A successfully designed pathway system acts as the backbone of a garden.

Garden Path Planning Process
The planning of a good path system begins with having a scaled base plan of your garden. (For more on how to create one, see Volume 6, Issue 3.) Place tracing paper over the plan and indicate the following:

	The garden's functional areas and their relationships to each other, for example, how close your vegetable garden is to the garden-tool storage area;
	Important destination points within each functional area, for example, water faucets or a bench used for watching children at play;
	Site constraints that affect path routes and construction. These may include wet spots, a historic stonewall, rocky outcrops or steep slopes;
	Design elements you want to incorporate, such as highlighting significant views, focal points and garden structures.

Once the inventory is complete, note your proposed path widths and materials, inclusive of steps, ramps, handrails, etc. Keep in mind that paths meant to accommodate large garbage bins, tree carts, construction equipment, etc. must be of a specific width and surface. Don't overlook bylaw regulations that may exist; ensure the appropriate approvals have been secured.