In terms of non-plant accessories, pathway lighting is often necessary to illuminate steps, ramps, landings and features along the route. Decorative tiles and cobble medallions, bird baths, boulders and statuary that grace path junctions and margins serve as focal points and conversation pieces. I recycled an antique bird bath that no longer held water to use as an ivy planter. I also reused an old grindstone to create an historic marker along a walkway.

Pathway steps accessorized with container plantings

Paths and walkways are critical to the function and aesthetics of a well-designed garden. Take your time, complete the required inventory and material-selection processes, and visit stone suppliers and installers. This will help you to achieve a pathway system that best fits your garden.

Text by Frank Kershaw
Photos by Marnie Wright

Frank Kershaw is an award-winning horticulturist with thirty-five years' experience. He teaches garden design and horticultural courses at George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario, and at the Toronto Botanical Garden. Frank is also a presenter at the Lee Valley Tool Ltd. seminars at the Toronto stores.

Marnie Wright (gardenwright@muskoka.com) is a lifelong gardener, writer and passionate garden photographer. Her Rocksborough Garden, developed over thirty years, is located in Bracebridge, Ontario.