Perfecting Your Path

By Marie Hofer

Use non-slippery materials that blend with the setting and tie in with other garden structures or your home. There's never been more choice in materials — from pine-bark mulch to crushed slag to stone and pavers of all sorts. Creating your own design puts a unique stamp on the look and mood of the garden. Also consider seasonal upkeep when you select a material: is it likely that you'll want to remove snow from the path, for example, or sweep fallen leaves?