Woody- Great questions. I like the bark mulch paths I've created elsewhere in the garden. The texture is sufficiently different from grass so that if I'm walking across the back lawn toward the path, my feet can "identify" when I've stepped onto a path. I, too, find them a pretty good weed barrier with annual to bi-annual addition of wood chips. My possible roadblock to using this method on the east side of the garage is my husband. (Poor guy, I keep ragging on him.) He doesn't like bark mulch up against the house. I have put in paths up against the house in two beds, but there the material at ground level is brick. On the side of the garage it's siding down to the ground and at the north corner is where there is termite damage from the time of a previous owner. So my husband worries about putting lunch out for termites, nevermind that they come in underground and they'd be more interested in chomping on the house were they to return. Another note on termites -- when the guy was out this summer about the time we got back from 3-weeks away -- he recommended that we reduce the weeds to deter termites. So, there is actually a serious reason to do a better job than my dear one and I have been managing. There seem to be four basic weeds here: violets, some sort of grass, bindweed, and something low growing and fleshy that loves to break off at the crown. The narrow bed has very little in it at present -- a patch of lemon thyme, chives, and several too-large-for-the-space Emperor of China mums. One of you asked what my neighbor has going on in this side yard. They've removed everything. Got lawn people to seed and then overseeded again. They want "simple". Just grass. PrairieMoon- Sounds like we are both path dreamers. Also sounds like you like the answer you came up with for your path. I particularly like what you described beyond the gate in your situation. In mine, there is also a gravel patch bordered on 2 sides by gate and fence, and by patio and a flower bed on the other two sides. it's a small, awkward gravel patch with the same weed issues as the path. I am leaning now toward digging the gravel out to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, put down landscape fabric or newspaper, and then the path material, probably cedar wood chips or try a blend like Woody's. I seem to have friendly light conditions with most shade at the mid section, so I'll have to make up my mind about whether and how to use plant material. . I do think I'd rather have plants away from the house rather than up against it. Or maybe -- no fun -- no plant material at all. I may have to figure out a way to define the edge between neighbor's grass and my path / border. I did really think I'd be asking more questions about perennials along this path. Maybe that's my question ... How have others incorporated paths and perennials? Not talking here, of course, about access into beds, but using perennials with a path that needs to be functional. This is the only access, for instance, for the lawn mower to come from front yard to back.

Thank you so much for all the input. I've got "a long row to hoe" before the garden in my yard resembles the one in my mind! This garden has descended into nightmare status. I had to hire help with the rocks. They showed up when I was gone and proceeded to slap them down every which way. I had started the first five stones by laying landscape fabric under the stone, tucking it under so it didn't show in front and leaving enough to cover the stones from the inside of the garden. As I added all the layers of "lasagna" ingredients, I tucked and moved the fabric into place for each stone. To our already deep, rich North Dakota topsoil, we've hauled in trailer load after load of old, composted horse manure and straw, emu manure, dirt from the potato farm's cleaning facility, three years of grass clippings and mulched leaves. The soil is deep and rich and alive with earthworms. I finally said "enough" this season and decided to start planting. The neighbors didn't need to look at an empty dirt pile any longer, LOL. Ianna - I agree. Some of the rocks are perched on the tip; the guys that "lined" the garden didn't have a clue as to placing a rock in a natural position. I was shocked to come home and find this job "finished." At least it was a barter-system job and I didn't have to put out cold cash. I am going to line the path, properly, by myself. If it takes the rest of the summer that's fine. Once that is done I'll tackle two or three of the outer border rocks at a time by myself until they are "correct." I can move them with a pry bar and the heavy duty handcart; I just can't lift them. They are all larger than basketballs. I don't use Facebook, but I love the Garden Web forums. I've been lurking for years and drooling over the many gardens. From small to large I find them all so informative and beautiful. LuckyGal - How beautiful; your garden path is exactly what I've envisioned! I think you're right. My area, though large for planting, probably isn't large enough to pull off an "S" curve. I'll play with the garden hose and see what I come up with. What are the dimensions of your garden and the path? Midnight'sMum - Right now the grassed area is between six and seven feet wide; I don't plan for it to be any more narrow than five feet - and probably more like six. I'll keep plodding along and will be asking more questions before it all comes together. Thanks again for all the input. Your help is a blessing.

I have the pots (from mums, and bigger ones from roses) I bought in the past. I'm going to try to overwinter the Hinkelhatz since that is rare and also late-bearing, cold tolerant type (I'll keep it in house overwinter but figured I wouldn't have problems setting out in May). But the Thai hots are pretty easy to find, I have more seeds, and they're very pretty so thought maybe someone would like them as house plants (and give them an early start in garden if they're interested). I have 8 Thais (and some of the serranos are pretty too). I would just have to buy more potting soil but it's pretty cheap. I did have 1 lady at market ask me what type her Vietnamese neighbor had in her garden b/c they were so pretty - even if they're too hot for Yankee tastes someone like that might buy one as a houseplant.

Cindy, Love your decorations you and the boys put up. That purple ghost is great. I love the corn stalks when decorating outside. Last year I planted corn in the center in my oak barrels instead of spikes. I had the stalks ready for halloween decorations in the fall. Your DH's aunt done a nice job on the pumpkin and your DM picked out a cute ghost to go with it. Your wreath looks good on your front door in the background. Punk It was only 8 above here today and I just couldn't get in the mood to go spend time outside so it's great to come here and enjoy yours. Tell those boys they rock at HELPING with the decorations.