Landscape Gardening: Garden Paths
Landscape gardening is creative art-work. It often has a point
of chief interest, just like the painting of a picture. And the
rest of the points simply forms a fine setting for it. In
landscape gardening, the gardener has a clear picture in his
mind what the whole (trees, paths, flower beds etc.) will be
once the work is completed.
Landscape gardening may follow along very formal lines or along
informal lines. The first would have straight paths, straight
rows in stiff beds, everything, as the name tells, perfectly
formal. The other method is, of course, the exact opposite.
The formal arrangement is likely to look too stiff; the
informal, too fussy, too wiggly. As far as paths go, keep this
in mind, that a path should always lead to somewhere and to
direct one to a definite place. Now, straight, even paths are
not unpleasing if the effect is to be that of a formal garden.
To avoid an abrupt curve and a whirligig effect in a curved
path, t is far better to stick to straight paths unless you can
make a really beautiful curve.
Garden paths may be of gravel, of stepping stones, of dirt, or
of grass. One sees grass paths in some very lovely gardens. They
may not work well in small gardens with limited garden areas
that they are re-spaded each season. Of course, a gravel path
makes a fine appearance, but again you may not have gravel at
your command. Stepp
ing stones, plain or decorated with a picture, suite your
garden as well. To place stepping stones, dig out the path for
two feet, then put in six inches of stone or clinker. Over this,
pack in the dirt, rounding it slightly toward the center of the
path. They form convenient places for water to stand. The under
layer of stone makes a natural drainage system.
Gardening is limited only by your imagination. There're so many
things you can do with the garden. Besides garden paths, trees
and flower beds, wind chimes brings relaxation and joy to your
garden as well. In a nice summer morning, listening to your wind
chimes while you garden. To hang wind chimes from the top of
your porch, you can use a simple C shaped hook or any type hook
that screws into the ceiling.