The Power of the Pathway – the perfect garden paths

Pathways give purpose

Pathways serve multiple purposes in garden design. They alter your perception of the space, making it seem wider or longer. They lead the user on a journey. A path can be used to define the outline of your garden and determine how someone moves around – where you want them to stop, where you want them to look, and how fast you want them to travel.

Think Big

Make your garden paths wide. As a rule of thumb it should be wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side, as no-one likes having to squeeze through a small gap. Consider what is on either side of the pathway – the taller or bushier the planting, the wider the pathway should be. A good pathway should be generously proportioned and easy to use.

Fit for Purpose

Most pathways have a practical purpose: to get from A to B. The intended use of your path should be considered carefully when choosing your material, even if the path is there purely for ‘promenading the space’ . If your path will be used regularly to push your bike to the shed or put the wheelie bins out make a solid material such as paving will be easiest to use. Stepping stones are playful but can be tiresome to use for frequent journeys down the space.

If security is a worry then gravel is a great deterrent to burglars as it is impossible to traverse silently. It is also cheap and easy to install, making it a popular choice for a pathway. The downside is that can get kicked around the space, or stuck to the soles of your shoes, and is often a big hit with foxes and cats for use as a giant litter tray. Paving is usually the fail safe option for a path. It is hard wearing, versatile and there is a huge selection of stone on the market. However you choose to use your Pathway Power, be bold and choose wisely.