PAVED & BRICK PATHS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 March 1940, Page 3

PAVED & BRICK PATHS

SOME ATTRACTIVE FEATURES

OF GARDENS

Paths can bo attractive features in a garden, but to be both practical and ornamental they should be made of brick, stone, or cement. Grass and gravel paths must be kept in perfect condition to be pleasing, and that means considerable labour.

The usual trouble with brick and stone paths is that, as a rule, they are more costly; but in the long run they are well worth the little extra expense. Besides, the cost, is not much extra if cement slabs are used instead of paving.

An excellent flagged path can be made with cement, and sand. For a short length, obtain half a yard of sand and a bag of cement. Line off the site for the path with strips of 4in wood, then make the concrete. Three parts of sand to one part cement is a good strength; mix the ingredients with water in which a handful of rusty nails has been placed for a day or two. This will give the stone a warm orange colour.

Mix the cement and sand to a stiff consistency, then trowel in tin position, making it roughly 3in deep. Level ofT with a board and with a piece of i wedge-shaped wood mark out the stone slabs. Press in the wedge to the depth of the concrete. When the cement has set, remove the wooden border, and a picturesque path which will require no further attention will be obtained. If less formal effect is preferred, chip out small holes in which low-growing plants can be grown. Paths can also be made with cement and cobble-stones (any round stones will do). Put in the wood mould as already described, then make the cement in the same manner as for flagstones. Trowel it in place and put. in the cobbles. Many charming patterns can be arranged if desired. I have an "ods and ends'* path made from a few old bricks, a little crazy paving, and cement slabs. It is the most attractive path in the garden. The outside border is of bricks (cemented) and the centre is made up of alternate strips of paving and cement; the strips which are 3ft long, are lined off with red bricks to give colour. This path was made, only 18 months ago, but it might have been in position for centuries. —“Popular Gardening." London.