Paths are essential in any garden. Whether drivable or pedestrian, they allow you to move from one point to another without hindrance. Let's see how to create them...
Aesthetics and functionality
When creating your driveway, you must respect several parameters.
First of all, it must be functional and lead as directly as possible from one point to another. Think of the practical side: the width should always be calculated according to the use that will be made of it. For example, a driveway should be at least 3.50 m wide, to facilitate the passage of a car without scratching the bodywork or crushing the plants along the edges.
For a pedestrian walkway, 1.20 m is sufficient to allow two people to pass each other. Secondary paths or paths between plants can be narrower and more intimate.
Aesthetics is another point to consider; always design your pathway according to the style of your garden and house to best integrate it into its environment and not create a shocking contrast.
Straight, symmetrical paths will look best in classic or very contemporary gardens, while harmonious curves will fit in perfectly with the beds of an English garden.
Take into account the terrain
The design of a walkway will depend on the relief of the land and, as we have seen, on the style of the garden and the adjoining house. In a sloping garden, curves will be used to control the relief and soften the slope. They will also be used to bypass an important element such as a large isolated tree, a well or a flowering slope that it would be a shame to destroy.
How do you layout a driveway?
When it comes to driveways, the simplest is often the most practical! Don't make it difficult for yourself and choose the shortest route to get from one point to another. One trick is to use two garden hoses to outline your driveway before digging it. The hoses can be made into curved shapes without worrying about them, which will make tracing easier.
Unless the terrain or style dictates otherwise, always avoid too many curves, which will be ignored by children or the gardener in a hurry, who will then trace straight through the beautiful lawn! A basic rule of thumb: don't create curves where you don't really need them, you'll be making your job harder for nothing.
Don't forget that if you plan to build a masonry walkway, you'll need to provide a slope of 1cm/m for rainwater drainage, so that it doesn't turn into a paddling pool.
Surfacing: a wide choice
Once again, the choice of surfacing will depend on the style and function of the walkway.
Resistant materials such as pavers, concrete, reconstituted stone slabs or interlocking pavers are preferred for driveways that must support more weight.
Pedestrian walkways can be made up of simple grass, bark or wood chips, Japanese steps, gravel or even slate mulch, which is always very aesthetic.
