Extending Pathways Pt.1

BY SKEETER

After tramping through the leaves on the outskirts of the Semi-Formal Garden, I decided it was time to extend the pathway. I had stepping stones in place from the pea gravel path in order to get to the bench. But I would find myself always going out through the leaves verses the path. This was a bit of a short cut in my Georgia Garden.

This project started back in November with the removal of weeds, leaves and pine needles. I then used these free Stones that my parents had left over from a project and passed along to me. The area around the pine tree is a bit higher then the rest of this garden. I used the stones to build a sort of retaining wall.

It was January before I worked on this project again. Next, I removed the stepping stones and started to make a border with more free bricks that I found on Freecycle.

There is a lot of sandy soil in this area which was not difficult for brick embedding. But the many roots from the nearby pine tree made it an ever painful process. I hate tree roots!

This project was once again put on hold. In early April, I was back at it and had one side of bricks embedded all the way to the bench.

I was on the lookout for matching pea gravel to extend the path. I could not find any rocks in the natural brown colors. So once again, this project was put on hold.

I could not find the pea gravel in bags but in bulk yes. Even though gravel is cheaper by the truck load, it would be more difficult for me to move it around. With bags, I can easily handle the gravel. So I just went ahead and mulch in areas and once again, left this project aside.

It was late April and I was back at it. The Saint had a solution for me. He suggested that I remove the same color pea gravel from other areas of my gardens and put it into this path and then we would add the different colored gravel to the old paths. Hum, I went with his idea and the match was perfect! Here you cannot even tell where the old meets the new old. That Saint of mine also put a fresh coat of paint and stain on the bench.

With this expansion, the area to the left and right of the bench are new plantings. In this picture, the mulch has yet to be put into place (across the path) from the front of the bench.

Now we move to the present time and things have changed even more since April. That bird cage is a bargain purchase from last year that I have yet to talk about. $5.00 cage and put in place with an old Shepard hook lying around. She now has a Clematis growing up her.

Zooming in below the Pine Tree, we find Solomon's Seal surrounded by Clumping Liriope, Sage and Scotch Broom. I once had Hosta planted here but the deer and voles munched until I had to move them.

The other side of the bench has a new Hydrangea and Russian Sage. Along with Blackeye Susan, Moss Phlox, Lavender and other fun stuff. In the back, I planted Silverberry Bushes to hide the fence from next door. I chose Silverberry as this area is mostly shaded. In front of the Silverberry is one Howard Ligustrum bush.

When sitting on the bench, you see this area. Butterfly Weed, Lantana, Salvia's, Balloon Flower, Clematis, Summer & Moss Phlox, Red Hot Poker, Spirea, Primrose, Penstemon, Gaura and of course, Susan.

View from standing to the back of the Ligustrum. The Ligustrum is planted where I once had a beautiful Japanese Loquat. (Click HERE to read about that sad loss.)

Looking down the path, to the right you will find the Liriope area under the pine tree, then an area with Verbena and the Mailbox I recently showed you.

This is the long shot of the Semi-Formal Garden. Hum, how do I bring those two pathways together? Or do I just leave this area as is? This grassy area leads to the Wood/Mower Shed and also the area where we collect debris. We would like to leave this area a grassy pathway if possible. Thursday, I shall show you more EXTENDING PATHWAYS, In the Garden...
Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden