When a new school was built at UCLA (I think) the architect didn't specify any paths--he let the kids go where they needed for a semester, then put the walkways in.
I like Chamomile, Pennyroyal, and Creeping/Woolly Thyme together for a fragrant planting between steps.
Creative solution...and it looks great. You might sample some Elfin Thyme, which works well in my rock wall; good erosion control, and friendly bees love it when the plants bloom with tiny blue flowers (haven't been stung yet!). No maintenance, except to cut away some if it spreads too much (slow process of spreading). Cut portions easily removed and plopped somewhere else. It's cushion-like and no harm to walk on now and then. Grows low to the ground.
This is a really important part of any garden design, but is so often missed! We humans are inherently lazy/efficient and will always take the shortest path. If a path is meandering, especially to a front door, it must go around something like a tree or shrub, otherwise it will always be the short cut. Better to use these instincts for smart, green design in the first place. 🌿
When we redesigned our back garden, we rebuilt it along the desire paths we'd been making over the years. The original design had lots of thigh high retaining walls blocking the direct routes to parts of the garden. I found myself constantly climbing over them, and thanks to you, now I know why - it was more than 30% shorter to climb a wall than to go around! Now we have steps built into the largest wall, and completely removed two other ones. The flow is SO much better!
I loved this! It makes me think about desired paths in life -- stepping off the path paved for us to walk the way that feels more intuitive. Thanks for sharing!
When a new school was built at UCLA (I think) the architect didn't specify any paths--he let the kids go where they needed for a semester, then put the walkways in.
I like Chamomile, Pennyroyal, and Creeping/Woolly Thyme together for a fragrant planting between steps.
According to the article mentioned on this post, it was Michigan State University, or at least they did that too.
Creative solution...and it looks great. You might sample some Elfin Thyme, which works well in my rock wall; good erosion control, and friendly bees love it when the plants bloom with tiny blue flowers (haven't been stung yet!). No maintenance, except to cut away some if it spreads too much (slow process of spreading). Cut portions easily removed and plopped somewhere else. It's cushion-like and no harm to walk on now and then. Grows low to the ground.
I feed a few stray cats on my porch and there is a worn desired path from the woods to my porch the width of one cat. :)
This is a really important part of any garden design, but is so often missed! We humans are inherently lazy/efficient and will always take the shortest path. If a path is meandering, especially to a front door, it must go around something like a tree or shrub, otherwise it will always be the short cut. Better to use these instincts for smart, green design in the first place. 🌿
When we redesigned our back garden, we rebuilt it along the desire paths we'd been making over the years. The original design had lots of thigh high retaining walls blocking the direct routes to parts of the garden. I found myself constantly climbing over them, and thanks to you, now I know why - it was more than 30% shorter to climb a wall than to go around! Now we have steps built into the largest wall, and completely removed two other ones. The flow is SO much better!
I second the motion for Elfin Thyme or other crushable thyme.
Here in the high plains of Colorado, we call them Game Trails. They know the best ways.
I loved this! It makes me think about desired paths in life -- stepping off the path paved for us to walk the way that feels more intuitive. Thanks for sharing!
In Portland, OR we call them "rogue trails"!
Those Dutch photos are great. As a non driver I take the people-cuts a lot! Good luck with your own!
It makes sense for delivery people to find shortcuts. They are always in a hurry.
The Dutch video clip was great fun!
Thank you!
Hi Boaz—I live in No. CA, and here those paths in our parks are called social trails (the bane of park planners). Good luck with your rock path!