Paths
Offset geometry. A staggered path of oversize concrete pavers leads to the front door of this Las Vegas home. Alternating path lights accentuate the desert walk’s meandering quality and illuminate the hardscape textures, while integrated step lights along a straight axis draw visitors back toward the home.
Huettl Landscape Architecture SaveEmail Texture. In lieu of flowers, plants with unique textures, such as this Whiteleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos manzanita, zones 8 to 10) may draw the eye of the philosopher. The exfoliating bark and subtle shades of brown both calm and engage the mind. Conifers, maples and ornamental grasses will also find their way into the garden of the philosopher because of their unique form and textures.
Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service SaveEmail A yatsuhashi pattern should not be limited to Asian or contemporary gardens. Here we see this pattern effectively used in a traditional New England–style space. The walkway angles mimic the footprint of the house, again creating that homogenous feeling. The illusion here is that the eye is slowed down even though the traffic pattern is in reality a straight line.
Aaron Moses SaveEmail This paver walkway is wide and low, complementing the lines of this single-story contemporary home. Additional interest comes from the pavers’ being laid in a bordered pattern so that each section of the walkway stands on its own while still relating to the whole. This fosters a contemplative mood, not unlike a labyrinth.
Exteriors By Chad Robert SaveEmail The designer of this garden employed the concept of asymmetrical balance so that it can hold its own against a very large and dramatic outbuilding. Even though the palms make a bold statement, notice how the walkway shifts the eye to create an effective sense of balance. The low blue hedge reinforces this balance. Finally, notice how the textural palm trunks reinforce the texture of the building’s tile roof in this well-planned space.
This garden features a modified yatsuhashi pattern to add invaluable interest to an allée of palms. The offset tiles are interplanted with a low ground cover in an effort to slow the garden visitor so that he or she will notice the majestic impact of this design. In addition, the path leads the eye onward to the focal point, the sculpture in the background.
Color contrast. High contrast between materials, such as light-colored concrete pavers set in dark river stones, makes a pathway stand out as a contemporary landscape feature. This works particularly well in an all-green garden where the pathway provides just as much — if not more — interest than the planting.
Desert zigzag. Adding a geometric zigzag instead of a soft curve gives the front yard of this Phoenix home a lot more tension. Where straight lines intersect at odd angles, keep the angle consistent throughout a landscape and in the architecture of the home for a more integrated look. Here, the angle created by the zigzag of the path is echoed in the lines of the stucco wall.
Geometric pavers. Varying the size of square and rectangular pavers set in gravel gives a graphic pattern to a walkway. Given that it’s easier to find footing on a bigger paver, setting large rectangular pavers at fairly regular intervals between narrower ones creates a more efficient path of travel.
1. Staggered pavers. A good rule of thumb for high-traffic walkways, such as the path from the driveway to the front door, is to keep the route as direct as possible. This rule is consistent with the modern design principle “form follows function,” but, in practice, there is still plenty of room for design creativity. In this front yard, for example, the path of travel is a straight line, but offset concrete pavers provide more visual interest.
CYAN Horticulture SaveEmail Maintenance. To keep the pathway looking good, use a combination of a rake and a broom to keep gravel smooth and stray rocks off the pavers. Leaf blowers set on low are also effective at removing lightweight fallen leaves and debris without shifting the gravel. To counteract sinking gravel, every few years spread a layer of fresh gravel, rake smooth and lightly compact it around pavers.
A flagstone and pea gravel path edged with granite cobblestones winds through the front yard of a Colonial farmhouse property in the Delaware Valley, Philadelphia. Generally, gardens in areas with heavy rainfall and snow will need to have a thicker layer of gravel (and a deeper trench for the installation) than drier regions. “Paths like this are typically laid on top of a three-quarters-inch modified stone base that is compacted. For this type of path, a base of 6 to 9 inches thick would be acceptable in our Northeast zone,” Hammaker says. To reduce pea gravel getting on the flagstones in the garden pathway here, Hammaker set the flagstones just slightly higher than the gravel. Another trick: “The pea gravel is only lightly sprinkled on top of a layer of sand,” which sits below both the flagstones and the gravel to hold them in place.
In this California habitat garden, the pathway was made of gravel and bluestone flagstones set into sand over compacted base rock. The cool tones of the stone pick up the blue-violet hues of native Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii, zones 8 to 11) and foothill penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus, zones 6 to 10). The depth of the path area and base rock needed varies by region and specific site. “I find that there is not a lot of knowledge about how deeply [gravel] should be laid,” Edger says. “Here in California, I like a 3- to 4-inch layer of base rock and a thin layer of the gravel. It only needs to be slightly deeper than its own diameter for it to provide cover and be a firm surface.”
How to Get Started First, make a plan. Map out the length, width and trajectory of your pathway either on your own or with the help of a professional. Next, choose your pathway materials. Apply for and receive a permit, if it’s required by your county, and you’re ready to begin installation. Prep your site. Start the path installation by leveling the area and digging down to remove soil between 4 and 10 inches deep, removing any weeds. You can lay down a weed barrier at this point, although the black landscape fabric commonly used for this can deteriorate or become visible over time. Anchor your edging material to border the path. Lay a foundation of base rock. Once the area of the path is dug, raked smooth and edged, spread a layer of base rock between 2 and 9 inches deep. The base rock acts as the stabilizing foundation of your pathway — keeping gravel from rolling too much underfoot and providing a firm base for pavers. Arrange pavers. Compact the base rock with a handheld tamper. If you’re laying flagstones or large pavers, top the base rock with about an inch of sand to settle the stones in place. Check to make sure the pavers are level and adjust as necessary. Leave gaps...
Gravel and pebbles. In general, select gravel or pebbles that complement your pavers. For a subtle look, choose gravel that picks up the colors of the paving stones. Pale pavers paired with dark gravel (or vice versa) creates a more dramatic garden path. Gravel: The cost of gravel varies by type of rock and size of stone as well as what is more widely available per region. Decomposed granite (also called “granite fines”) have the smallest particle sizes, while coarse gravels can have rocks over an inch wide. Pea gravel: This attractive gravel is widely available and has a satisfying crunch underfoot. One drawback: The rounded pebbles tend to travel up onto pavers. Mexican beach pebble and polished river rocks: Larger rocks have a chunky, tactile quality between pavers and the added benefit that their weight keeps them from traveling.
Cut stone: Cut stone works well with any garden type, from traditional to cottage-style. A wide variety of cut stones are available in hues and materials from desert gold granite to cool-toned bluestone, and prices can vary. Flagstone: Pathways made of irregular flagstones fitted together add texture to the landscape. Due to the time it takes to fit the slabs together, installation can be more expensive than for cut stone. Flagstones complement Mediterranean-, ranch- and desert-style gardens.
Set a seductive mood with paths. Much like the female form, serpentine pathways create the sensual vibe of an unfolding story. The entire garden is not visible from any single juncture. A sense of mystery is established as the garden is explored and discovered anew at every turn. A quick straight path to first base is not to be found in this garden.
This gravel path leads to the desired destination, at low cost and with nominal environmental impact. Can’t you hear the crunch of the gravel underfoot and feel the warmth it gives off? And wouldn’t a heavily built path look out of place in this setting? Select locally sourced gravel to lighten your footprint even more, with the added benefit of giving the composition a sense of place. Design ideas for a small beach style full sun backyard xeriscape with gravel for summer. — Houzz Love the simplicity and the feeling of being led somewhere. Like simple color palette. — margiesnape
The piece shown here functions effectively in this space because its scale is appropriate to the space, its texture forms a relationship with the stone walls, its shape mimics the shape of the wall arches and the circular path, its hue causes it to stand out, and it has an element of surprise without being jarring. Looks like it's made of rocks.
color
stone wall
The circular patio of gravel surrounded by foliage creates a sense of intimacy, while the flagstone pavers make it possible to traverse the patio in the highest of heels.
Be stylish on a budget. Paving is one of the most expensive materials in a garden, but it doesn’t mean you should miss out on a stylish solution. In this garden, very simple and inexpensive concrete pavers have been combined with gravel in a simple pattern to create a standout path. The gravel has been taken into the rest of the front garden, where fewer people will walk but where it gives access to all the planted beds. The design is simple, effective and great for drainage.
Work in special details. Achieving a large mosaic-paved area can be daunting and is often costly. I love this path that uses just a small area of mosaic infill amid crazy paving. Even better, it’s not just pebbles — some jewel-like stones or marbles have been added to catch the glint of the sun and create a small detail that makes this paving unique. This design is easily done, and with found objects that are he right size, you could even take out one or two pavers in an existing patio and copy this idea in a few hours.
Get setts. There’s a trend for land-forming these days, whether it’s done by forming large mounds and hills, or just playing with how the grass is cut. In this garden, the designer has taken the idea one step further by delineating the trees and meadow areas with a smart mown path edging made from small sett stones, or Belgian block stones. This cuts down on the need to figure out where the path is and where the plants are. If your garden design is similar, you could also plant the spaces beneath the trees with spring bulbs and wildflowers, knowing you won’t step on them as they’re growing, since the setts will tell you where to walk.
Go freestyle. In this garden, cobblestones, pavers and gravel have been brought together to create a flowing path that leads you through the space. You can take this idea for the smallest spaces and visually pull visitors in different directions. For design ideas, think wave patterns, swirls and beach-like funnels to create freestyle pathways with unique patterns.
Cobbles or Setts The small size of cobbles and setts makes them ideal for curved paths like this one, as well as edging and decorative details in gardens. Most cobbles and setts are made from concrete, granite or bluestone, ensuring their durability and hardness. They’re used mainly in informal country or cottage gardens, but also suit courtyards. Pros: Cobbles and setts are hard-wearing, slip-resistant, versatile and easy to remove if damaged when laid on sand. Cons: Professional skill is needed for installation in large areas.
Gravel Gravel and other “soft” paving materials, such as pebbles, stone chips and shells, are ideal for secondary or low-traffic pathways. Adding an attractive textured look to the garden, gravel does still need to be retained with some kind of edging. And although it can be noisy, this is said to be a good burglar deterrent. To make gravel more stable, select small-grade stones and avoid rounded, tumbled pea gravel. Sharper, angular gravel interlocks to form a firmer surface, and using a roller to compress also helps stability. This look suits informal garden styles such as cottage, beach and naturalistic. Pros: Gravel paths drain well. Plants can be grown into this material to soften the look, and it’s a good environmental choice, as rainwater doesn’t run off it and into stormwater drains. It’s also one of the cheapest paving options, with only basic DIY skills required to install it. Cons: Paths can get weedy if not properly maintained, and gravel is generally too uneven and unstable for outdoor seating or tables. Some gravel can also be too sharp to walk on barefoot, and it can be tracked indoors.
The path. Pathways are essential to any garden, particularly the Zen garden. Every garden needs to be easily navigable, but paths in a Zen space should take on added meaning. They do the navigating for the visitor so that he or she is free to peacefully and fully concentrate on the garden’s essence. The shape of the path is also key. Straight paths generally accelerate the speed at which visitors move through a space. Curved paths slow the visit down while building anticipation of what lies around the bend. The yatsuhashi, or zigzag path, provides a contemplative, peaceful vibe, similar to a labyrinth. A purposefully placed branch that leans over a pathway just enough to brush against visitors may slow them down further or redirect their attention. The Zen garden is a bit of a contradiction: Nothing is left to chance, yet a well-designed space appears to embrace serendipity. The path’s width is also an important consideration. Paths are traditionally built 4 feet wide to allow two average-sized adults to walk side by side. Designing a narrower secondary path, perhaps only 2 feet wide, slows visitors down and forces them to move in single file through the space, creating a unique...
Let your imagination run free. In this garden by Balston Agius, simple wooden blocks were used for a boundary wall. The planting in front is simple, adding to the sculptural feel.
Alluring landscape lighting. An amazing shift happens in the garden when the sun sets. The landscape features that stood center stage during the day recede into darkness, and a whole new atmosphere can be created with creative placement of landscape lighting. Trees can be uplit, and paths can be defined by lights, leading garden visitors through the space and providing interest that can be enjoyed both outdoors and from indoors. Lighting can also be effectively incorporated into water features to add movement (and to keep people from stepping into the pond!).
Alluring landscape lighting. An amazing shift happens in the garden when the sun sets. The landscape features that stood center stage during the day recede into darkness, and a whole new atmosphere can be created with creative placement of landscape lighting. Trees can be uplit, and paths can be defined by lights, leading garden visitors through the space and providing interest that can be enjoyed both outdoors and from indoors. Lighting can also be effectively incorporated into water features to add movement (and to keep people from stepping into the pond!).
small grass areas
How to Combine Path Materials For added interest, or to create a connection with nearby architecture, various materials may be combined, as shown here. The key to accomplishing this successfully is to remember the four attributes of juxtaposition: size, shape, color and texture. If none of these are matched, a space looks confusing and disjointed. The best course of action is to form relationships between materials by matching one or two of these and varying the others. In the example shown here, the gray flagstone’s texture and color relate to the concrete step. The gravel’s color relates to the section of stained boardwalk. The flagstone’s texture relates to the gravel, and the stained boardwalk’s shape and texture relate to the deck. As a result, this area reads as homogenous instead of disjointed and it’s full of interest.
Impromptu paths can also be mowed through fields, conjuring up childhood feelings of exploration and delight. Who wouldn’t appreciate some of that?
Grass. Few think of turf as being a material suited to paths, but this is probably its most environmentally friendly use. As seen here, turf can separate planting beds, blend in with the planting scheme and bring a different and useful texture to the garden.
Mulch. There are few things as peaceful as walking on a mulched path through a woodland garden. Mulch is inexpensive, easily sourced and installed, and is available in a variety of types and hues. It may be contained within a framework of timber or metal edging, or, as seen here, spread freely to give the suggestion of a path without rigid formality. Generally, more finely textured mulch requires replenishing more regularly than does a larger grade of mulch.
Wood. Lumber, either a dense wood like ipe or one that has been pressure-treated, is a good choice for boardwalks that don’t make direct contact with the soil. Lumber should generally be sealed, stained or painted; the last two options provide a plethora of design choices with regard to color. In this case, the path itself can suggest and manipulate the mood of the garden.
Calgary Landscaping Service SaveEmail Brick. Brick is a traditional choice through much of the U.S. and Europe. Though it doesn’t make a natural connection with the land, it can ground a brick home into the landscape, proving its value as a hardscape material. It can be dry-laid in sand, mortared in place or used as a veneer over previously paved surfaces. When properly installed, brick is long-lasting.
Gravel. People have mixed views on the functionality of gravel; I’m in the camp that loves it. While it may not work well in every situation — for example, on steep slopes or where wheelchair access is necessary — it’s a material that’s from the earth and therefore adds to a garden’s natural feel. It crunches when walked upon, adding another layer of interest to the garden experience. Guide: Pros and cons of gravel paving
The Cultural Landscape Foundation SaveEmail Stone pavers. Stone can bring a formal, informal or contemporary feel to a space, depending on its installation, shape, color and texture. Different types of stone can be combined, as shown here, for added textural interest. Stone is generally a more expensive choice, but it works well in most applications since it’s a natural material that makes a meaningful connection with the land.
Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC SaveEmail Here we see another straight path. What sets this one apart is the rhythmic placement of brick cross sections. The introduction of these rectangles does several things: It slows the visitor down by creating an imaginary barrier (the mind is forced to take a moment to process the arrangement); it creates a meditative vibe not unlike a labyrinth; and, because it extends outward into the planting beds, it forms a homogenous relationship with the garden.
Straight. A straight line reads as much more utilitarian, directing visitors quickly, efficiently and safely from one place to another. Straight paths can be mundane, so what makes the one shown here different? First, the edges are softened by the lavender (Lavandula sp., zones 5 to 9; find your zone), as it has been allowed to spill over. Second, the decomposed granite substrate forms a natural and organic relationship with the land. Third, the path is wide enough for several people to walk side by side, allowing for the possibility of conversation.
Assess What You Have While i’s true that the function of paths is to safely move from Point A to Point B, who says the journey has to be boring, predictable or mundane? They key word here is journey. Think of a journey you’ve taken overseas or to the opposite coast, or think of a fictitious journey, perhaps the Banks children popping in and out of sidewalk chalk drawings in Mary Poppins. There’s a story attached to every journey. What story does your garden have to tell? Perhaps it’s about your family, your personality or your heritage. Now ask yourself how your path or walkway fits into that story. The walkway shown here quickly begins to tell a story. The square lines of each section suggest order, the larger stones form an organic relationship with the land, and the mosaics speak of artistry and slightly subdued whimsy. It’s an interesting marriage, one that ignites the imagination. The lesson is this: Your story can begin to unfold with your choice of paths.
Paths, whether stretching from street to door or winding through gardens, have always intrigued me. Perhaps it’s because their lines lead the eye and there are so many great design and material options for them, yet they often are so unimaginatively designed. Paths can and should tell a story, elicit emotion, promote exploration and make a meaningful connection with land and architecture. How do yours measure up? If you see your garden as a living being, as I do mine, begin to think of your pathways as its circulatory system. It may be time for a transfusion, one that will breathe new life into your landscape and bring cohesion to it.
The existing native vine maples were performing well, so Estes felt confident about planting more. “The site receives a lot of late-afternoon sun,” she says. “We needed to keep in mind that the homeowners would be using the space in the evening, so we would have to provide some shading. We planted vine maples to the southeast of the dining-lounging area, so that the afternoon sun would be screened, but left it open to the southwest so that later in the early evening, sun could come through.”
wittman estes architecture + landscape SaveEmail Plants were selected to perform specific tasks. The homeowners wanted something with large, evergreen leaves, so Estes chose bear’s breech (Acanthus mollis). The spreading underground rhizomes of Acanthus can be aggressive, but Estes says the freezing winters of the Pacific Northwest reduce the spreading. Bear’s breech is one of the few plants whose large leaves can handle salt burn and the wind’s flogging — it’s tough. Feather reed grass was used for its height; its swaying is a reminder of the nearby water. Angelina sedum fills the raised planter. Abundant Acorus spills over path edges.
Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture SaveEmail Tile. Tile, like brick, offers a broad palette of styles, ranging from crisp, contemporary forms to old-world Mediterranean. Because tile is thin and unable to bear much weight on its own, it is always mortared to a solid foundation. Be careful to avoid slick surfaces, since they can become dangerously slippery when wet.
Modern art walk. At first, this front garden in France doesn’t appear to have a walkway, with its dark ribbon of stone zigzagging across a gravel canvas like a modernist art piece. At a closer glance, the stone turns out to be pavers leading visitors from the street to the front door. Though a pathway needs to be functional, it can also create a beautiful composition.
Q