Serious help needed: Looking to go from 'drab' to 'fab'
by
SV
+13
Looking for ideas to help me spruce up my outdated/weather walkway. All comments welcome. Any help appreciated. Thanks in advance!
13 answers
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Depending on what you would like to spend.......I would really clean up the area and then take a long look at it. If it still seems old and drabby,,remove the cement and the stones and grade down the area a bit. I realize the stones are there to keep the lawn in place and back from the driveway...but you can put in a new retaining wall of sorts with bricks or things you buy at the hardware store. To spruce up with little money spent......just really clean up the area, plant flowers all along both sides of walkway and the flowers should avert your eyes and you wont see the bad condition of your path.
Elizabeth
on Apr 07, 2015
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I like the rustic slate stone steps near driveway but from there it's a mix of flower beds and walkway. To connect both flower beds take out dark walkway and replace with same slate stones as used in driveway steps . Then fill in with same color of bark or with gravel and low ground covering flowers. If your budget allows a floating wood deck would give a updated look as well as connect the two steps. A level deck between driveway and front door makes for nice welcoming area with sitting and flower pots. Good luck with your yard project and have fun 😀
Lisa
on Apr 07, 2015
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Another view would be helpful.
Gretchen Mercer
on Apr 07, 2015
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I like the stone as well, the shape of the cedar chip area is predictable, but the best way to give a place a little zing is to tidy, create a focal point so the eye is not trying to gaze everywhere. a small vividly green plant, or a birdbath closer to the crest of the hill. bring the focus away from the walkway, which is dark and industrial. and flowers always brighten a space. I see lots of possibilities here.
Lee Cunningham Green
on Apr 07, 2015
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Like the other replies the stone retaining wall is lovely, either carry the look through or if that is too expensive get a look alike overlay on the pathway. Looks like stone but is actually a polymer, try a flooring company to point you in the right direction. From there you could add a soft grey or white stone chip to finish in the garden to brighten the area up.. As I am unsure which direction this faces add plants to suit.
Lee Govan
on Apr 07, 2015
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@SV what direction does this face? Seems shady. I love the rock as well, but then I am a master rock mason by trade. I would pressurewash and paint the walkway, much less expensive than replacing. If it is a shady area, I would use the green bed plants (hostas) dark organic mulch .....and I would expand with flowing lines the garden space by laying a garden hose on the ground and sweeping the position until you get "your groove". I am waiting for my yard to drain (11 inches of rain in less than 5 days) then I will be doing the same :) Happy Spring
Vivian
on Apr 08, 2015
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Definitely lighten up that dark walkway I would use more plants and less mulch. I'm not a fan of dyed. Also recommend landscape fabric underlayment NOT black plastic.
Kbee
on Apr 09, 2015
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Definitely needs color! Depending on your budget, add plants. Annuals are not expensive and can give you an idea of what works for you, color/size wise.
Virginia R
on Apr 09, 2015
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Keep the stone. Remove the red bark and use a natural maple mulch. Need lush green leaves - Stella de Oro's, Sediums, check out varieties so you have color all season.
Brenda Goodell VanderZanden
on Apr 09, 2015
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Thanks everyone for the tips! I really am in awe when i see all these wonderful re-do's people do for such a small budget. But lack ideas to pull mine together. To answer your questions, its in a VERY shaddy spot the whole house is surrounded by trees we get about an hour of strong sunlight in the AM but that's it. This photo was from last summer so things looked a little less drab (just coming off bad winter in CT hence my first photo) but that is what I am now starting with going into summer and would LOVE something eye popping and stelllar. My house also sits atop a hill and as car pass its def a eye catcher, would love to create a focal WOW point.
SV
on Apr 10, 2015
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shade
Mike
on Apr 12, 2015
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Well it is a nice hill you have there and I see you already seem to have things to make that yard pop, your birdbath for example could be moved forward a bit and tiers of flowers put around it, The shade is not a bad thing and many people envy that, there are lots of plants that do well in the shade, Roses are among them. Thank you for the additional pictures it really does help get the idea. Pops of color are always great too!
Lee Cunningham Green
on Apr 12, 2015
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@SV Cambridge walkways, patios, entrance ways, and outdoor livingrooms can be done in phases. Clearly identify what you want to achieve over the next years, based on budget and this project can be accomplished in sections.
Cambridge Pavingstones with Armortec
on Apr 13, 2015
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