Building a Meandering Path
Introduction:
If you have
a large lot that consists of a backyard lawn, garden area,
and a green area you may want to consider building a
meandering path through the different areas. A green area is
an area that is left somewhat natural to nature consisting
of trees, shrubs, and other fauna that is indigenous to the
area.
Meandering paths give a view of the existing different
landscape designs of your backyard. You can use them to
guide your way through a wooded area, or even to view
different garden areas. Many meandering paths serve as a
pass-through for the different areas to make easier access
to all the different areas of the backyard. Gravel paths or
stepping stone paths are the easiest to create. They also
can be created from pavers, either brick pavers or cement
pavers, flagstone, or garden mulch.
How to Build a Meandering
Path:
-
The first step in building a meandering path is to outline the
area you will be using for your walkway with string.
This type of path does not have the formal edge of the
brick
paver walkway or patio. Use gentle curves to
guide the path through the points of interest.
-
Once
you've outlined the area remove any greenery you won't
want in your completed walkway such as sod, weeds or
brush. Removing the
sod will prevent the grass from growing in
the pathway.
-
Construct
a border to help prevent grasses from
growing into the
pathway. Plastic edging is the best type of border to
use on a meandering path because it is easy to make
curves.
Metal edging or pressure treated wood that is
flush with the ground is also appropriate for pathway
edging.
-
After the
edging is laid you may want to lie sheeting to prevent
weed growth through your loose material. Any plastic
sheeting or landscaping material will be suitable.
-
After the edging is in place and the ground is covered,
you can strategically place your stones, pavers, gravel,
or mulch throughout the path. Be sure not to place the
stone or pavers too far apart or too close together.
Your steps should be natural throughout the path.
-
Along the path you can make interest points of stones,
bushes or small flower gardens. Consider using stones
with carvings or special shapes throughout your path.
These create added points of interest, especially if
placed in more bland areas of the path. Once all the
stones are in place, fill in all the exposed areas with
fine bark mulch. Be careful not to cover the stones, but
fill the area with enough mulch so that the stones are
basically flush with the mulch.
A backyard meandering path project is only limited by the
installer’s imagination. It can be as complex or as simple
as you would like it and is only limited by the amount of
space you have to design your project.
Water gardens and bridges of wood along the
pathway make excellent variety in addition to arbors and
gazebos as points of interest.
Related articles:
Installing
Brick Paver Walkways
Brick Pavers | Concrete Pavers
|
