Jeffrey, I didn’t have any idea what you were talking about with the cypress mulch comment. I popped by your site and will read more later, but suffice it to say I wasn’t aware that cypress mulch is considered a bad thing. There are no issues with hardwood mulch, I hope. —Pam

Carol at May Dreams Gardens

I think most gardeners put in plants first because that’s the fun part, and it’s usually less expensive. Over time they see the need for paths and add them later. In making designs for others, which often involves a redesign of existing landscaping, I start with a sketch of necessary paths and patios. Then I draw in the planting areas. Afterward, I may tweak the hardscaping design, but I like having it there first to create structure and a sense of movement in the garden. —Pam

Also, I like your “lessons learned” list. I certainly suffered from issue number 4 with my last contractor. I wanted to believe that he was the expert, that he knew what he was doing, that he would somehow pull a solution out of his hat. Sadly, I discovered I was wrong on all counts.

It’s harder to come with an entire plan when you’re working around existing features you want to keep. Mine was easier in that it was designed completely from scratch. —Pam

What a magnificent design!! Where did you come up with that idea? I also love the materials that you used and think using the stone work on the front curb area does add a welcoming site. It’s also incredibly helpful to see the garden
immediately after you planted it up and today. To me, the entire feel of this garden is welcoming and divine.
I love, love it!! Fran

Thank you, Fran. The idea evolved on paper as a way to make the wide, shallow front yard live larger. I do hope it feels welcoming. That’s been my goal from day one. —Pam

But it’s disappointing to know that even investigation and expense couldn’t save you from problems with the way the path was constructed.

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Thanks for the nice words, Annie. I do love this path, despite my disappointment with its foundation and subsequent mortar-crumbling problems. I shared the downside so that others can learn from my mistakes. —Pam

I bet you had some beauties at the old house. I can’t wait to see a post about them. —Pam

Winter is the time for these stone-moving projects, isn’t it, Phillip? Good luck with your new path. I look forward to pics. —Pam

Thanks, Layanee. The pebbles, as you probably know, are a recent addition I’ve been trying out, and I didn’t mention them in this post. But thanks for the compliment about them. —Pam

Thanks, Nan. I worked hard to get the proportions right. Has my front garden inspired similar gardens in the neighborhood? Not that I can tell. There are many front-yard gardens in the ‘hood, some quite nice looking: extended foundation plantings and streetside beds filled with iris and native perennials. But let’s face it—most people are happy with an easy-care lawn and foundation shrubs. That’s OK. Not everyone has to love gardening, and gardens often require a good deal of work. Of course, if you love to garden, that “work” is really quite fun, isn’t it? —Pam