In the front garden, all pathways lead to the front door. How they get there, however,is up to you. While many people opt for the simple, direct line from gate to door, others may choose to make the journey a little more interesting. You can add a curve, for instance, as long as there's a reason for it (garden bed, water feature), or broaden your path and add a feature tree or statue as a focal point.

You can even hide your front door through clever use of planting and garden design, and have your path meander up to it via a scenic route. Whatever design you decide upon, a path needs to be tough enough to take lots of wear-and-tear and, importantly, needs to be non-slip. Your pathways can also add textural interest to your garden, beyond that provided by foliage and flowers.

There are a number of options in hard surfacing suitable for pathways: mix them up for an individual touch.

Brick/Pavers: a weathered look can be achieved by using recycled bricks laid in sand or concrete. Various patterns, from herringbone to basketweave, can be used in paving, or gaps left between bricks for planting perhaps, chamomile. Ensure that you do not allow moss to build up on the bricks, as this will become slippery.

Stone: large slabs of stone or stone pavers offer a natural effect, though in contemporary patterns they add a touch of elegance to a garden. Stepping stones, on the other hand, offer a fey quality, and are suited to non-functional paths (such as leading to a water feature). Natural stone, such as granite, limestone, sandstone and slate, occurs in many different colours. Concrete: where it was once a dull choice for a pathway, concrete has come into its own in recent years, with the introduction of coloured and textured varieties.

Tiles: need to be chosen with non-slip properties in mind. They are best suited to short paths and front steps, and can be laid in simple patterns or complex mosaics.

Gravel: needs an edging of brick, wood or concrete to contain it within the parameters of your path. It varies in colour from white to black or brown, and shades between.

Pebbles: come in many sizes and can be loose or set in concrete in patterns.

Timber/decking: works well if the site slopes or is uneven, as it can be constructed to provide a smooth transition between levels. It's particularly effective in rural settings and near water.

Source: House and Garden, ACP books

View UK Paving Suppliers - Click Here