Saturday, June 20, 2009

Garden Path Mulch

Early this spring I decided I needed to do something about the dirt path that meanders at the NW side of our garden. Before the pine trees came down, you can read about that here and here, it naturally got a layer of pine needles every year and I didn't have to worry about us tracking in mud after every rain. As you can see, we (actually myDearly Beloved) put two truck loads of pea gravel onto the path. My job was raking and leveling somewhat. In the past this path was covered with bark mulch too but it wouldn't stay in place becasue when we get heavy rain this path becomes a small creek. The pea gravel has stayed in place so I am very pleased. Another concern brought up by my friend was "can you walk on it barefoot"? I guess that all depends on how much you go barefooted in your garden. Yes, I can walk barefooted on this path.
Luna doesn't seem to mind the gravel in the path. She doesn't track in near the amount of mud as in the past. Obviously weeds pop up in the path.

They are easily removed.

Where the three paths converge from the back of the garden, from the gate and off the patio I placed a round (?) section of stepping stone.
It solves the problem of what to do where three paths meet.
We had these old timbers lying around the garden needing to be put to use. So I ran them along the edge of the path to contain the pea gravel. I think the gravel will stay in place anyway becasue this path is indented somewhat what with all the travel on it.
So what I would say is if you have a difficult path to try to keep mulched pea gravel is a good remedy. The pea gravel blends right in, stays where you put it, easy to walk on, and the best part is that it is inexpensive.

30 comments:

  1. You sure are busy. And you are an inspiration. I have a short walkway off my back porch I didn't know how to handle, but you have fed my imagination.

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  2. What a great idea Lisa! Looks like a very functional and yet inviting path in your garden. :c)

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  3. Pea gravel does indeed stay in place fairly well--it is a bit weedy but as you said, it's easy to pull the weeds. The way the photos go it looks like Luna did the weeding for you--now wouldn't that be keen?! :) She's a pretty doggie.

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  4. One day I hope to have such fine level paths of pea gravel or decomposed granite gracing a mountain top garden. It may take more than timbers to hold things in place though.

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  5. A good idea, Lisa; I especially like that stepping stone at the intersection. Every time I see a photo of your garden it looks bigger and bigger! I love those big ferns showing next to the path; I hope mine get that big eventually.

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  6. Looks beautiful Lisa, I look forward to seeing it in person.

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  7. Lisa, the pea gravel is a good idea in more than one way. Great for keeping the mud tracking down, but it will also help so the 'river' of water down when it rains. And by slowing it down gives it a chance to soak in. Especially helpful in a dryer year. Barefoot in the gardens in what I like to do too!:)

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  8. Great job on the pathways, Lisa. These are on my list of things to do that just haven't gotten 'to-done' yet!

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  9. I like the way you handled the intersection of the paths. I like pea gravel because it allows good drainage. If I redo one of my back paths I am considering permeable pavement.

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  10. Lisa, this path is so lovely. thanks for inspiration! and explanation in practical details.
    I really love it. I'd like one, but I have a concern - does gravel stay in place? or it springs around?
    Have a nice Sunday.
    Ewa

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  11. We need a few more paths in our yard ... yours looks great. Trouble is, D works most of the summer and he's got the strong arm and the creativity to get such things done. I'm rather whimpy and not to imaginative at laying things out.

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  12. Hi Lisa....that really does blend in well. Pea gravel suits your garden perfectly......I love to see a pathway, gives the feel of a journey through the garden......but then you know I love your garden......

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  13. I LOVE before/after pictures. They always give me a feeling of pride in the gardeners' accomplishments. You done good!

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  14. I love pea gravel paths and have some as well. Never tried walking barefoot on them though! How deep is your gravel? I think mine's too deep in some places, which makes it harder to walk on. I wish I had one of those roller-thingies to pack it down more. Did you use one of those?

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  15. If Luna approves, then the pea gravel paths are obviously a winner.

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  16. Hi Lisa,
    Your garden path looks great! Thanks for sharing the pictures and inspiration with us.

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  17. I love it Lisa...and it enhances your garden...which is so lovely! The center stone adds a great looking waiting/observing spot! It might get weedy but it does seem to be a perfect home for plants that love the sharper drainage! I wanted to use if for our paths...but there is too much of a slope, so we are going with pine straw! gail

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  18. Great photos! Pea gravel is very elegant. I also visited a vegetable and herb garden that had generous rock dust paths. I especially liked the width of those paths. As for me, this year I am thrilled to have free wood chips from the Town, laid on top of cardboard. But I still haven't managed to make them wide enough. Definitley keeps down the mud and I don't have a real slope to worry about.

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  19. Your paths look great. I have considered using pea gravel but I'm so afraid of stones getting into the lawn. Have you had trouble with that?
    Marnie

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  20. For those of you concerned about the gravel getting away, the timbers keep it in place.

    I have a short path that also has pea gravel. It has no containment and I use that path more often but the pea gravel stays put well enough to suit me.

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  21. Lisa -- the pea gravel looks good in there, but I have to say, Luna is the star of this show!

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  22. Lisa, you are busy but happy gardening.
    So inspiring, I don't have that much time...:(
    I love to see cute Luna in search of her little guy may be....!

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  23. As you probably already know, I'm a big fan of pea gravel. I like the way you used the paver to intersect the pathways. It looks very nice!

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  24. I always enjoy seing your gardens and the hardscapes you create. I have the paving bricks to do a couple more paths. Now I am waiting for cooler temps...maybe in October? It is too hot for me to do much outside. Keeping the deck pots watered and the bird baths filled is about it! I just heard the temp on the radio...103! Too hot for June!
    Hope you are staying cool.
    Sherry

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  25. Hi Lisa,

    I love how your walkway turned out, and it looks as if your beautiful dog, Luna, was a huge help with the weeding and prep work :)

    Kate

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  26. Hi Lisa, as always, I love those before and after shots, and of course seeing sweet Luna too. It seems the paths have grown in nicely and your square round is the perfect meeting spot for the different paths. We have found that desirable seedlings grow very well in the gravel, better even than the beds, with the cool root run and moisture retention. One of these days seeds are actually going to be human sown in those paths to see what results.
    Frances

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  27. Wow, THAT was a job! Nice to see such lovely results after all that work, I bet--it looks great. :)

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  28. Lisa, I love seeing projects like this shown photo by photo. The pea gravel sounds like it really filled the need, and I love your stepping stone too! Great job.

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  29. I love seeing the path bare as you prepare it and then with all the plantings up! We have the same problem of washouts with some of our bark mulch paths and are currently calculating how much gravel we need to redo them. So it's nice to know you are happy with the gravel.

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  30. The meandering path looks fantastic with the Hosta plants growing on the side. Talk about curb appeal...WOW...well done.

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