Plant Combinations for an Abundant Garden. A. & G. Bridgewater

Чтение книги онлайн.

       PATHS AND STEPS

      Much depends upon type and size, but the average traditional red-brick path will probably take 3–5 days to design and create – a day for planning and marking out, and the rest of the time for removing the topsoil and building. A wooden walkway or a path made from gravel or tree bark can usually be put down in the space of a long weekend, but a flight of brick and stone steps might take a week or more, depending on the structure of the subsoil.

       Will these involve much work?

       DESIGNING AND PLANNING PATHS

      What do you want from your path? Do you want it to be the shortest route between two points – such as the swiftest route from the kitchen to the compost heap – or do you want it to be a slow, meandering route that takes in all the best bits of the garden? Do you want the path to be plain and functional – just a concrete strip – or do you want it to be decorative, with lots of color and different materials?

      This path, complete with steps, raised walls and other features has been deliberately designed to make a grand statement.

       PATH OPTIONS

      Following the edge of a flower border

      Providing a walk around the garden

      Old pieces of stone suit a country garden

      A traditional herringbone brick path

      Cobblestone paths are easy to lay

      Leading to a particular feature

      Curved paths are good for informal areas

      Crazy (cleft stone) paving is suitable for a relaxed garden

      Gravel and lavender are a good mix

      A simple crushed stone path is just right for this scented garden, and the edges are softened by the spread of the plants.

       PATH CONSTRUCTION

      Gravel A gravel path is a joy – it looks good and is relatively easy to install. Remove the turf and topsoil to a depth of 8 in (20 cm), and then put down a 4 in (10 cm) thick layer of compacted stone and gravel followed by a 4 in (10 cm) layer of pea gravel.

      Path construction – brick A red-brick path is a good traditional option. Remove the turf and topsoil down to a depth of 8 in (20 cm), and then put down 3 ½ in (8 cm) of compacted gravel, ⅞ in (20 mm) of compacted coarse sand and ¼ in (5 mm) of soft sand, followed by the bricks.

       STEPS IN THE GARDEN

      These attractive formal steps have been created with stone slabs forming the treads and bricks forming the risers.

      Informal steps made from reclaimed railroad ties are excellent for a country garden using natural materials.

      These brick and stone steps are adjoined by buttress hand supports, complete with lights for illuminating the steps after dark.

       DESIGNING AND PLANNING STEPS

       A functional feature СКАЧАТЬ