How I fixed my garden path & how to design yours

[@TheImpatientGardener]

This weekend (through July 7, 2024), everything at Hoselink (including my new solar lights) is 10% off! If you shop at my affiliate link you will make me smile. 😀 bit.ly/TIGhoselink

[@nancydoyle7389]

I LOVE your lights and I think I need these 🤔 If I order them I will make you smile 😉😁

[@maryb6065]

I have a tiny garden and use their small path lights and jar lights on table. We've been well satisfied with them for a couple season. How they manage to charge in our partial shade and under an umbrella is a mystery.

[@laurakuhn8682]

Funny as I just ordered a Hoselink hose. I saw the lights and was tempted. You put me over the edge, I got three sets of the garden path light. I wish those had the same features of the ones you like but the stainless steel look just doesn’t go in my yard so I got the black ones. Looking forward to them. And I already know to expect quality from Hoselink. They are the best!! Thanks for the video, I think my hubby is getting too agressive with our Weed Dragon! He burns my plants and doesn’t always kill the weeds, I think ours are too big😢. We must have to keep doing it to be effective! Thank you!

[@debs-more-plants]

I shipped your link and got some lights I need for my new garden. We just moved and your info on garden paths was great! Thank you!!!

[@alicemagers1561]

Lovely

[@loopm.366]

“I’m not the safety police , don’t be stupid “- well said ! 😂😂.

[@brittanyjoancogginsdepablo7311]

That was perfect!!

[@JacquiQ]

😂

[@irinarebello3080]

The best😂

[@jennterrell3316]

That had me ROTFL I loved it!

[@eileenchang2173]

Erin, I think this is the first time I’ve ever heard someone speak in depth about garden paths; thank you ! 🥰🇨🇦

[@maryshea9720]

"Safety tip: Don't be stupid." 😂

[@marybeth4002]

Great topic for a video - lots of great information I never would have considered regarding putting a path in. "Don't be stupid" goes a long way, not just gardening. Thanks for your gardening knowledge and your humor 🤣❤

[@doctim53]

lol. Back in my college days a new parking lot was installed. The sidewall leading to the classrooms was VERY curvy to say the least. Students late for class are going to walk the straight line you spoke of. The powers that be thought they could fix the problem with signs saying “do not walk on grass”. I posted a sign saying “put sidewalks where they will be walked on!”.

[@titosrevenger]

Those trails where the grass has died from too much traffic are called "desire paths" and once you learn about them you can't stop seeing them everywhere

[@snu3877]

@@titosrevenger Oh, I love that there is a word for it! I can't recall where I read it, but decades ago I remember reading about the wisdom of businesses, college campuses, etc., watching where people walk, and THAT is where you build your paths.

[@Tinyteacher1111]

That’s such a great idea!

[@jjjohnston545]

Your garden is beautiful. It’s the first time I am getting a view of the layout of your garden. I know it’s a channel about plants but seeing the design of a space is so important for viewers to see

[@christophernorris8064]

One of the best, most informative garden videos I have seen! As we say in the south, you're "eat up" with common sense--and I think it's awesome.👍👍

[@snu3877]

"Don't try to burn things that light on fire, wear some shoes." 😆

[@lindarinner2972]

Thank you! You gave me one of those DUH moments that fixed my dilemma. My long narrow garden, inherited from Mom, has a straight path that goes to the end, makes a u-turn and comes up the other side making 3 long narrow beds. I haven’t been able to figure out how or where to make curves. Thanks for the answer, I need to put something in the way where I want a curve, duh! Also, I liked your don’t be stupid safety tip. I used to tell my son, if you’re going to be stupid, you’d better be tough, lol. Love hanging out with you, have a great day!

[@angieburrdesign]

I love the Hoselink path lights, which are dimmed full-time and motion-activated for a brighter light around my stone patio. I've tested three solar lights; IMO none are great for a more sophisticated ambient light. They're dreamy! I'm testing metal flashing (made for construction uses) instead of metal landscaping edging. It has a dark brown side and a white side, so I definitely pile the wood chips to hide the white side. It's a cheaper solution, and I found the thinness and varying heights to work well to keep out Bermuda grass. I can't speak to how many years it will work, but mine is still working and looking good after a year. Love your videos, Erin!

[@paulacothren3591]

Erin, you briefly touched on ponding in a masonry path. It's very important to have some slope to shed the rainwater. This video is great! Thank you.

[@bethlynch1909]

Don't be stupid is the best advice ever.

[@aussiebushgirl1829]

I have been searching all over for a comprehensive guideline on creating paths, and a big shout out to Erin for sharing her knowledge and tips with us. Thank you so much!🙏💐

[@bonniejackson7476]

Erin I always appreciate how real you keep it. Your path is lovely. The lights are definitely on my wish list. Amazing how your garden has grown over the years. Thanks

[@thecakepopsistars]

THIS is exactly what I'm trying to figure out for our backyard. Thank you!

[@darlenes1434]

I came for the path lights and stayed for the flame weeding 🤘😎

[@jimlang801]

I rarely comment on KZbin's though I always watch yours. This one impressed me so much, I just had to say thank you Erin. Such a brilliant video.❤

[@jennifertucker107]

Love the safety lecture! Lol!

[@dubs3400]

As a Landscape Designer, my vision for garden paths is to create the feeling of mystery for persons who walk the path. I want them to ask, “What lies beyond that curve?” One can create a nook for a fountain or statuary within the pathway curves, yet draws the eye further down the path to where it goes. I appreciate your video and your explanation. Too often paths are straight walkways which are too narrow and mundane.

[@kaylabeard6683]

How narrow should a main path be? Or a non-main path?

[@carmenbailey1560]

So happy to hear that you agree with my thoughts about landscaping fabric. We had our street and boulevard replaced, I chose to have black woodchips along with others. On reason was a busy street with lots of dogs, love dogs but to clean up after responsible dog owners not so much. So I had to argue with the city planner No landscape fabric I said if you put it down, I will take it up, so I won others on either side of me have the fabric and have the weeds I do not. Love your pathways, 👍❤️🙂

[@LifeHomeandGardenwithAnaRica]

The garden path looks really nice!

[@joannlyons9639]

Love the path to the garage, it’s really developed beautifully. Every turn has a great mix of textures. Also love the smoke wafting in the background at the end!

[@2prettyfunnythings736]

Safety police comments cracked me up. Wear shoes, don’t burn things that light on fire 😂

[@angelwolfe6728]

Love all the pathway tips. I have a rectangle of a backyard.? I’m stumped! Love those hoselink lights!

[@gardeninggrandma5247]

Hi, Erin - We just bought a smaller version of a propane weeder and it's been raining so we haven't used it yet. It will save us a lot of time with weeds on our brick patio. As far as stone paths, we have five very large stones set in grass, leading from our brick patio to the fence gate. We choose stones that are not user-friendly. They get a terrible black soot appearance to the top and their beautiful natural finish is ruined. We've tried everything on them to clean them, including a power washer. Not the prettiest, but they are too massive to move and switch out. You should have seen me and my husband getting them in! It was a challenge for sure. So, for viewers planning a path, be sure to know the type of stone you are getting and how it will mature in your garden.

[@dustyflats3832]

Try a cleaner for removing algae on houses.

[@gardeninggrandma5247]

@@dustyflats3832 Is there a brand that you use that works? There are SO MANY different brands out there, I don't know where to start!! Thanks!

[@kooale]

"stones that are not user-friendly" Not useful, unless that's on the label @ the shop! Be specific! Washing, a concept even infants are familiar with!

[@kooale]

@@dustyflats3832 "a cleaner" Not useful! Be specific!

[@jennifer-threedogsinagarde8265]

There is nothing I regret more than putting landscape fabric under my gravel pathways. As you said Erin, it’s great for 4-5 years and then falling debris builds into soil amongst the gravel. Eventually a mess of weeds make a home in the free-draining gravel.

[@dustyflats3832]

That’s what I’ve noticed for many using gravel. As I age it’s not something I want to maintenance.

[@ganymededarling]

How would a gravel path without landscape fabric under it be any different? That's what I'm confused about. You'll still get weeds growing from the debris in the path.

[@jennifer-threedogsinagarde8265]

@@ganymededarlingIn my experience, gravel is a happy home for so many weeds and I no longer use it on paths. Landscape fabric and gravel compound the problem. The landscape cloth under the gravel wears down over time (even the stuff guaranteed for years) and weed seeds find the tiniest holes. Then you have weeds growing up through the cloth barrier. Some weeds you can pull easy enough but deeply rooted plants, like dandelions, are difficult to remove. You can’t easily push your weeding tool through the landscape cloth to get hold of the dandelion without causing more damage to the landscape fabric.

[@StatingTheObvious.]

I love it! “I’m not the safety police.” Imagine actually treating and expecting adults to actually be adults. What a concept! Worth a subscribe for that alone.

[@victoria-louisevalois1323]

Hi Erin! Thanks for doing this video! I put in a gravel path in the side & back of my house. I have an adopted whippet who loves to course and hunt. She goes flying off the steps and hits the gravel which then becomes shrapnel on her tiny legs. I have had to leave landing spots in the paths so that I'm not constantly having to bandage her legs. It's not a good look for sure! I am thinking about alternatives for the path and this has come at just the right time, I just wanted to make the point about considering pets when making a path. Thanks again. Victoria🙂

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Thank you! I was thinking about a gravel path that my dog would use behind the backyard bushes. I decided against it because of your comment!

[@maryjocarter668]

Love your no nonsense approach to everything! This video gave e exactly what I was looking for and then some! Been dreaming up a pathway and lights:) Thank you Erin:) Love your videos!

[@sallywoods7131]

Erin, I have enjoyed your videos for a couple years. Entertaining, informative, and real 👌 This season has been awesome! Your relaxed “ let’s enjoy the garden” strolls interspersed with the clear in-depth design posts are so good. I love both the non editing style and experienced tutorial style. I hope you don’t get burned out with posting both as you have spoiled me 😉

[@debbiew1384]

I use polymeric sand around my flagstones and love it. Usually comes in gray or tan. Water moves through, weeds and ants don’t come up. I freshen it up every few years where gaps have appeared with a pourable measuring cup and water spray bottle or mist setting on the hose. Yes you have to keep organic material off the path-blowing, sweeping so dirt is not created but that is easy to do.

[@juliafiore120]

Good morning, Erin☕️ I love the metal edging and have been on the hunt for some products so, perfect timing for this video for me! I love Hoselink everything! That torch looks so fun! Have a Blessed Day😊

[@wehaveshortlegs6295]

Such a great video! Thanks for the tips on the edging. I live in Iowa and everything seems to have a short life with the weather extremes so I knew I would need to use a steel type but didn’t know which one. Your willingness to help others benefit from your experience- positive or otherwise- is what so often makes your channel unique and sought out. Oh, and the inclusion of the photo shots of your beautiful pups…those are always a welcome also. Thanks for all you share with us, Erin!

[@suefellows1392]

Great video. I love garden paths as well, o the allure and mystery ❤. The propane torch lesson at the end, the icing on the cake ❤. Loving your HUMOR AND candor❤

[@mycraftroom6872]

Another highly informative & super entertaining video, Erin!

[@SunnyBlueSkyDay]

"Don't Be Stupid" 🤣😂🤣😳 Classic Erin✨

[@alw5101]

That’s some hard backbreaking work up in the garden-it turned out beautiful,Erin!👏🫶🪴

[@PamDerolf]

Great dive into paths and human behavior! People can be so lazy. When you talked about giving path takers a reason to curve, otherwise they'd just walk the shortest distance, it brought to mind the myriad of unsightly "user paths" I tend to see in public spaces and the designers who didn't think it through like you. I remembered how the quad at URI had so many paths but if they didnt make perfect tangents the students would find them (the perfect tangents!) It also brought to mind Walt Disney's study which determined that trash cans had to be no more than 30 feet apart or people would just throw their crap on the ground 😮. I really appreciated this content Erin!! ❤

[@ginnypie101]

I’ve watched your videos for years since we’re in the exact same zone. I am entertained and educated all at once with your communication style. This is one of your best videos!🎉

[@shanamatteucci3980]

Terrific considerations for the main garden path…and it is beautiful.

[@chrisadkins749]

This is an exceptionally detailed explanation for pros and cons of each type of path Thank you for your time?!Oh I love the flame weeding process. Too fun

[@GardenEvolution]

Don’t be stupid 😂 we have one and Rob won’t do anything but burn them to a crisp! I’ll pass your tips along! Path looks great!

[@elizabethhunt4185]

Thanks for so much info on path ways. I learned so much.

[@stephaniesharkey3538]

Great video today! Love the intro!!!

[@VelvetandToads]

So incredibly helpful, from the design considerations to lighting and maintenance, and just as I’m reflecting on how to add two garden paths! May thanks. 🙏🏻

[@terrypauloregon]

Erin, I wanted to mention your chive borders. I love the idea I’m collecting seeds from mine to do the same. Maybe you could do a short video on the pros and cons?

[@karencrane6325]

Very informative and timely! I’ve been planning paths for my back yard and gardens

[@debbiewood3819]

26:05 weed torching...yes!.. This video is very informative...what a beautiful home and yard, garage, etc...very well done, thank you.

[@thefumblingcuisiniere]

Thank you Erin, enjoyed this video very much and found it incredibly helpful. 😊

[@terrypauloregon]

Well this has been helpful. I used the torch then I poured vinegar on them. Seems to be 100% kill.

[@freyartz]

This was an awesome video! So much great information, and I love those lights. Not ready to buy any yet, but I love the different lighting options. When it's time to buy, I will remember that!

[@rickyt3961]

thanks Erin! happy gardening 🪴

[@patrickkatie]

I had a year of overwhelming Goat heads. I pulled out my shop and vacuumed up the stickers. Worked like a charm. My neighbors thought I was crazy! Work smarter not harder. Love this video. Thank you!

[@susanpeterson9558]

I'm so glad I found your channel this morning. Last night, I was planning out my front walkways, and I needed some inspiration. The solar lights are beautiful and provide necessary features I am looking for. Thanks subscribed!❤

[@beckybainer9019]

Very informative video, thanks for tackling a helpful and interesting subject.

[@curiouscat3384]

I'm being lazy scrolling KZbin and you popped up - new to me! I've been contemplating what to use for a heavily trafficked long garden path under trees. That has to be low cost and low maintenance as I age in place. I enjoyed your conversation - articulate with lots of info and ideas. And then suddenly I realized I need to be out in my gravel driveway blowing away the fresh debris instead of lazing around, lol. Anyhoo I'm here to say that I've found the only way to keep the weeds out of my driveway is to blow it at least every week and more often in the fall, to prevent composting. And I'm subscribing :)

[@shannonholmberg8835]

Another weed torch tip. Do not use use on a mulch path🔥😂

[@carolwarmoth8744]

As in don’t be stupid 😆

[@martinlugus5499]

Loved the burning - element of danger.

[@janzatovich6677]

love those garden lights. especially how tall they are !

[@jaqmackie]

I totally agree about weed mat. I also use flame weeder 💚

[@tinaclauson5238]

Gardens and pathways look gorgeous. Appreciate all the tips. 😊

[@wildbirdfarm]

I just took screen snaps of you flame weeding - this is what we need for our round brick fireplace area we are re-doing bc of so many weeds in the cracks 😬😁 Also, I am upping my outdoor lighting and pathways game - thank you. Right now I have big overhead light and “midwestern” style aka grass paths, really it’s lawn. ….😅 Thanks for inspiring me!

[@apsilveiraa]

What a wonderful day and spaces. Thanks for taking us along! Wonderful! 😍😍😍

[@lindaburniac6183]

Love your dry humor! Your gardening is so practical. Thanks

[@cranerygardens]

Hi Erin. I am SO impressed by your knowledge and ability to elaborate so clearly about this. I was wondering for long time to there’s something about path that make an impact to our garden but I couldn’t explain. Thank you very much 🙏🏻🥰❤️ for laying this all out. By the way, years ago when I heard you said that you built that path to the shed yourself my jaw drop. Love everything you do ❤❤❤Crane

[@joydavis4087]

I absolutely love this topic.❤ I’ve got plans to put in walkways. Great video. Saved, so I can rewatch. And TY, TY, TY for the solar light recommendation. I bought 8 of them. As soon as my paths are done, lights are a must have. I already have a flame weeder. My husband helped me learn how to use it. Been burning wood for raised beds. Honestly, I think I just made up my mind as to the style of pathway I’d like to put in. Getting excited now. 😊

[@cynthiachronister4082]

Thank you Erin very helpful 😊

[@JRP58]

Great video. Thank you for all the tips and tricks pertaining to paths. I’ve been debating a path change and this has been very helpful. PS, I love your sense of humor and the “safety police” disclaimer was no exception.😂

[@creativeresiliencethriving]

Fascinating, thank you for your wealth of info in expanding the possibilities and delight in our path making!

[@kerryharvey6365]

I love this. I'm in the middle of designing some paths for my house. The only things I would add would be -- think about what/who will be travelling on the paths. Do you need to get equipment/ride-on mower etc., through there? Do you want it to be wide enough for two people to walk side by side or single file? Same with gates -- what needs to fit through them? I love the flame weeder. I definitely would like to get one of those. That's impressive that the hoselink solar lights have lasted many years. Most solar landscape lights I've tried usually die in under a year. Which type of the weathered steel edging did you use -- the flex?

[@jillbruce3624]

Hi Erin. Love your garden and the paths. Great thanks for the torch segment. I have purchased the torch weeder with the little propane bottle. I have not used it yet. I have a small garden so I am hoping it will work. I loved watching the weeds disappear when you were using yours. Always love your videos. Thanks.

[@grudtt2428]

When it comes to paths I feel exactly like you ☺️☺️☺️ Much love from Vienna, Austria ❤️

[@carriekutchins7188]

When I saw you using the a shop vac to clean out the dirt from the gravel, I thought: This is my kind of gardener! Because persistence pays off. Once you see what you're doing to keep the gravel and stone path up isn't working it makes sense to start over and learn from your mistakes. I've been struggling with this problem for years and your video was very helpful.

[@conniemchugh34]

Another thing you can try for weeds if you don't want to use fire... I use a spray bottle of straight vinegar which works well on grass type weeds. I also use boiling water from a tea kettle and pour it on the more broad leaf weeds. Straight vinegar from the bottle and boiling water works well on the small ant volcano's I got in the sand between the bricks on my patio.

[@theteamhawkins]

I bought some Hoselink lights from your previous recommendation. These are THE BEST solar lights!!! Thanks so much for sharing this info. I will definitely put it to use in my garden ❤.

[@lindis2660]

You are so fun to watch. Thank you for this video. Great overview for beginners wanting to do a path.

[@tinasalerno51]

Great video!!! Thanks for all the tips .🌸

[@lianeabeyta4515]

You are the first person I have heard ,who is as passionate as I am about garden paths. They are pure magic to me. Stone, gravel, old brick, slate.... they are so welcoming. They pull you into a space and make you curious. I also like curved lines in my garden. I try and eliminate any straight lines or sharp angles. Love the way your meandering path just pulls you further and further into the space. At 6:04... was that Mackinaw Island ? I have some slate stones in an area of my back patio, that are always katywampas because gophers tear up the soil underneath. whihc causes them to shift and slope. Its very frustrating! I was wondering of sand under the stones would repel gophers.

[@tessmonro7102]

A great video - thank you. I live in a temperate climate and use both golden thyme and chamomile as fillers between my pavers path. The golden thyme is my all time favourite.

[@kimsousa6420]

Excellent video! Took lots of notes. I learned so much; now to go out and make some changes to the path.

[@kathydenni9209]

What a Fantastic information packed video. Thank you so much!!❤ Probably The Best garden information content video I have seen!!!🥇🥇🥇

[@janedonahoe2728]

FABULOUS presentation! Thankyou thankyou thankyou 💚🌿

[@stephanieray6587]

Really informative, thank you. I've saved all the web links and will use them going forwards. The grounds of your house are looking stunning, I can't believe the before and after shots.

[@janaeshaffer266]

Thank you Hoselink😊😉

[@1234yout-um8jf]

Thank you so much for explaining how the flame works to kill weeds. I have been doing it wrong and will certainly change my approach. I appreciate your knowledge and humor!

[@marycraig9434]

Just discovered your channel! The vacuuming of the path grabbed me…😅 I’ve been working on a path/walkway for a couple of years trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I loved your video. It was really helpful, informative, and to the point. New subscriber here!

[@nancycrocker3721]

Could not have come at a more opportune time! Am planning a pathway from my driveway to a floating wood deck and your pathway is exactly what I had in mind! Will be following your channel!

[@sjchandra477]

Erin thank you very informative. I'll never look at a garden path the same way again.

[@kevm1550]

This novice 🤪 is currently in the planning phase of building my first walkway. I appreciate the detail provided in the video, as well as the overall presentation. It has help me immensely - including being able to sell the idea to my significant other. Great job, Erin! I’ve subscribed and look forward to checking out your other videos. Thank you!

[@moniquehamilton7391]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️

[@lisapearson78]

Never came across a video specific to paths/hardscape! So happy to have found this. 🙌🏼

[@LisatheDIYChick]

Great information in this video. Love everything about your gardens!

[@cindysmith1830]

Your garden is beautiful! Thank you for this video, I found it very informative. I had to have 2 large trees cut down this spring and it really changed my backyard, and not in a good way. So now I am starting all over on thinking out some type of garden plan for next year, which I want to add paths to it. This season end I am working on researching some type of fast growing trees/large shrubs to help with view of yard and shade for future. Thanks again for this video. I live in Michigan so our zones are similar and what applies to your yard can apply to mine.

[@elizabethgilliam4156]

This video came at the perfect time! We are making plans to turn a mulch path into a stone/gravel path. Thanks for being so thorough!

[@mamalovesthebeach437]

Excellent video! Good point that you’re not the “safety police“… I’d also like to add that no one in the Western states should use a blowtorch on anything!🤦‍♀️ also, my husband is an arborist. We have wood chip paths. It’s highly recommended not to have wood chips within 10 feet of your home because of fire issues. They will burn and if thick enough you won’t see smoldering underneath. I 100% agree with you on landscape cloth. It’s an absolute mess and it’s an environmental nightmare! One more thing I would add is those of us in Gopher country may need to add gopher wire underneath paths that are impermanent. ❤

[@cherylt6888]

Such great information on garden paths ❤

[@brendamorison8671]

Erin, great podcast. I always enjoy your content. Where have I been but I have never heard of a flame weeder? I did order the cobra head weeder. Can't have too many good garden tools. I too am a great fan of the Hoselink solar lights. I have just been blown away at how well they work.

[@diannamueller9332]

Love those lights! Everything was beautiful. Torching!

[@michaeljonesdougherty.209]

Great video ❤I love gardens pathways it's like where do they go . I have mulch pathways trough my garden the turn so you have to keep going to see what's around the next part . I like that nature feel