FAST OR SLOW?

1

GET THERE FAST Are you just going from A to B or is the route more convoluted? Is the path to be used every day (primary path) or only occasionally? A primary path should be roughly 1m (3ft 3in) wide so it’s practical to walk along, although paths used less often can be narrower. Primary paths that are heavily used need to be made from hard-wearing materials. Tie them in with the overall look of the house and garden by colour or texture etc.

Use focal points to invite people to travel along the route.

2

SLOW MOVEMENT WITH A CURVE While the quickest route from A to B is a straight line, it

might divide the garden in a way that’s not useful to your design. Curved paths can slow people down and bring a sense of movement into a garden.

A focal point encourages people to linger midway along a path, while arches or a pergola provide interest and a sense of mystery. Edge your path with planting to stop people from cutting the corner.

3

ADD A PAUSE FOR THOUGHT Add seating along a path to encourage people to pause as they move through the space. This will invite them to enjoy different views, slow down their journey and get more out of the garden.

Use different materials and paving patterns to make your pausing points distinct from the path. Irregular paving, with planting to the side, will soften the path lines. If you’re adding seating, remember to provide a good view or focal point for people to look at.

4

OFFER A DIVERSION Paths that are only used occasionally can still become part of your overall design. They lead the eye, invite possibilities and tap into the power of suggestion. Vary the materials or match the primary path to help integrate the diversion into the design. Stepping stones might not be heavily used, for example, but they provide a real focal pull and, practically, they help prevent wear and tear on your lawn.