Creating a garden path is something that every gardener should know as they will need a way of getting into their gardens. There is a wide range of smart materials that can be used for creating a garden path and it is essential that you know the benefits and set backs of each of them. The best materials are able to strike a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. Ranging from turf to gravel, dry- laud pavers, wood mulch, stones and mortared paths, there are so many options available at your disposal. Here is a step by step guide on how to create a garden path:
- Lay out your garden path
Before you even start thinking about anything, the first and most important thing is to lay out the path in the garden. Of you are for example creating a winding path; it is advisable that you use a garden hose as it will make a nice line that is incredibly flexible. Alternatively, you can still spray some paint on the ground directly or use strings and stakes as well.
- How many sq ft will your path be?
It is of paramount importance that you have an idea of the number of sq ft that your path is going to be. By doing so, you will be able to know the amount of materials that you will need for creating the garden path. You can decide to use some found materials for your garden path such as rocks in which case you just need to collect and lay it on the path you have proposed until they are enough. In case you are purchasing pavers, ask the shop for a calculator that will help you know the amount of materials that you need.
- Dig the path
The next step is digging the path. However, before you dig it out, it is essential that you check and confirm that there are no irrigation lines or utilities lying on the area where the path is to be put. Sometimes, it is even a better idea that you call a local profession just to be sure that you are not doing something that you will regret later on. Start by locating the irrigation lines just to be sure that the area you intend to create your garden path is safe for digging.
- Use flat shovels to remove existing soil and sod
When digging, it is essential that you know how dig you are going to dig and this will depend on how thick your paving materials are. 1-inch is needed for your sand bed and then you should factor in the paver’s thickness. Where a compacted base is being used, this should be added in as well. Any excavated soil needs to be gotten rid off from the area to allow the ground to correctly drain. Piling up the soil around your path is not a good idea as it could turn out to be a menace during the rainy season.
- Compact the soil
It is essential that you create your garden path on a compact ground. So after excavating the area, you will need to ensure that the soil below it is a little damp and use a plate compactor or a heavy object with a flat base to compact the soil. This will help a lot in laying a strong foundation that will help you create a good path. If the path is being created against the house directly, the slope needs to be checked just to be sure that water will be draining away easily from the found. The slope should be adjusted as necessary to achieve perfect results.
- Place the pavers
Once you are sure that the soil is fully compact, the next thing you will need to do first is pacing a border course for the pavers nicely around the edge of the path. After this, the rest of the pavers need to be placed in your desired pattern until the path is fully covered. The pavers should be placed carefully on the sand but not dragging them on the sand. Where needed, the pavers should be cut so that they can fit correctly.
- Compact the pavers
Use something flat and heavy to compact the pavers. For the large surfaces, make use of a plate compactor and this will minimize the likelihood of tripping hazards. For small areas, you can even jump up and down for several times on the pavers until they are at your desired level. Make not less than four passes over the pavers just to be sure that they are well compact. The paver joints can be aligned using a large screwdriver.
- Spread joint sand on the surfaces
Once the pavers are fully compacted, spread some dry sand all over the surface to fill the joints and then sweep some of the sand into the joints as well. Carefully vibrate and compact sand into all the joints as you continues sweeping and compacting. It will take you some passes to fill the joints using sand. The sand placed in joints will settle after compaction and some rainstorms can really help a lot with this. Add some more sand for filling the joints as necessary and sweep to remove all the excess sand. A sealer could be applied even though this is optional.
Creating a garden path is incredibly easy and provided you follow these steps, everything should work out just fine for you. Large rocks should be used for making the border of your path and this will help keep the path materials well in place while at the same time creating the much desired rustic appearance. You can even improve the prettiness of your garden by planting some plants on the border of the path. Installation of a compacted base helps a lot especially in areas where the climate cold and damp. For the path materials to use, you have a wide range of options at your disposal.
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