Skip to main content

3 Walkway Options for a Beautiful Landscape

Creating paths and walkways are easy when constructed from natural materials. Stone paths and mulch walkways are no maintenance. Rock walkways, bordered with natural plants are very low maintenance. Each of these paths and walkways can be constructed in a short time, with limited resources, and by a single individual, while adding functionality and enjoyment to the property.

 

Stone Paths

Stone pathways are designed to accommodate travel from one point to another. Frequent trips to a single destination can create muddy pathways in an established yard during wet weather. Instead of a concrete walkway, create an easy and eye-appealing stone pathway. Use of flat sandstone or flagstone will give the desired results.

With a can of spray paint, walk in a natural stride from point “A” to point “B”, marking a spot for each step with the paint. From these marks a count can be made for the number of stones necessary. At each spot remove enough grass and soil to place a stone. Use a stone large enough to allow for good footing and some grass to grow over it, but not completely cover the stone. For leveling purposes it is best to add sand to the bottom of the hole before setting the stone.

Be sure the stone is set lower than the blades of the grass mower so the pathway can easily be mowed over. The only maintenance required is to remove excess grass growing over the stone every few years.

 

Rock Walkways

Natural rock walkways are very low maintenance and give pleasing eye-appeal. Rather than use “hard” borders that need constant edging, use natural plants for borders. When laying out rock walkways incorporate natural curves if possible. A curve adds character to a walkway, a sense of distance, and the illusion of more space. Use of a garden hose will help lay out gentle curves. If space allows, make the walkway at least 36” wide to accommodate two people walking side-by-side.

Spray the edges of the walkway with paint for a guide. Spray all vegetation within the walkway with a strong weed killer, such as Roundup, being careful to keep any over-spray off adjoining plants. Allow a few days for the herbicide to kill all vegetation growing.

Once all vegetation is dead, apply a layer of heavy weed barrier. Commercial grade barrier is the thickest and best product to use. It is not necessary to remove the dead vegetation from the area. Over the weed barrier, apply at least three inches of river rock, using one half inch to one inch size rock. Larger rock makes walking difficult and smaller gravel will “track”. Level the walkway with a rake.

Instead of using a hard border edging that must be trimmed weekly, use natural plants. Mondo Grass, or Monkey Grass, is an excellent plant for edging and also provides blooms in the fall. It grows 12-16” tall, is dense, not an invasive grass, and grows well in full sun or partial shade. There is a dwarf Mondo Grass that grows only about 4-6” tall.

Along the edge of the weed barrier, plant springs of the Mondo Grass at four inch intervals. Within one growing season, the grass makes a solid dense border for the rock walkway. Trimming is not necessary since mowing can be done right up to the grass edging.

Occasional weeding (by hand or spray) and leveling by raking is the only maintenance needed for this rock walkway. Additional rock may need to be added every 4-5 years.

 

When installing an inviting walkway in your home, consider adding some lighting to highlight your hard work.

 

Mulch Walkways

Walkways in dense shade areas are easily constructed by using natural materials of cypress mulch, wood chips or small pine bark nuggets. A weed barrier material is not necessary as there is minimal vegetation growth. Layering a three inch deep walkway will last several years before additional material is needed. A mulch walkway through heavily shaded, wooded areas are designed for leisurely strolls and enjoyment of nature. A bench placed for resting and sitting quietly is a bonus.

River rock and mulch can be purchased in bulk form with delivery for less cost than materials purchased in bags. Contact a local nursery for information on purchasing products in bulk.

Paths and walkways can be designed with very little maintenance required, and can be accomplished in a short period of time. Decide the best design for the purpose, locate the materials and add enjoyment and value to personal property.

The post 3 Walkway Options for a Beautiful Landscape appeared first on All around the house.



from All around the house http://allaroundthe.house/3-walkway-options-beautiful-landscape/
via IFTTT
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Give Your Bathroom a Deep Clean in 15-minute Segments

Bathrooms can be a haven of relaxation, however if mildew is growing, counters are overflowing, and hair and dust balls line the floor, the idea of lingering in this room is not appealing. Even if the idea of a clean bathroom is appealing, the idea of a three or four-hour cleaning regiment might not be the motivation needed to complete the bathroom’s spring clean. Instead of trying to complete the cleaning project in one day, spread the chore over several days in 15-minute segments.   Daily Bathroom Cleaning Schedule The first day Clean out any drawers, cabinets, or closets in the bathroom area. Usually items are found that are unnecessary, outdated, or no longer used. Throw away or recycle any material, products, or linens that fit one of these categories. The second day Take items off of the countertop and decide what should be kept, thrown out, or recycled. Try to store most items in the drawers, cabinets, or closet in order to eliminate the clutter. If it is too ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Chives – Allium schoenoprasum

Known as common garden chives, Allium schoenoprasum, can be grown indoors and out. Chives are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and calcium. They are grown for the flavour of their leaves, which is reminiscent of onion, although much milder. Both the stems and light purple flowers are used in cooking and the snipped leaves are an addition to many dishes. Chives lose their flavour with long cooking so it is best to add them to dishes at the last minute. For chopping stems, a pair of scissors is the best tool. Chives can be frozen or dried. They are less flavourful when dried rather that frozen, so they are best used when fresh and snipped, or snipped and frozen. In both cases sort them carefully, removing any yellowing leaves and shoots, and keep only the plump green ones. It is possible to place chives in non-iodized salt, keep them there for several weeks, remove the leaves, and then bottle the ‘chive salt’ for use in flavouring. Chives are a perennial in the garden and grow app...
Post a Comment
Read more

Landscape Ideas to Save Energy

One should be aware that plants properly placed in our landscapes can save both energy and dollars. As you plan your landscape or add to an existing landscape, consider locating plants where they will save energy and money. Windbreaks have long been used on farms to help divert wind and control conditions. Even in the home landscape, a small planting to divert the wind can be beneficial. Evergreen plants placed to the north or northwest of a home to break the prevailing wind can reduce heat loss and fuel consumption. Where adequate space is available, several rows of trees may be used. However, in a limited area only a few are still helpful, although less effective. Where adequate space is available, the ends of a windbreak should extend 50 feet to each side of the area to be protected. A windbreak is effective for eight times its height, so even before the plants become as high as your house they will provide beneficial effects. Pines can be used for windbreaks, but because they ten...
Post a Comment
Read more