Re: Catwalk was Amendments
- To: <perennials@mallorn.com>
- Subject: Re: Catwalk was Amendments
- From: "* B* <m*@pldi.net>
- Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 09:18:51 -0500
M Brown
NW Oklahoma, USA
Pat;
There are several things I would consider regarding a "catwalk". Will you
need access to paint the house or trim or wash windows? If so a walkway
wide enough for a step ladder might be convenient. What kind of plants and
how wide will the bed be? Will you need access to prune deadhead or
otherwise tend the plants? Is mildew a problem? If so an air space might
work wonders not only for your plants but for your home if humidity is a
problem.
As far as surface for the walkway I prefer wood chips, pine bark mulch,
cypress mulch etc. It will decompose and will need to be renewed but will
add organic matter for the roots that will expand into the area and is not
as obvious as a walk as stepping stones etc. Remember the mature size of
your plants so your walkway won't be taken over by the plants. There is
nothing as ugly as a plant butchered to allow access for maintenance or
repairs to your home.
One note of caution. If you decide on a walkway behind taller plants or
shrubs near your door. A walkway will provide hiding space for someone who
is interested in things other than your garden. Motion lights are
inexpensive and work on heat and movement. They can be set off by dogs
and cats but that is a minor inconvenience when your personal safety or
that of your family is concerned. Be sure they light the hiding places
well and the detector is aimed down the "catwalk" to detect uninvited
guests. Landscape lighting also helps but doesn't alert you to the
presence of an intruder like a motion light.
An opportunity to start from scratch can be really exciting just remember
all the previous mistakes so you don't waste time repeating them. That
will leave more time to experience "new" mistakes. Enjoy your new home and
create a haven around it.
Martha
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