When setting up a garden or area of land with plants, many often forget to plan a walkway, or path. Or there is a path, but it is not beautiful or easy to use. It can also show you where to walk, and guide your eyes and imagination throughout the garden.
Wide paths and winding paths are for walking slowly. They're good if you want people to take a longer look at what's in the garden. Choose a straight path to go from the back door to the vegetable garden, or any other place where you may walk in a hurry.
One of the easiest and least costly paths to create is simple grass that you have cut short. Small pieces of wood are another choice. Bricks or stones make paths that are long-lasting. Or you can use concrete that is colored and made to look like flagstone. To make a path of brick, stone or concrete slabs (厚板),you should give the solid material a well-drained (易排水的) base.
Put drainage material such as sand or rock dust in the path area. This material provides a solid base beneath the surface, and prevents water from collecting there, freezing and pushing up the stones. Add enough material so that when stones or bricks are in place, their top sides are a little above ground level.
Afterwards, put more stone dust or sand on top of the path, then sweep the material to fill the empty spaces. Add some water to further settle the material.
A. Push down on it and smooth it as you work.
B. Be sure the path is wide enough for a wheelchair
C. For stone paths, use stone cut into large, flat pieces.
D. A well-designed path can do more than keep your feet dry.
E. Sweep and water a few days later again, after everything has settled.
F. Consider safety, appearance and cost when choosing a surface material.
G. When planning a path, ask yourself if it is both appealing and easy to use.
