Down the garden path

Pathways are the invitations extended by our garden – they lead us into the garden and entice us to go on. Paths can be as casual as a meandering swath of green cutting through banks of brilliant wildflowers or an intricately patterned stone walkway that leads to a secluded wrought-iron bench. Whatever the reason for a path, here's how to make each small journey on it an enjoyable one.

Plotting a path

• Emphasize or minimize a garden's length by striking a straight path that accentuates lines down or across the space.
• Use a path to divide the garden into a series of distinct areas or garden rooms. To add a sense of space or intrigue, place plants in each room so that they partially conceal the other areas from view.