What is a Garden Path?

A garden, by definition, is a carefully planned outdoor space, often on a property, intended for the exclusive enjoyment, display, and cultivation of various species of flora and other types of nature. The single most distinguishing feature distinguishing even the wildest wilderness garden from that of a suburban lawn is strict control over the growth of plant life. The modern garden combines natural and artificial sources of sustenance. However, no garden, wild or civilized, can survive without some form of control over its environment.

The basic function of a GARDEN is to provide a controlled environment in which plants can grow, flourish, develop and seed. This controlled environment is usually a soil surface, whether permeable, hard or soft, with sufficient drainage for plant root growth and adequate drainage for water runoff. An important characteristic of a GARDEN is that it should “fit” the home and landscape design of the homeowner. The landscaping of a GARDEN should coordinate with the home’s style, architecture, color scheme, etc.

GARDENING is an increasingly popular choice for gardens because they are extremely durable and low maintenance. GARDENING can be designed for any size garden, from small urban gardens to large open areas like a golf course or a football field. A water garden provides year-round interest in the plants being grown. A water garden, also known as a wetland garden, can be as much a part of the landscape as a traditional lawn.

The primary objective of a GARDEN is to provide the necessary food, shelter and habitat for all members of the community. Crop rotation is used to guarantee a continual supply of topsoil for plants and vegetables. Many GARDENS are designed so that birds and wildlife will find them. This is especially true in areas where deer and other animals are a problem, or where the plants need to be avoided by herbivores.

A GARDEN is considered to be a part of the landscape, and not just a singular unit. In fact, nearly every gardener who has attempted GARDENING will tell you that it is an “all-encompassing” method of gardening. It is generally acknowledged that most people who cannot garden on their own are better off hiring a gardener. Gardening is a skill and must be practiced regularly in order to maintain it over time. A water garden provides ample opportunities for this practice. Water gardening allows you to experiment with plants and crops before committing to a permanent space for cultivation.

Many individuals who live in apartments or condos do not have room for a large garden, but a GARDEN can be created out of almost anything available, including an old washing machine, garbage can, old deck, tree branches, wood pile, decking, brick or concrete pavers, etc. One of the advantages of GARDENING is that it does not require a lot of work on your part, as you will only need to line the bottom of the container with a layer of gravel or stones, and then add the plants. As long as the plants are watered on a regular basis, and as long as they receive the necessary light, they should grow just fine without any help at all. In addition, there are many books and websites available on the proper way to set up and maintain a GARDEN.