Stone steps covered in fallen autumn leaves lead uphill through a forest of bare trees. A metal handrail is visible on the right, and the sky is cloudy in the background.

Through the clotted and frothy clouds, a blue fissure had appeared, providing a passageway in which the sun could traverse, and we stretched and reached for her benevolence.

A lush backyard garden with green plants, purple flowers, a stone birdbath, a small garden path, and a wooden fence in the background. A tree branches over the scene, providing shade.

Garden paths can be purely aesthetic, functional or both. They can be invitations to the garden visitor to explore the landscape or perhaps just a convenient route for the landscaper to tend the garden. Some paths are even created for our four-legged friends in hopes they will not tromp through the flowers. Whatever the reason, a well-designed and well-placed path can enhance the livability, beauty and functionality of your garden.

A gravel path winds through a garden with dry grasses, shrubs, and some green foliage. Tall, dried plants border the path, and trees without leaves are visible in the background.

Gravel:
Budget friendly, low maintenance and provides good drainage. Has the ability to handle fairly heavy traffic. Consider adding a border, so gravel pieces don’t spill out into the landscape.

Irregular stone steps form a path through a mulched garden bed with ferns and other plants, leading to a porch with stairs and potted flowers. Trees and green grass surround the garden.

Pavers:
Give a more formal look and can handle heavy traffic. You’ll want to make sure a proper base is constructed prior to laying pavers. Never place pavers on bare soil.

A narrow dirt path curves through a green garden with tall bushes and grass, leading toward a white house with green roof shingles on a sunny day.

Mulch:
Probably the most common, convenient and budget friendly material. Has a natural look and best for medium traffic areas. Will need to be replenished yearly.

A lush backyard garden with blooming flowers, green grass, a curved stone path, two wooden chairs near a white house, and trees and shrubs surrounding the area.

Turf:
Comfortable to walk on and can handle fairly heavy traffic but requires a bit of maintenance to keep it looking neat and tidy. Make sure when designing a turf path that it’s wide enough to fit a mower.

A garden with blooming flowers, a stone path, and a weathered birdbath beside a house. Lush green plants and pink, purple, and white blossoms fill the scene.

We can help design and install a path based on your needs and budget. We can even provide a “concept” design/photo to help you envision your path.  Reach out to Sweeney’s today, and we’ll help you find your way!

Plant of the Week

A cluster of white bell-shaped flowers with yellow centers and green buds surrounded by green leaves.

Carpathian Harebell ‘Pearl White’

Low growing, mounded perennial produces white bell shaped flowers May – September that bloom above dark green foliage.  Prefers sun to partial sun, and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 8-12″ tall and 12-18″ wide.  Attracts hummingbirds.  Drought and deer resistant.

“Some people like to make a little garden out of life and walk down a path.”
-Jean Anouilh

Warm wishes,
Kim Sweeney