Lothlorien Path through Woods

Still working on the mulch pathway through the woods. Its important to have interest on a pathway. You don't want to "see" everything ahead of you, needs some mystery if you will. Hence have decided to gently wind the pathway a little bit around a tree or two in order to block the view of where you might be going. Also have added a curvy path off to the left that will also go around a tree and then lead to a special spot with yet another path leading to yet another secret spot. The original path as it winds will lead to the steps going up the hill and also around the base of the rock hill to the secret garden spot with the bench. It will currently end at the beginning of the new grass coming in. Will also add where it curves some kind of smaller shrubery to add to the hiding of the paths direction...Adds "mystery".....Thats a very good thing! Two of the hostia's that I thought were eaten came back, small but nonetheless here...Found out too that if you have larger hostia's growing elsewhere you can simly divide the "root" into smaller sections and plant elsewhere. Have successfully done this twice now so that means can replace the missing hostia's the moles ate!!!! Hurray!

Also want to mention that when doing a pathway it also needs some anchoring. SO in this case planting the hostia's alongside of it and then behind those going to plant some azealea's most likely as they will be taller than and add color. You always want the small things close then slowly taller...Simple rule that looks good. Also am liking the hostia's next to the path as they will soften the edges and look more natural or woodsy feeling if you will. There are all kinds of things you could use this is simply my choice for the situation here with the lighting etc factored in. Adding a border also anchors and gives substanence to the border. It will also make the pathway stand out more and together they will create an awesome look.

I am using a pine mulch that was gifted to me. A good four inches is what it seems is recommended. Any little weeds that pop up here are going to get sprayed. Normally a blackout cloth after getting rid of weeds under pathway is better but didn't have that luxury. Once gone though in a shady area doubt they will return with the mulch over top. ALso was told that this mulch should last a good 3-4 years. Afer that will just need to top it off where needed. Not bad! Like that alot.

Slowly the path is growing. We are taking it slowly. One empty plant bucket at a time. One dumped where the last left off, a little bit done every chance we get. Its tiring work no doubt but when you look back and see whats been accomplished a bucket at a time its amazing! When done it will be so nice for all to enjoy.

The next thing will be to start adding stepping stones again. Only have about 12 so far, need alot more but they are so costly aren't they. Haven't figured out a way around this yet except to do like the path, a little at a time. Maybe one this go round and later another one or two... Slowly things materialize... Its worth the wait. Labored dreams are much loved and treasured. More than if someone had been paid to just come and do it all right off.

Happy gardening....

GG