Horrible front walk
Front Walk?
by
Nicole
+4
I would LOVE to replace this front walkway and garden with long graduated steps. Looking for solid advice on how to implement this plan in a cost effective manner. Our house is in the middle of a row. When we first moved in we had grass, but in order to cut the grass we had to bring the mower through the house or walk all the way around the block with the mower. We decided to replace the grass with this walkway and flowers, but my husband always wanted color and I ended up planting every year to the tune of $200-$300 in plants. Now we have these perineals and they are over grown. The neighbors tree also sheds its spindly leaves into our mulch and rocks and it’s nearly impossible to make it look nice. I’d LOVE some ideas on how to replace this walkway, i feel like it’s an eyesore and I’m embarrassed of my curb appeal (or lack there of)! Thanks!
Steps? Is this on a hill? Go to Pinterest and find something close to what you want, if you can't do it - consult with a landscaper for a quote.
how about a long gradual wood ramp?
Are you prepared to do a lot of digging and leveling to get a terraced walkway. Part of your problem is that you didn't use enough pavers. You need at least 4times the number you have plus a good thinning of those perennials. It is a lot of work but we have built a 30 foot long patio in our backyard.
I would add more pavers (be sure they are level) closer together, with less pebbles (just use the rock between the pavers). Put an edge on each side to keep the pebbles contained. Plant perennials along the sides, some that flower so you'll have color. Add a few annuals for more color.
How about making tiers instead of actual steps? Measure the drop from the house to the sidewalk and determine how many tiers you want and how long each tier should be. Invest in some good steel edging and use that to define your tiers AND the walkway area down the middle if you still want greenery and color. Once you've removed your current "walk", set the edging and tamp the dirt in well (about an inch below the top of the edging). Set your pavers (you'll need more) in between two lengths of edging to insure they won't move. Now you can decorate. Personally, I'd use some kind of very low ground cover and for color, a few nice pots with plants - annuals provide the longest color show - but you'd have to replace them every year.
I have used old fence boards under the pavers for about 40 years on my walk ways. Lay the boards flat on a relatively flat surface make sure the board ends are under the pavers. The boards can be in bad shape a little rotten and crack, as they settle in over time it all stays level. One way to keep old junky wood out of the landfill.
Why even have a walkway? Just make the driveway three feet wider and keep the perennial border.