Wayside Gardens

Does it get any better that this? I don’t think that it can. Straight and formal paths, or sinuous and curvy trails, what you plant along the wayside will create the look that will define your yard.

Design what you like and plant what you want, but here are a few suggestions to make your project a success.

What Should I Plant?

There are many plants that will look great planted along the wayside of your garden paths. Many will even take some foot traffic. But before you start planting, look at your area that you are considering for this garden.

Is it sun or shade? Will it be easy to water or will you need something that is more droughts tolerant? And last but not least, do you want to be able to walk on it?

Plot your course carefully, and you will have a garden to be proud of for years to come.

Plants for the Sun

When planting for a full sun garden, it’s best to stick with plants that are a bit more droughts tolerant. Plants such as thyme, dwarf wooly yarrow and marigolds are all plants that will do well with the reflected heat and light from a pathway.

If your path isn’t stone or concrete, the heat will be less, but if it’s in the full sun it’s best to chose plants that can take the stress from the heat. And most varieties of thyme can even take foot traffic!

Plants for the Shade

If the garden you are planting along the wayside of your path happens to be in the shade, you are in luck! There is a larger selection for shady areas that are designed with your pathway in mind.

Scotch moss and Irish moss are two favorites for pathway plantings. They root easily and take little or no care once established.

They will grow between the stones of your path, creating a lovely green carpet. They do need the water though, so don’t forget about them.

Another great choice will be the Ajuga plant. This beautiful vining plant, like the moss, is best in a shadier area.

There are many varieties available, and all can take light foot traffic. From green to brown to a dark purple shade, there are many to choose from.

How to Create your Garden

As we said before, take a look at your area. Sketch out your plans before you start to plant. And if it is a new path that you are planning, make sure that you lay your path materials down before you plant. Then choose your plants.

Anchoring your garden with some larger, yet low growing evergreens is a great way to start.

The Blue Star juniper is a perfect choice for just about anyone, in any zone. It has a lovely silver/blue appearance all year long, and slowly grows to two to three feet tall and spreads out to three to four feet. It makes a great anchor this garden along the wayside of your path that you are creating.

Annuals to Use

After you have planned and planted the major bits and pieces, now comes the fun part of picking what annuals to plug in here and there.

Some with lots of fragrance like alyssum and pansies will reliably reseed themselves over the years and create those sweet scents that you will love.

For perennial color, go with mini roses and carnations. Both are tough, short and look great most of the year.

The most important thing to remember is to enjoy yourself. It’s your garden, your pathway and your vision. Happy wandering!