Walkways

[Droppey]

In the autumn/winter I'm going to be working on the ground between the beds as in the summer the grass grows like anything and also looks a mess. I was thinking of putting bark down!

Does anyone have any recommendations of what to put down or is bark adequate enough? And would it be better to dig the grass bits up?

[OllieMartin]

Hey Droppey,

I've used bark on mine. I laid weed-suppressant matting down first (some weeds will grow through any amount of bark it seems).
The bark I used was from some lailandii my mum cut down and mulched (not on her own, she's no lumberjack!)

So far I've found it far better than bare earth or the boards I used to have. It's soft enough to kneel in, dense enough to be solid underfoot and it allows the rain to run through into the soil. The cats do like to dig in it, but so far they haven't done anything else, I imagine it may be too corse for their softer regions, it appears they will go on any other surface! It also can become a little soggy, so kneeling is restricted to dryer periods.



N.B: I also understand it will decompose and so you'll need a supply to relay with, but I can't imagine it being a particularly quick process, so likely to be once a year at most, depending on depth.

[rustylady]

If you do use bark, then put some weed suppressing black stuff under it. Also be prepared for mushrooms to grow if you get the bark from the local council

[Storming Norman]

I'm doing this right now on my paths at the allotment as when it rains the paths get very sticky, even in summer. winter should be fun!
Lucky for me I'm doing it free. My mother gave me the weed suppressant fabric, the wood chippings are from the local stables - it's supposed to be horse manure but I think they left that bit out.

My question is how do you pin the fabric in place successfully and permanently? The plastic pins sold for this purpose are extortionate [and also not strong enough for the job].

Any suggestions?

[rustylady]

My question is how do you pin the fabric in place successfully and permanently? The plastic pins sold for this purpose are extortionate [and also not strong enough for the job].

Any suggestions?

I made my own anchor pins/pegs from wire coathangers. Cut to the length required and bend.

[OllieMartin]

My question is how do you pin the fabric in place successfully and permanently? The plastic pins sold for this purpose are extortionate [and also not strong enough for the job].

Any suggestions?

I used 4" steel nails, you don't really need anything substantial (though they will need to be a bit larger than drawing pins!) as the wood chips will do most of the holding-down. The nails are just to keep it from sliding about when you walk on it.

[Droppey]

Cheers for the imput guys and gals.

Just one quick question will it be better for me to take the grass away and leave the earth under the sheet?

[Storming Norman]

Oh coat hangers - obvious when you think of it.

It's good to have a brain...............shame it failed me.