DIY Network

Planting the Garden Path Planting the Garden Path From "Weekend Landscaping" episode WKL-105

Figure A

With the path in place, the background area defined and trees planted along the garden's borders, it's time to begin adding plants along the length of the path itself (figure A). As host Mayita Dinos explains, these plants will serve two purposes: as they grow, their deepening roots will help prevent erosion on the slope, while their bright blooms will infuse the area with vivid color.

advertisement

• To make a strong statement at the start of the path, Dinos chooses hibiscus (Confederate Rose Mallow, Hibiscus mutablis 'Rubrus'). With its profusion of intensely colored flowers (figure B) and the quick growth it will be afforded by its full-sun location, this showy beauty makes a perfect lead-in to the inviting walkway.

• Next, she adds Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Monlers'), shown in figure C, along the sides of the path. Though this plant will grow only to a height of about 12", its cheerful yellow foliage (with a slight orange tint) will provide contrast along the path as well as color when flowering varieties aren't in bloom.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

• With its densely branched, erect foliage, viburnums (Lauristinus Viburnum tinus 'Robustum'), shown in figure D, make an excellent hedge or screen. In bloom, it's even more appealing, with small white flowers blushed with just a touch of pink (figure E).

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

• On either side of the focal point, Dinos plants a patio tree: here, it's Paraguay nightshade (Solanum rantonetii 'Royal Robe'), which is actually a shrub pruned into a perfect tree form. When it blooms, this impressive variety produces a profusion of stunning purple flowers.

Figure F

Expert Tip: (Kristin Cantrell, Monrovia Growers) Although the trees featured here are suitable for southern regions, many other tree varieties offer similar options for other areas. For example, the acacia will thrive in mild climates, while Japanese maples are suitable for all but the coldest regions.

Since this walkway is a transitional space, it's important to provide visitors with visual interest along the entire length of the path. To achieve this goal, Dinos and the crew add a variety of plants between and immediately alongside the pavers (figure F).

Figure G

• Midnight-blue agapanthus (Agapanthus 'Monmid'), a great choice for borders and containers, has deep blue-violet flowers in tight clusters on tall stalks (figure G).

Expert Note: (Nan Sterman, garden writer) To add fragrance along a pathway, there are a number of plants that make great aromatic additions. For example, pineapple sage boasts a gorgeous red bloom and leaves that actually release the scent of pineapple when rubbed together. Cardamom, a low-growing plant with only a modest bloom, has leaves that emit a wonderfully spicy citrus scent when rubbed.