walkways
Walkways allow people to view their flowers, herbs and vegetables
first hand and for most days during the growing season or beyond.
Sometimes the walkways lead to seats which allow for viewing or
reflection.
Many people request information on how to make walkways for their
particular place. Much depends on the condition of those using these
passageways. If they are in more vigorous physical condition, it could
be better to have paths which are more natural. Surfaces may vary in
natural appearance, year round use, cost and resource intensity:
Dirt or mowed lawn -- natural but harder to upkeep during the
rainy weather or growing season;
Sawdust trail -- has a clean look and can recycle in time into
the surroundings but can invite moles or termites;
Chips -- will last longer and can be serviceable but difficult to
maneuver a wheelchair;
Stone -- such as flagstones laid in somewhat random fashion with
grass in between can be aesthetically pleasing, but can be slippery in
wet weather;
Gravel -- a more manufactured look but good for all weather
traversing for those who can walk;
Split logs --a difficult undertaking for some people without the
proper skills or equipment;
Pressure treated wood walkways -- good for all weather walkways
in soggy and wetland areas;
Brick or tile -- these pleasing surfaces are made by pressing in
and leveled smooth;
Concrete -- furnish a hard but resource intensive and costly
surface throughout the year especially for those with wheelchairs. Make
only as wide as necessary for the chair and consider retaining part of
the total path as unhardened surface for the more physically mobile;
Blacktop -- same as above but could have snow or ice melt more
quickly;
Plastic materials -- these are now mixed with earth and make a
natural looking hardened path. While quite expensive they allow
all-weather use. |