Pathways, Wagon Wheels, and Trellises
The yellow brick road
Don't be surprised to find that the path to peace and tranquility winds its way right through your own backyard, and it doesn't take a tornado to get there. With a little time, energy, and imagination, you can make sure the natural beauty of your garden is always safe, easy, and convenient to get to. Stepping stones, cement, and gravel pathways are a few of the great ways to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden. By incorporating a safe, attractive walkway, you'll increase the value of your property and enhance the enjoyment of your outdoor environment. Garden accessories such as wagon wheels and trellises go even further by adding additional character to the surroundings of your home.
Some build-it-yourself tips
If you've decided to do your own landscaping, one of the secrets to giving your lawn a professional architectural look is careful planning. Many amateur landscapers have learned the hard way that overlooking this important part of the process can result in mistakes that may cost you time and money. Not to mention the unnecessary wear and tear to your lawn that result from an inadequate plan of attack. Below are some important considerations to keep in mind whether you're building a garden path for your new home, or making improvements to your existing lawn or garden.
First, take the time to draw or photograph a layout of your property, including the proposed walkway. There's no substitute for an accurate drawing when it comes to calculating dimensions and estimating the material needed for your path.
Second, determine the type and amount of material you want to use. If you select a loose material such as gravel, cedar mulch, or river rock, you'll probably need to include some type of border material such as treated lumber or railroad ties.
Third, make sure you have a complete D.S.D. plan:
- Delivery - Garden sidewalks require a lot of material. Know your means of delivery from supplier to final placement.
- Storage - These types of projects require a sufficient storage space for the various forms, equipment, and raw material needed. Make sure to designate an area that's large enough and close enough to your work location without interferring with other activities.
- Disposal and Cleanup - No job is completed until all remaining construction debris is cleaned up. This is the mark of a true professional. Most garden paths will require some soil excavation and removal, and will have some building material left over. Make sure you have an adequate plan for the disposal of unwanted soil and consruction debris.
Remembering these simple tips will help you build a path to garden happiness that's sure to last a lifetime.