Unsure if your landscape walkway design is headed in the right direction? Leave your worries on the doorstep. Each and every landscaping triumph begins with just a single step. Hardscaped pathways are a perfect opportunity to lend further definition and functionality to your lawn and garden, while contributing a sense of welcome to your home, overall.
When getting started, consider the following:
- Compatibility – First things first. Your walkway should complement the architecture and style of your home and outbuildings. Modern architecture, for example, will require something with a distinct sense of shape and line, as opposed to more traditional paths for rustic environments.
- Durability – When crafting a walkway, there are numerous materials to choose from. What strikes you fancy? The elegance of natural stone? The versatility of brick? Permeable pavers are an environmentally-conscious option that allow for the passage of water to the soil, eliminating runoff concerns. Before deciding, consider the traffic and day-to-day usage your path will be subjected to. McHale Landscape Design uses several different types of materials for landscaping walkways, including:
- Flagstone
- Brick
- Travertine
- Natural stone
- Direction – Remember the old adage, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” The route of your landscaping walkway design ultimately makes a world of difference in how guests view your home. Straight paths are formal and easy to follow. Curves, when present, should appear to occur organically, although not in a random, or haphazard, fashion. Curved paths are inviting. Those that disappear around a corner evoke mystery. A path that meanders throughout your garden and around a corner should reward prospective travelers with something of interest – such as a fountain or topiaries.
- Decoration – A path without scenery makes for a long walk, regardless of the length. So add a little bit extra. Frame with delicately appointed flower beds, ornate lawn sculptures, or a stone bench. Ground cover such as ivy lends a landscaping walkway design a sense of establishment. Consider arbors at the entrances to secondary paths or walkways. Paver borders in contrasting colors to the stones chosen for your walkway provide a perfect final touch.
- Accessibility – Your walkway should be wide enough to accommodate at least two guests walking side by side, while also aligning with the features of your home, such as the front entrance.
- Illumination – Subtle, subdued LED landscape lighting makes a walkway safer, more secure, and simply more enjoyable. Lighting adds to the intrinsic charm of a path, and entices and draws guests outdoors for a leisurely stroll under the stars.
McHale’s specialists can coordinate with you on your landscaping walkway design and assist in the selection of materials to ensure that you receive a beautiful and functional path to your patio, garden, driveway, or pool. Set up a consultation today!
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