Narrow grass paths could be tricky to mow and there would be a lot of edging needed to keep them looking tidy. You might want to think about using some kind of edging for the beds with gravel paths if paving is out of the question.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Paths still far too narrow. If you make them at least wheelbarrow or even 90cm wide they will look and feel more generous and you can put arches at each outer end and have height and colour and maybe perfume from climbers.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
It hadn’t occurred to me to connect two of the beds across from each other. I really like that idea Obelixx. I previously planted DA Teasing Georgia and a yellow honeysuckle over an arch. Looked really nice. A good project for OH. Who avoids gardening itself but is happy to assist with building projects. Paths of 60 cm will be a better fit. I’d originally set these at 40 cm but checked on the amount of width I’d need when kneeling to weed the beds and a better length is 60 cm.
My thoughts are now turning to plants themselves. The two beds that will be adjacent to the path will be in full sun for most of the day. I’d like to combine both flowers and veg/fruit. The width of each bed is 14.6ft x 6 ft. What I’m not sure about is where to plant the tallest plants in these beds. The 2 beds adjacent to the fence are in shade due to the height of the fence from about 2 pm onwards.
I have four patio fruit trees, apple , pear, cherry and plum. Thought I could add 2 to path beds. Maximum height for these is 8 ft according to Thompson and Morgan. If I add shrubs such as lilac, hydrangea, and roses th3se should give me some height and structure before I add perennials such as hollyhock, delphiniums, campanula, echinops, and then summer bulbs. Hopefully there is enough room?
If you can’t get rid of the path I’d turn it into a path with arches or a pergola - it seems to be the part that catches the most sun from those shadows, so climbers should do well. It’s what I’ve done.
I don’t think the lawn is wide enough to suffer another path, so I’d concur with the suggestion to turn large chunks of it into borders that reach the path.
This layout also allows you to visit each section without having to back track up the same path
I was about to say just that - if you can manage it, it's great to be able to go one way down the garden and come back up a different way. So much more interesting.
Incidentally, I always remember reading in an RHS gardening book about paths - "they should be wide enough for two to stroll comfortably two-abreast". Er, which stately home were they thinking of
I would be inclined just to make a big square bed in the middle of the lawn from the path over to the fence. That way you would break up the view and would have to walk down the path to see what is on the other side. You could have stepping stones through for weeding access. It would make mowing the two halves easier as well.
They say it’s always best to trial things out before you commit. I didn’t take into consideration OH wheeling his bike from the house to the back gate to go on his travels. The alternative is him carrying the bike up two steps and through the house. He uses the lawn to cross where the house juts into the garden as the existing path is too close. I also have my washing line hung across the lawn so this would need resiting. I think on balance will have to relook at moving the original path. given my recent greenhouse purchase I think OH might balk at the further garden expense as it’s my hobby and not his. Really appreciate all the contributions from everyone. Its what makes this forum such a pleasure to seek advice from. Happy gardening everyone. Pam
Revisions. Having perused through Geoff Hamilton’s Cottage Gardens book I realise my design lacks the necessary symmetry and doesn’t exactly invite you in to investigate further. This layout also allows you to visit each section without having to back track up the same path
IMHO paths need to go somewhere , or lead to something. If there was room for , eg, a seat , or a big pot, I'd see the point, but the path heading off towards the right, seems to lead to the fence. Are you ever likely to walk to the fence? If you're planning on living in the house for a long time, I'd seriously consider removing the concrete path. Hard work, undoubtedly , but worth it in terms of options. It's hardly a thing of any great beauty is it? As my dear late Mother would have said " never spoil the ship for a ha'pence worth of tar"
I didn’t take into consideration OH wheeling his bike from the house to the back gate to go on his travels. The alternative is him carrying the bike up two steps and through the house. He uses the lawn to cross where the house juts into the garden as the existing path is too close. I also have my washing line hung across the lawn so this would need resiting.
I'm losing track of this - could you provide a (sketch) plan view of the garden's current usage? It might also help you envisage what you want it to end up as.
Posts
My thoughts are now turning to plants themselves. The two beds that will be adjacent to the path will be in full sun for most of the day. I’d like to combine both flowers and veg/fruit. The width of each bed is 14.6ft x 6 ft. What I’m not sure about is where to plant the tallest plants in these beds. The 2 beds adjacent to the fence are in shade due to the height of the fence from about 2 pm onwards.
I have four patio fruit trees, apple , pear, cherry and plum. Thought I could add 2 to path beds. Maximum height for these is 8 ft according to Thompson and Morgan. If I add shrubs such as lilac, hydrangea, and roses th3se should give me some height and structure before I add perennials such as hollyhock, delphiniums, campanula, echinops, and then summer bulbs. Hopefully there is enough room?
I don’t think the lawn is wide enough to suffer another path, so I’d concur with the suggestion to turn large chunks of it into borders that reach the path.
have fun! 👍
Incidentally, I always remember reading in an RHS gardening book about paths - "they should be wide enough for two to stroll comfortably two-abreast". Er, which stately home were they thinking of
If there was room for , eg, a seat , or a big pot, I'd see the point, but the path heading off towards the right, seems to lead to the fence. Are you ever likely to walk to the fence?
If you're planning on living in the house for a long time, I'd seriously consider removing the concrete path. Hard work, undoubtedly , but worth it in terms of options. It's hardly a thing of any great beauty is it?
As my dear late Mother would have said " never spoil the ship for a ha'pence worth of tar"