Living paths

[Shadylane]

I know the subject of paths has been discussed at length - I spent an hour reading the many threads last night. I'm trying to decide what to do with our new 2nd plot. Our first one has straw paths, but they have to be renewed almost every year or the weeds go mad (like they have this year cos I didn't refresh).

I'm toying with the idea of grass but not sure. Those of you that have grass, do you sow seed or just let it grow and end up with weeds too? Also has anyone tried a path of green manure eg phacelia, limnanthes, clover? What about creeping thyme? Would these grow if I was walking on them all the time? Ideas suggestions welcome

[VirginVegGrower]

Creeping thyme would not stand up to constant use. Great for path cracks as an occasional step onto thus releasing fragrance. What about the stuff they make living rooves with. No idea what it is. Chamomile is costly for large areas and again would not wear well.

[Shadylane]

Okay thanks for that VVG. Maybe I'll try a few grass and a few straw and see how much it annoys me having to mow.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I have a grass path in my plot and it is a nightmare. I prepared the ground properly taking out all the perennial weeds I could find and for the first couple of years things were fine. After that though, I found I was getting couch grass moving into my beds from the path, It had clearly seeded and blown in from some of the dirty plots around and now I have to have a session every springtime hauling out the couch before I plant. I've already lifted some of the turf and laid slabs and the rest of the turf is going too. had enough of it.

[Two_Sheds]

has anyone tried a path of green manure eg phacelia, limnanthes, clover? What about creeping thyme?

Yep, me. I have paths of crimson clover at the lotty. In reality the central bit where I walk is mud and weeds with the untrodden clover growing at the edges.

Creeping thyme is OK for seldom-walked on bits too, it won't take daily trampling.

If you have grass you'll have to mow it ... I haven't got the perfect solution, everything has its pros and cons

[Newton]

Some of the more experienced allotmenteers at our plot have perfect grass paths. You could bowl on them or putt golf balls down them. They must take endless hours of tending but wow do they look good.

I inherited grass paths between beds but i dont have the time to tend them(or the expertise). They sprouted weeds, grew in an unruly manner and after my first year I am not particularly proud ofvtheir appearance. Their days are numbered.

I have already started a major building program of raised beds. The paths are wood chip over plastic weed membrane and 1.25 meters wide to allow easy acces to the beds.

I am hopeful that my second year will be neater and more productive as a result........

But I would love grass..........

[binley100]

If you have access to copious amounts of free bark chippings you could do what we did . Six layers of newspaper , soaked so it goes hard when dry (like papier mache) then topped off with a nice thick layer of bark chippings. You still get weeds but they seem to be mainly in the top layer and pull out easily. Also after so long you will have to renew .....

[Shadylane]

Thanks for the input peoples.

I thought about chippings - dunno if I could get them free, I would think most tree surgeons would charge now but who knows. I also have nowhere for them to dump it. Thing about grass paths - some say they're a mare to maintain - some say no problem, only 20 mins mowing time. Suppose it depends on how much time you have and how organised you are. I like the clover idea. I bought some to use as green manure but er... never sowed it. I suppose I'll just have to try a few things and see which works best. Thanks again for all your input

[Two_Sheds]

We used to get free wood and grass chippings from the school grounds maintenance chaps ~ they were happy to drop them off as we were next to the school and it made their job quicker and easier. It's worth asking round

[binley100]

Council tips charge businesses to tip even green waste so ring round your local tree surgeons , they may be glad to find somewhere to dispose of their chippings.

[bojangles]

If you have access to copious amounts of free bark chippings you could do what we did . Six layers of newspaper , soaked so it goes hard when dry (like papier mache) then topped off with a nice thick layer of bark chippings. You still get weeds but they seem to be mainly in the top layer and pull out easily. Also after so long you will have to renew .....

Can you use cardborad instead?? Wet it too?? Ive been given conenfees chippings still a bit long but loads of it so was thinking of using it on a path way??