Late April’s landscape was celebratory with sweet, blooming treats, from the tufts of cotton candy blooms of the Magnolia & Pear, to the spun sugar strands of the Red Bud & Prairie Smoke to the swaths of candy dots of the Vinca and Squill.  Spring was surely the pathway to gardening nirvana.

Garden paths can be purely aesthetic, functional or both. They can be invitations to the garden visitor to explore the landscape or perhaps just a convenient route for the landscaper to tend the garden. Some paths are even created for our four-legged friends in hopes they will not tromp through the flowers. Whatever the reason, a well-designed and well-placed path can enhance the livability, beauty and functionality of your garden.

Gravel:
Budget friendly, low maintenance and provides good drainage. Has the ability to handle fairly heavy traffic. Consider adding a border, so gravel pieces don’t spill out into the landscape.

Pavers:
Give a more formal look and can handle heavy traffic. You’ll want to make sure a proper base is constructed prior to laying pavers. Never place pavers on bare soil.

Mulch:
Probably the most common, convenient and budget friendly material. Has a natural look and best for medium traffic areas. Will need to be replenished yearly.

Turf:
Comfortable to walk on and can handle fairly heavy traffic but requires a bit of maintenance to keep it looking neat and tidy. Make sure when designing a turf path that it’s wide enough to fit a mower.

We can help design and install a path based on your needs and budget. We can even provide a “concept” design/photo to help you envision your path.  Reach out to Sweeney’s today, and we’ll help you find your way!  We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!

Sweeney’s:  A Plant Based Company

Plant of the Week

Blue Star Creeper

Low growing perennial forms a carpet of tiny, green leaves amassed with soft blue, star-shaped flowers May – August.  Prefers sun to partial sun, and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 3-6″ tall and 8-12″ wide.  Perfect for growing between pavers, or as a lawn substitute.  Can handle foot traffic.

“If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads.”

– Anatole France

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney