Path Ideas for English Country Garden Style

There are many design elements that could be incorporated into a traditional English country garden, from planting schemes, to layout, but natural looking paths that enhance the country garden theme may be one of the first considerations. Paths and certainly natural looking paths are essential to the design of a cottage or country garden.

Paths for Function

Garden paths are both charming and inviting, but they also have a function. Perhaps a path is needed from the drive to the garden gate, or from the garden gate to the back of the garden or shed. Consider the use before considering the type of path needed. If the path is going be carrying loaded wheelbarrows or heavy waste bins, it will need to be strong and stable. Functional paths should be able to withstand heavy use.

Inviting Paths

Aside from the functional paths, country gardens also need winding inviting paths. These paths urge the garden visitors to meander around every bend wondering what garden delights are hidden beyond the tall shrubs and perennials in the garden’s flower borders.

Grass Pathways

If the garden beds are dug out of the lawn, grass paths are an easy solution. Narrow grass paths are lovely and require no extra funds to make, but it’s advisable to keep grass paths wide enough for mowing. It’s also a good idea to separate the beds from the lawn with stone or brick edging.

Gravel Pathways

Gravel is another great choice for a cottage garden path. A red brick house cries out for salmon-colored or reddish pea gravel. Ordinary stone, however, suits most gardens as it’s natural. Pea gravel, however, is a traditional choice for cottage gardens.

Pathways of Brick

Brick paths set in an asymmetrical or herringbone pattern are also traditional and very elegant. If the bricks match the color of the brick house, this may be a good choice.

Flagstone Pathways

Flagstone and cement slabs are also great choices, especially for the areas that need to be more functional. Be sure to follow the rules of setting stone and cement paths. The ground must be prepared properly to avoid weeds poking up through the cracks. A thick layer of sand should be set before laying the stone or cement. This is the key to keeping the weeds out as well as stabilizing the stone.

Pathways in cottage gardens are essential to the garden’s tradition. The best choices for a cottage garden look natural to the landscape, as though they’d been there for a century or more.

Cottage gardeners might also like to learn How to Age Garden Stone and Concrete to further enhance the theme.