Are you lucky enough to be able to enjoy an outdoor space? The sunny days are coming back, and you would like to make your garden a pleasant and trendy living space?
When building a house, outdoor spaces and gardens are often put aside due to a lack of budget. However, benefiting from a landscaped and decorated garden is a significant advantage both from an aesthetic point of view and for your daily comfort.
Do you have a patch of grass and don’t know what to do with it? Are you lacking inspiration for decorating your garden? Walkways, water source, shelter, vegetable garden, recycled objects: many solutions exist!
We therefore invite you to discover our decorative tips for landscaping your garden and finally benefiting from a beautiful outdoor living space to enjoy the sun and nature.
Create paths in your garden
Here is a first idea that will make it easy to structure your garden: create a path.
The garden path is both an aesthetic and functional asset for your outdoor spaces. There are several types of paths: pedestrian paths used to walk in the garden or to connect the house to the outside, but also motorable paths allowing access by car to the house or garage.
There are different shapes and different coverings to create a garden path. The choice of covering will depend both on your tastes, but also on the main function of your driveway.
The driveway
A driveway is a driveway allowing the passage of a vehicle (car, vans, etc.). It thus connects the house to the street and facilitates circulation.
To create a driveway, you must provide:
Sufficient width for the easy passage of a vehicle (between 3 m and 4.50 m)
A slope of at least 2.5% to allow rainwater to drain away (towards a gutter or drainage network).
There are different materials that can be used to create a driveway: gravel, stone, concrete, etc. It is important to choose a durable material that can support the weight of a vehicle.
Good to know: in the case of a gravel driveway, it is important to first lay a geotextile which will prevent roots from growing and weeds from appearing.
The main pedestrian walkway
Not everyone will only drive to your home. Thus, a main pedestrian path is important to connect the house to the gate.
Here again, the shapes and coatings may be different. You will need to be attentive:
Width: two people must be able to pass each other easily without hindering each other (approximately 1.50 m).
On the slope: a slight slope is necessary to avoid stagnation of rainwater.
The chosen covering: it is important that the covering is not slippery.
The secondary pedestrian path
This is a very interesting solution to bring life to your outdoor space! The secondary aisle will help demarcate the different spaces and their functions. The secondary paths could in fact lead to a shelter, a terrace, a vegetable garden, or even a swimming pool.
In addition to being aesthetic, the secondary pedestrian path is practical. It does not require a large width and can easily be installed in your garden.
Materials to create a driveway
You have understood: several materials are possible to create a path. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Before choosing your material, you will need to ask yourself questions about the desired style, the use of the driveway, the climate in your region, your budget, etc.
Need ideas and inspiration? Here are some possibilities for creating a path in your garden:
Wood: in slabs, strips or even gratings, wood adapts very well and brings a natural atmosphere to your garden even if it will be less resistant than stone.
Japanese steps: for a Zen style, Japanese steps allow you to modulate your path according to your desires.
Pavers: very practical, pavers do not require a joint during installation.
Gravel: inexpensive, gravel is a material that adapts to all styles.
The paving: in concrete, stone or even brick, the paving allows you to create a clean and straight path.
Don’t forget that it is possible to further personalize your driveway by installing a border or even lighting!
