The path in the country with their own hands
It's nice when the territory of a country house or cottage is ennobled. To move was convenient, you should make paths and paths. It is important that they fit into the landscape design, i.e. performed not only practical, but also decorative functions. Here it is important to take into account many points: material, shape and style. The path in the country, created with their own hands, will be able to transform a few hundred square meters of land.
Types of garden paths
Paths and paths on the summer cottage are made from different materials. Practically all known materials used in construction and decoration can be applied. Consider the most popular options.
A natural stone. The main differences are natural beauty and nobility. It is worth noting the high strength, which, of course, plus, and high cost, which can not but upset. Using this material, you can lay out a curved track, as the stone elements, located in a chaotic manner, easily form smooth bends.
Tree. If the landscape design is made in a rustic Provence or Country style, then a tree is also suitable for decoration. To save the material it is recommended to use special impregnations and varnishes.
Brick. Common material for the construction of houses and outbuildings. But it is also suitable for the construction of paths in the villa area. An ordinary brick has an unattractive appearance, therefore it is better to give preference to special types that look aesthetically pleasing, are not afraid of moisture and low temperatures.
Stone blocks and paving slabs. Due to the large assortment and variety of colors of paving slabs, you can lay out the track according to the scheme in order to get a certain pattern or ornament.
Gravel. A budget option. With proper laying, the path will last a long time. In addition, the gravel will look good in a far corner of the garden or near an artificial reservoir.
Concrete. The original track from concrete can be made using special forms. They are made of plastic and sold in hardware stores. You can make them yourself and pre-familiarize yourself with the technology.
In order to achieve the stylistic conformity of the tracks with the surrounding natural and artificial objects, it is recommended to use combinations of materials and laying techniques. For example, use stone and colored gravel, wood and pebbles, brick and concrete.
If you wish to use color schemes, you should be careful: the selected image should fit harmoniously into the created landscape design and fit the style.
Features of the location of the paths
Once you have decided on the material, you should decide how to arrange the tracks according to the landscape. To make everything look harmonious, you need to take up paper and a pencil to draw up a plan and sketches. Facilitates the process of computer program for the design of landscape design. There are applications that are designed for the design of paths and tracks. Hints and tips will help pave the correct and convenient route by which you can quickly get to a certain place. At this stage, the following important points should be taken into account:
- the points define the main places to which it will be necessary to reach, and then they are connected by straight or curved lines;
- the plan should also mark all the available objects: a gazebo, a greenhouse, a bath, a kitchen garden, a garden and flower beds;
- it is not necessary to use the same type of tracks: on any section, continuous and step-by-step, straight and curved variants will be perfectly combined;
- if it rains often enough, the paths should be planned with a well-designed drainage system and water drainage from the edges.
Making the scheme, specify the varieties of plants and shrubs that are planned to be planted. This approach will allow you to quickly determine the material for the arrangement of the tracks.
Cement leaf footpath
More popular are the budget options, which can also be original and attractive, like natural stone. If in your garden area there is a solid and neatly trimmed green lawn, then you should not separate it with a large number of tracks. There is a better option in the form of a kind of small path of cement leaves. Make it yourself is not difficult.
They are based on decorative concrete tiles, which in form can be not only in the form of sheets, but also:
- human footprints;
- geometric shapes;
- silhouettes of animals.
The list of necessary materials and tools is quite simple:
- Cement mortar (cement, water and sand).
- Form (for our option fit large sheets of burdock).
- Capacity for kneading solution.
- Rubber gloves (for convenience).
- Master OK.
The following is a simple technology for creating decorative elements:
- In a container in a small amount, according to the instructions, knead cement mortar. Mix thoroughly to avoid lumps or air bubbles.
- The finished thick mass is applied to a pre-washed burdock leaf with a small layer of 2–3 cm.
- Leave the form to dry, preferably in the sun.
- After the mixture is completely grabbed, remove the sheet and get a decorative tile.
- In the process of laying the finished tiles it is necessary to remove the top layer of the turf, so that a small hole is formed. A sheet will be placed in it. Similar actions are repeated for subsequent items.
When working is very important moment of mixing cement mortar. You should get the necessary consistency, because too thick a solution will not fit well, and the liquid will not retain the desired shape.
Path of brick or paving slabs
A more solid path can be made from simple bricks, which remained after construction and idlely wallowing in a shed or garage, occupying the required square meters. Regardless of how landscaping is planned, a brick path will be an excellent addition.
The whole process of work is divided into several stages:
- definition of borders and removal of the top layer of the earth;
- preparation of sand and gravel pad;
- laying brick;
- filling the seams with sand.
The minimum width of the brick path should be 90 cm. The parameter should be calculated on the basis of the size of the brick and the pattern that you plan to lay out. Pegs are stuck on the edges of the future path and the construction cord is stretched. A shallow trench is pulled out in the resulting space, and the edges are reinforced with boards, so that the extra soil does not crumble.
A mixture of sand and gravel is poured into the prepared trench, which is then leveled and rammed. After all you need to fall asleep sand, which is also rammed. In this case, the base will be better, and the path will last longer.
Laying brick start along the boards. Adjust the position with a wooden or rubber hammer. To make a curb, the extreme rows of bricks are laid on the butt. The gap between the edges is filled with bricks according to the chosen scheme. Constantly check the horizontal position of the bricks using water or normal levels. At the last stage, all the gaps between the bricks are filled with sand. After the track is watered and the operation is repeated.
The path of their wooden cuts
Of course, in terms of durability, the tree loses to other materials, since it is afraid of moisture, which means that additional processing and protection will be required. But still wood cuts are also popular. With their help, you can fold a decorative walkway in a rustic style.
At registration you should follow a few tips:
- Choosing a tree, you need to pay attention to the diameter of the trunks, it should be from 10 to 20 cm.
- You should not discard small boughs, as small rounds can perfectly fill the voids between the large elements.
- You can use flat cuts or hemp.
Arrangement of the path does not take much time and effort. On the marked site remove the top layer of sod or dig a shallow trench. Earth should not be far away, as it will need to fill the voids.
For the pillow there will be enough sand layer 5 cm thick, which is tamped. Prepared hemp lay out on the spot, which will immediately present the final result. Gaps are filled with earth or sand, fine gravel will also go.
When choosing a tree, you can simultaneously solve several problems: design of the site and disposal of old sawed trees.
To decide what material to make paths, walk around the area. Undoubtedly, you can find old brick, cement remains, and unnecessary trees. Experiment and combine, equipping your site.