In this article, I continue my selection of materials for organizing paths between beds. The main selection criteria are availability and practicality.
1. Crushed stone and geotextile
Fine gravel walkways make an excellent alternative to concrete tiles, planks and rubber rugs. They perfectly permeate water, do not disturb air exchange and always keep shoes clean. If the tracks are made in accordance with the technology, the surface will remain flat and durable for a long time. It will be as comfortable to walk on it as on compacted ground.
Crushed stone paths have a neat decorative look, suitable for any suburban area. Due to its flowability, the material fills all gaps and creates an even, uniform surface.
Crushed stone is laid on the rammed earth covered with geotextiles. The fabric is essential for keeping the stone on the soil surface and protecting it from dirt. In some cases, the top layer of the earth can be replaced with sand.
2. Crushed stone (gravel) and tiles (stone)
The combination of rubble and paving slabs is often used in landscape design. This combination allows you to take advantage of the advantages of both materials. Small stones play the role of drainage, allowing moisture to pass through and filling in the unevenness of the soil, and the tiles create a solid surface, taking on the main load. You can walk along these paths right after the rain. Feet stay clean even in the rainy weather.
If the budget allows, decorative stone can be laid instead of tiles. In this case, the track will look richer and more effective. However, the look will have to overflow. The cost of a stone can be several times higher than concrete counterparts.
As in the previous version, geotextiles should be used for laying rubble. In its absence, you can pick up another dense, non-rotting fabric. The main thing is that the material passes water well.
3. Artificial grass
Earlier, I already talked about the paths covered with natural lawn grass. Despite all their advantages, they had a number of serious disadvantages. The green coating required regular maintenance, had limitations in use, and took time to germinate. Such nuances made the tracks expensive and impractical.
Artificial turf can be a good alternative to natural grass. The material is sold in rolls and looks very similar to the original. To create a path, you need to tamp the ground, then cut and spread the covering. The use of geotextiles is not necessary, but the fabric will provide additional protection from dirt.
Artificial grass is highly water permeable and does not disturb air exchange. Unlike its natural counterpart, the lawn practically does not slip. The pile remains clean even after prolonged stagnation of moisture.
4. Modular garden decking
Garden decking can be used to quickly organize paths. It is sold in large gardening stores. Plastic modules are connected with each other using fasteners similar to hooks. It will take no more than 10 minutes to lay a track 5 meters long. At the same time, the surface of the ground must be leveled and well compacted. For stability, there are small spikes on the back of the modules. Going into the ground, they hold the tiles and maintain the integrity of the structure.
The deck has drainage holes that not only drain moisture, but also prevent slipping after rain. Durable plastic is not afraid of the sun and moderate frost. The modular design can be easily disassembled if required.
5. Sand and gravel
Practical paths between the beds can even be made of sand. To prevent the surface from subsiding, a layer of gravel is laid in the base. When laid on geotextiles, it is both a strengthening and a drainage material. The track is framed by plastic or metal restraints.
Such tracks look neat and hardly stand out from the general background. Instead of sand, you can use any sand mixture, while choosing the grain size and color.
The main disadvantage of such tracks is the complicated creation process.
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Read also on my website - How to lay out paths between the beds: 5 worthy options (Part 1)