patio
side yard
shed planter box
Shed
Bamboo pergola
fieldstone firepit
The path leads from the pool house down to a stone pump house. The curved stone wall to the left is a retaining wall, which provides a grade change; the wood one to the right covers unsightly air conditioners. The place where the path navigates between the two is a "pinch point" that is 7 feet wide, providing a more enclosed feeling along the path. The wet-laid retaining wall is faced with a sandstone indigenous to the region. The stepping stones are irregular, lilac-colored flagstone. Several plants, including varieties of thyme, sedum and veronica, fill in the gaps between the stones.Other plants seen here include Cotinus coggygria, Geranium x cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo,' Hosta ‘Golden Tiara', Iris sibirica ‘Ceasar’s Brother’, Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low', Salvia nemerosa ‘Caradonna' and Stachys byzantina.
Plant Characteristics to Look ForUsing the wrong types of plants could make a pathway awkward to use and result in a very high-maintenance garden. It’s best to look for the following characteristics.Low and compact growth. Anything too tall or leggy can inhibit movement along the path and restrict visibility to the path ahead or garden beyond. Taller and more architecturally interesting plants can be used farther back in the bed, away from the path, to create height and foliage contrast. Graduating the height of shrubs and perennials will also make the area appear to be wider than it is.Lack of spikes and thorns. There is nothing worse than getting scratched or snagged by a plant while walking down a path. Spiky plants are great for little birds but usually best kept away from walkways and driveways to avoid injury. Tip: I like using flower carpet roses en masse in border beds due to their reliable, long-flowering habit, but they might need to be edged with another plant, such as lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina, shown here opposite a border of lavender), to help create a barrier along the path to reduce the risk of harm. Regular maintenance would also be effective, as would a generou...
A gently curved flagstone path draws pedestrians from the front yard, through the spacious side garden, toward the rolling lawn in the distance. An opening in a row of trees frames the view. Within this side garden, however, there are plenty of beautiful plant combinations that provide interest. From the flowering thyme in and around the flagstones to the repeating mounds of perennials (irises and lady's mantle) and soft shrubs (azaleas), the design is inspired and appealing.
Planters
Raised bed
Outdoor kitchen
Dining table
Outdoor grill
Patio fire pit
Galvanized garden
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