Pathway Planning with David Domoney

11 June 2021

Plan Your Path

Strike a balance between the practicalities of your pathway and how they look without having to compromise. If you are looking for something to separate your garden, or simply get from A to B, you can make it a journey to enjoy with a pathway that suits your design.

 

Cottage or contemporary

One of the biggest benefits of cottage gardens is that anything goes, there are no rules. Pick paving stones such as Stone Setts which are the perfect square size to create meandering and winding pathways. Line the pathway with classic cottage plants like hollyhocks, delphiniums, lupins, and foxgloves, and even mix in edible plants such as swiss chard or rhubarb. As I said, anything goes!

 

BOLD PATHWAYS

However, for something a little more structured, a more minimalistic aesthetic of a contemporary style garden might be more suited. For this, it can look striking to have garden block paving and pathways that are darker in colour. Using minimal colours in the design can help to create a clean-cut appearance. Kota Blue or Black Kadapha are garden paving options that will add some depth to your design with a smooth and slick finish.

 

Formal framework

If you are opting for a formal garden design with symmetry from topiary and hedging, you can utilise pathways to enhance the shapes in your space. In these layouts it looks striking having wide pathways that lead towards a focal point such as a pond, water feature, or fountain.

 

Architectural Planting

With the variety of shades of Classic Sandstone available, there’s undoubtedly one to suit your design. Golden Fossil has warm tones, for a natural tapestry of cream, orange and brown shades. The defined finish of this path is a great base for a formal space, especially when complemented by box hedges, and architectural topiary lollipop structures with Lingustrum japonicum (Japanese privet).

 

Japanese style gardens

In Japanese gardens, paths are used to lead visitors through the garden, however they also impact how the garden is experienced. For example, a narrow path for one person may be more suited for a calm and slower solo experience, whereas a wider pathway encourages a faster pace and socialising with others.

 

Magical & Enchanting Planting

Even the type of path can have an effect. Steppingstones can instil a magical and enchanting atmosphere, however their positioning can mean they need more focus. This means visitors may spend less time looking around the garden whilst walking.

 

Wander Path

For a balance between the two, Tudor Cobbles will provide the natural stone paving look, with a tumbled appearance and riven face. Create a meandering pathway to lead towards focal point and areas in your garden to enhance the sense of journey. The stones are smaller than the Tudor Antique range which they complement wonderfully when used in a patio area.

 

Plants for pathways

One of the most magical things about plants in the garden are the fragrances of the fantastic flowers and foliage. Choose scented plants for alongside the pathway and whenever you walk by you can satisfy your senses.

 

 

Sense of Satisfaction

Low growing Thymus citriodorus (lemon thyme) is a mat-forming plant with green leaves that release a lemony fragrance when the foliage is brushed past or crushed. It’s hard wearing, so can even be grown on an informal path, releasing their fragrance when walked over. Position in a sunny but sheltered spot in well-drained soil and they will thrive.

 

A Softer Edge

The small violet-blue flowers of garden catmint that bloom in summer join the aromatic foliage that smells similar to sage. Keep the plant looking its best and encourage more flowers by trimming after flowering and removing spent flowers and dead, diseased, and damaged foliage. Whilst you pass and enjoy the fragrance, bees will also be appreciating the flowers.

 

Alternatively, if you want some texture alongside your path, ferns are a great option for a shaded garden walkway. Polystichum aculeatum (hard shield fern) is an evergreen that will provide structure all year round with great shape at a height and width of 50cm. The beautiful fronds will add soft elegance to the edge of the pathway.

 

Practical pathways

Before getting started it’s ideal to think about the practical points. Pinpoint where the path will lead to and if it needs to be an easily accessible area. For example, a zig-zagging pathway may not be the best shape from the shed when transporting materials and equipment. Decide whether it needs to be a narrow or wider walkway to accommodate your needs too.

 

Perfect Pathways

Enhance your garden experience with pathways that are not only practical and purposeful but look the part too. When you’ve opted for the perfect paving stones, embellish the area with plants that will be sensational for the senses.

 

 

This month I've selected a video which features a winding, porcelain paving that I used for Southport Garden show, a while ago before the pandemic. It demonstrates beautifully how porcelain can be cut to create georgeous shaped edges to your paved area.
 

 

David Domoney, TV gardener, horticultural expert and Pavestone brand ambassador blogs monthly on the Pavestone website on all things landscaping related.
 

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