When it comes to creating beautiful garden paths, most people opt for stones and bricks, but this can be menacing if you want to create a softer look of if you have children that could get hurt. Pathways that have plants in and around them are great options and there are many plants that work perfectly for this specific function. Mostly these plants are perennials (ones that come back year after year) that creep around the surface you place them on. They are soft for when you step on them and come with many different colours and styles. The greatest advantage of these plants is that they “bounce back” when stepped on and do not easily get crushed. They add life and vibrancy to a garden path. Other wonderful choices are stonecrop, creeping wire vine, blue star creepers and miniature rush, which looks like grass, but does not get destroyed as easily.

There are some factors to consider when determining which plants to use. If your garden path is directly in the sun, you will need plants that can handle a lot of sunlight, for example stonecrop. If the area is constantly wet or damp, consider using viola on and around the path. Determine how much traffic the area will get (by looking at the leaves of plants and determining the damage done). Delicate plants will not survive in an area with heavy traffic. Also look at how much time you will be able to spend on caring for the plants and choose low-maintenance, water retaining plants if you are very busy.

If you want to create “open” garden paths that allow you to view the entire garden, consider using plants that do not grow fast and very high, like shrubs or even Butterfly bush or Varigated Weigela. These plants draw all sorts of wildlife to your garden, for example butterflies and hummingbirds. If you want to create an air of mystery, use taller plants and even bamboo to create a wall. If you love colours and would like different colours to invite people to your focal point in the garden or to your front door, you can use classic Daffodils, Daisy’s, Tulips, Sedum “Autumn Joy” or Black Eyed Susan’s to liven up the path. If you want a more wild and “carefree” garden, let natural plants grow around the path, like ivy’s and shrubbery. Prune your plants, but not as often and let them grow slightly over the path.

Changing your plants depending on seasons create movement in a garden and break monotony. Dense, green plants underfoot – especially on garden paths – are pleasing to the eye and with perennials like Pink Amaryllis, you cannot go wrong. An interesting idea is to plant vegetables and fruits, like wild strawberries around garden paths. This way, you can have a functional and aesthetically pleasing garden and walkways. Ultimately, the plants you choose should be what suits your style and needs. Your path should be a place that invites people into your home and a place that you can be proud of.