Garden paths and walkways are essential in providing balance and aesthetics to your outdoor space. Inviting as well as practical, walkways help delineate the different areas of your yard and garden.
Past trends emphasized complex and highly structured paths using poured concrete and pavers. These projects posed a challenge for do-it-yourselfers, in that they were both expensive and complicated to build. Fortunately, today’s trends buck that overly complex approach. Instead, landscape designers have turned to a more organic approach, using simple and natural materials paired with structured, geometric designs.
Explore Geometric Garden Layouts
Traditional yard and garden layouts used meandering paths and soft radius borders to create a peaceful spot for a stroll. With today’s more contemporary approach to architecture and design, however, the traditional approach can feel dated and out of sync.
For a more compatible feel, landscape architects have begun incorporating a more geometric approach, using straight lines and angles. Round pavers and scrolling ornamental iron fences have given way to brick borders and unfinished architectural block walls. Traditional planting schemes involved natural-look groupings and a casual mix of plants. The geometric layout feels well-thought out and intentional, with balanced layouts and manicured shapes.
Create a Lush, Green English-Style Garden
The geometric approach, when mixed with the lush planting style of an English garden, creates a contemporary feel that works well with today’s home designs. Crushed limestone makes the perfect path material, especially when combined with crushed slate or recycled rubber mulch in black or gray. For an even more dramatic effect, plant geometric hedges of varying heights for your path borders. Tuck a cozy glider or other seating area in an unexpected spot. Add an oversized architectural vase, gazing ball or bubbling water feature to complete your relaxing escape.
Consider Varying Elevations
Neutral colors help soften a geometric layout, offering the best of both worlds. Imagine taking a leisurely hike through the beautiful terrain of northern Utah. Now imagine that hiking trail in your own yard. Landscape designers suggest bringing that feel home by incorporating subtle elevation changes in your yard. This works bests with xeriscaping and high desert perennial plants. Mix ephemeral fountain grasses with yucca, buckwheat and sego lily plants. Use buff-colored crushed granite or small gravel for your paths. Transition between elevations with either gradual slopes or carved steps, depending on the degree of change and the size of the yard.
If you plan to redesign your yard or garden this year, let Millcreek Gardens help you select the prefect plants and accessories. We have the largest and most diverse section of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs you’ll find anywhere in northern Utah. Serving our area since 1955, our helpful, friendly staff can help you make the most of your garden paths.