Paths & Patios

"There's a difference between knowing the path and walking the path." Morpheus (The Matrix). The primary intent of paths is certainly function. Paths guide us, recommend a course and lead to a destination. Paths can include sidewalks as seen above (Court House Park, Janesville, WI) but in our gardens, they may be as simple as a woodchipped corridor or paver-lined course. In larger public spaces and parks, it's not hard to see the "cow paths" where people want to walk as opposed to where they are encouraged to walk. Paths, while considered part of the "hardscaping" of the garden, can also be a very important part of the composition and experience of the space. Pathways and patios can be very beautiful additions to the garden. Well-built paths can stand the test of time and their orientation in the landscape can not only help with movement thru the space, but defining usage areas or a transition to another space. RBG has a wide range of path materials including compacted gravel, woodchips, concrete, asphalt, bluestone, brick, flagstone, etc. All of these paths have different costs and maintenance inputs. While our garden areas transition visually in terms of style and plantings, they also may experience a paving/path transition too. Paths can be straight, curved or meandering depending on their intent and the design of the space. Gravel or woodchip paths may need to be refreshed on occasion while brick or other paver-type paths may need some releveling, sanding (for gaps), etc. Again, proper installation is vital. Directly below is a brick path that needs some steel edging work and releveling of the pavers as an example. Further below are a wide range of examples that of course, have a wide range of costs. There are also some patio examples that will be a topic for a later date as well.

As a side note, our Taste of Chocolate event was very well-received last night. Larry and Bill did a nice job clearing the paths and I spent some time salting and sanding in the late afternoon. Marianne came in and we both changed luminary bulbs for an hour or so. The event attendees trickled out for the premiere of the lights show for a good two hours or so and I heard lots of positive comments about the lights and the entire event. Good job Polly, coworkers and volunteers!

The last picture above was from Janice and I believe was taken at Reiman Gardens (Iowa State University). Gnomes could be a blog posting in and of themselves.