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 warmth.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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!  We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!

Plant of the Week

A field of densely packed white flowers in the foreground, with a contrasting section of yellow flowers in the background, under bright daylight.

White Creeping Mazus

Stunning groundcover with small white flowers that bloom May – July amongst green foliage creates a lovely low-growing mat.  Grows 3-6″ tall and 12-18″ wide.  Prefers sun to partial shade, and moist, well-drained soil.

“Gardens and flowers have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes.”

― Clare Ansberry

Warm wishes,

Kim Sweeney