At a previous ideabook, I introduced you to the conservatories at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. In this one, I’m going to share the pathways of these magnificent gardens.
Longwood Gardens can be a challenging place to photograph, not just because of the audiences and lighting difficulties, but since it is such a wonderful garden. A garden done properly is not just a showpiece but an encounter. It leads you from place to place, from plant to plant, into mystery and out of darkness. Longwood Gardens is among the few gardens in the world that can masterfully take you to a journey in an Italianate, laced-up increased garden into a totally American trail through the forests. Those twists and turns make for an excellent garden encounter but can sometimes hinder a photographer trying to capture the backyard. Maybe next time I should choose a helicopter.
Amy Renea
Longwood combines structure with well-laid pathways that lead the eye and invite people to explore. See the way in which the floor is laid to accentuate the circular design of the metal-domed gazebo. Also notice how in which the gazebo opens into perfectly frame the grass pathway beyond.
To find another example of an intricately carved metal-roofed gazebo, have a look at the Sunken Gardens of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Amy Renea
Here’s the reverse end of the pathway, edged with proper hedging. The hedges are varieties of plants, terraced up the mountain to the left. The usage of sheared hedges within this pathway is a nod to the sheared topiary types from another room of their garden.
Amy Renea
Grass pathways are used in low-traffic locations, but good ‘ol blacktop is used in high ranking places. Notice how the design draws your eye away in the blank slate of a path. The trees have been pruned to grow up instead of out, leading your attention to the statuary in the end of the path.
Amy Renea
Here is another illustration of a blacktop pathway, broken up with a roundabout. Notice the yellow dogwood from the background, highlighting a darker portion of the trail and providing depth to a simple walkway.
Amy Renea
On the opposite side of the roundabout is a mountain along with trellised vines. With simple iron stoves, the designer has created a focal point and also a showstopping climbing apparatus.
Amy Renea
Elsewhere in the gardens, climbing paths are produced from a mix of blacktop and stone. The steps are long and wide, creating more of a walking walkway that happens to ascend, instead of a staircase. The slow pace makes it possible for visitors to look round the woodland garden while gently climbing the mountain.
Amy Renea
I seen the gardens in the peak of springtime, therefore a number of the paths were covered with blossoms from the surrounding trees.
When you are planting pathways, consider the possible droppings in the plantings. Fruit-bearing bushes, for instance, might drop jewel-colored, juicy fruits all over your walkways in summer. In contrast, a very simple yew will maintain its needles through the winter and create very little perspiration.
Amy Renea
Maybe you’re inspired by the pathways of Longwood. I am aware I am rethinking my hillside paths. Those elongated cement steps might do the job perfectly in my backyard. You might decide to rethink plantings or alter your pruning methods to create a pathway.
Pathways are the civilized extension of a wild garden and can make or break the experience to your customers. Give them focal points, look at walking patterns and habits, and create magical pathways on your own garden this year.
More:
Create an Inviting, Protected Pathway
