Building a Garden Path
Use a garden hose to lay out the outline of a path (figure A).Shredded bark makes a great pathway material, resists weeds and is very inexpensive as far as path materials go (figure B). Use at least three or four inches of the bark to provide enough weed protection so that a plastic sheet underneath is not necessary.
Small stones are also appropriate for a garden path. Break up the soil slightly and press the rocks into the soil. If the soil is hard to break up, hammer the rock into place with a 2 x 4 and a hammer (figure C).Granite, slate or flagstone are among the best products to use on pathways. Use slates that are at least an inch thick so they aren't likely to break.
Start forming a slate path by excavating about two inches of soil and laying down a base of sand, which will provide a more level path. Then begin fitting stones into the path, starting on the outside edge and working in (figure D).To fill in small areas, break the slate pieces over a large rock. When finished laying the court, pour sand over the top and sweep it into the cracks between the stones.
Guests
Don Engebretson
University of Minnesota Master Gardener / Garden Writer and Expert
E-mail:
don@renegadegardener.com
Website:
www.renegadegardener.com
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