Garden Path Ideas for Your Playhouse: Rain, Pets, Budget-Friendly Solutions
Creating a garden path to the playhouse can be a tricky task. You want something that will look great, but also withstand heavy rains and not get overrun with weeds or grass. Plus, if you have pets, their occasional accidents may need to be taken into consideration as well. In this article, we'll discuss some of the best options for creating a beautiful and functional pathway in your yard.
First, consider installing a French Drain running from the yard drain towards the Playhouse. This would keep the area much drier overall and offer more choices for what type of material to use for the walkway. Larger flat/flag stones set into the surface above the French Drain could create an attractive look. If there is water coming from multiple sources, branches off the French Drain should capture it all.
Another option is to build a deck out of 2x2 square pallets. These are small enough that they can be stacked up when mowing or weeding, plus they're modular, weatherproof, and easy to install. For those on a budget, salvaging old fencing or decks from someone who needs them removed could provide materials for an even cheaper solution. The "deck" could then be extended over time to cover the old path completely. Adding a bench or windowbox with some bright cherry tomatoes in pots would give kids their own garden space too.
If you'd like to keep rocks in place, try filling in between them with stepables - low-growing plants such as lime thyme or trailing oregano which require only occasional clipping and no other care. However, grass infiltration is still likely so digging out the pathway and edging it before re-setting the stones and interspersing stepables might be necessary. Alternatively, 9,250 seeds for $4.25 could make a path cover thick enough to choke out anything else. Creeping thyme at the edge of one of your beds smells great and spreads rapidly but may lay over stones due to its height.
Overall, there are many options available for creating a beautiful and functional pathway in your yard while taking into account heavy rains, pet accidents, and budget constraints. Consider these ideas and find what works best for you!
What is the best way to create a garden path to the playhouse?
A French Drain running from the yard drain as far as you want back toward the Playhouse or even beyond, with larger flat/flag stones set into the surface area above the French Drain, would be a good option. Alternatively, a deck made of 2x2 square pallets could also be considered.
What kind of plants should I use for the path?
Stepable ground covers such as lime thyme and trailing oregano are suitable for this purpose. However, grass infiltration may be an issue, so it is recommended to dig out the pathway, edge it, re-set the stones and intersperse the stepables.
Is there an affordable option for covering the path?
Yes, 9,250 seeds of a suitable plant can be purchased for $4.25. However, creeping thyme may not be suitable as it is taller than your stones and would lay over them. It also spreads pretty rapidly.
What kind of stones should I use?
Flagstones are a great option for pathways. They come in various shapes and sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. They are also very durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
How do I lay the stones?
The stones should be laid on a bed of sand or gravel to ensure they stay in place. You can also use mortar to secure them if needed. Make sure to leave enough space between each stone for grass or plants to grow.
What kind of soil should I use?
A well-draining soil is best for this purpose. You can mix in some compost or organic matter to help with drainage and nutrient retention. If you're using plants, make sure to use soil that is suitable for their growth.
How do I maintain the path?
To keep the path looking its best, it's important to regularly remove weeds and debris from the area. Also, check the stones periodically to make sure they are still securely in place. If necessary, you can add more sand or gravel around them to keep them stable.