Paths

Paths

Granite sett path

Seeing as we have snow today, I thought it might be an idea to talk a little about paths and paving materials.

Not all paving is equal as they say, concrete for instance is often more slippery than say asphalt ( there is a standard called CBR – California Bearing Ratio, but often only used for roadways and cars)

So lets take a look at some paths

This gravel path works great, except when frost is just coming out of the surface, when it gets very sticky.
This gravel path works great, except when frost is just coming out of the surface, when it gets very sticky.

Gravel paths are both attractive, economical and if laid on a suitable base long lasting, a simple rake and roll often restores the path to its near original state. Keeping on top of surface weed growth is essential.

Paths should be at least 5ft wide to allow a couple to walk side by side..
Paths should be at least 5ft wide to allow a couple to walk side by side..

This beautiful path leads all the way around the garden, making it a fabulous way to explore the differing views created.

This scented path uses camomile
This scented path uses camomile

We used old railway sleepers and camomile to create this pathway, the camomile grows and covers the widened joints. When you walk on the camomile a lovely scent rises up.

A more formal gravel path
A more formal gravel path

Here the path is dressed in graded limestone, to create a much more formal garden for the client.

Here a zig-zag brick path leads from one section of the garden to another
Here a zig-zag brick path leads from one section of the garden to another

Using stock bricks that compliment the house colours is a good way to ‘link’ a garden design to a house.

Walking on a larger sized clean gravel, is both fun due to the noise and a safety feature as you can hear someone or something approaching.

Here we used a larger stone size to add that lovely crunching sound as you walk on the path
Here we used a larger stone size to add that lovely crunching sound as you walk on the path
Natural random rectangular stone
Natural random rectangular stone

Perhaps the most expensive form of path, the steps are laid in natural random rectangular stone, which is expensive to purchase and time consuming to lay..

Natural stone steps
Natural stone steps

It was a hot day when they completed these steps….

Probably the best material for steps
Probably the best material for steps

To finish with some of my favorite materials.

I’ve always tried to use natural materials on projects as the colour does not fade with time, they are often long lasting – if laid correctly. They always look soft and blend in so well with the surroundings..but natural comes with a significant cost increase..

Mixed brick and random rectangular yorkstone patio

A quick word about patios, if you are using the patio for entertaining a normal table with four chairs requires an area of approximately 10ft 6 ins ( 3m) x 10ft 6 ins (3m) to accommodate the table and chairs.

Laying small unit sett paving of almost random size in a radiating pattern requires skill and patience....
Laying small unit sett paving of almost random size in a radiating pattern requires skill and patience….

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Chris Coope

Author: Chris Coope

Born in Great Britain, Chris Dyson-Coope followed his training and passion in the field of horticulture for decades. This path led him to multiple awards for landscape design and many prestigious projects in the United Kingdom and the U.S. Chris has received 19 national awards for projects as varied as city parks, urban regeneration, playgrounds, office parks and streetscapes. He pioneered the use of designer drives in the 1980s utilizing Permacrib to create structural green walls and award-winning green roofs in London. Most recently, Dyson-Coope has nurtured his interest as an educational innovator to produce an Internet radio show (GrowingTrends.com), books on landscaping, and a series of fictional children's books that explore non-fictional themes such as sustainable agriculture, geography, and history. Convinced that the younger generation can (and must) learn from the older generation, as well as blazing new paths toward a sustainable future for a planet in deep distress from climate change and unsustainable practices, Dyson-Coope presents workable solutions in multiple formats, from books to inventions, podcasts and educational media. With several horticultural patents to his credit, the noted horticulturalist looks to the future with hope that the younger generation will grab the "torch" of innovation to develop and maintain a more sustainable world for us all. Dyson-Coope is a member of The Chartered Institute of Horticulture and serves as Director of Children's Sustainable Education for Energime University. Chris lives in Weston, Missouri, with his lovely wife, Cindi.

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