail.com or call 503-645-2994

Previous article

NEWS HOME