Not the last role in design of landscape is played by the garden paths and sidewalks performing practical and esthetic functions. Such footpaths not only supplement intricate picture of garden, but also do much more convenient movement across its territory, uniting many elements of the site. For landscape designers of path are the special tool which helps to divide the territory into functional zones, to emphasize beauty and harmony of garden, and in certain cases even to hide insignificant shortcomings of the project on arrangement of landscape.
Garden paths the hands: what material to choose
Material selection of which garden footpaths are made has to correspond surely to the general concept of the house and the site in general and also to consider assignment of paths. Use coverings of three types:
- soft – gravel, crushed brick, sand, crushed stone, pebble;
- rigid – stone, tree, composite materials;
- combined, uniting in itself diverse materials.
Rigid materials whereas auxiliary footpaths with low intensity of movements can be quite executed from the soft and combined coverings are suitable for the main paths lying near the house better.
Design of garden paths: what nuances to consider
Beautiful landscaping depends not only from right choice of material for paths – huge value the form, width have also their quantity in garden. The decorated garden footpaths have to be carefully planned by certain principles.
1. The design of paths has to correspond to landscape image, for example, equal paths perfectly are combined with landscapes of modern modernist style whereas twisting footpaths are more appropriate in landscape or country styles. The form for garden path is chosen in each case individually.
2. The number of paths should not be large. The unlimited number of footpaths visually splits the site into set of small zones that breaks harmony and integrity of picture.
3. Depending on assignment of path its width can be different. So, for example, the main footpath near the house can have width more than a meter, and minor paths – from 50 to 100 cm. If the path is used for garden wheelbarrows or carts, its width can increase taking into account distance between mechanism wheels.
4. Material of path needs to be selected taking into account local climate. The most universal in this regard covering is the natural stone – its invoice, variety of flowers and the sizes allow to implement any ideas of registration, at the same time it is durable. Garden paths popular now from tree badly transfer dampness, however it does not mean at all that it is necessary to refuse the fallen in love covering. If the site is not in dry climatic zone, it is necessary to choose strong breeds of trees (pine, oak) or to use wood composites. Life cycle of wood saw cuts increases when processing by water-repellent structures.
5. The durability and quality of path in garden are directly connected with preparation of the basis. That the footpath has served long, it is necessary to take number of preliminary measures: to prepare superficial trench, to zatrombovat soil, to give to footpath bias. Thanks to these actions the footpath will lay down level with the earth, and the bias will facilitate water drain.
6. Very important element in registration of paths are the lamps allowing to use footpaths even in night-time.
Design and arrangement of pedestrian paths need to devote much time and attention. In most cases it is multilevel process which demands professional approach. Well executed beautiful paths will give to any landscape site complete look.