If you have been viewing your yard from your "prop" bench with "garden" in mind, you have already seen that sunny spot, within hose-length access to water. Your garden is taking shape there. Its dimensions and design will soon be apparent. You will know whether it will be raised by using landscape timbers or bordered by using stones, concrete scallops, bricks, or just a border of flowers. The plants and flowers will identify themselves and pop from idea to reality.
This is the time to mark out a gently curving path from your inspiration bench to your garden creation. Use your rake and/or any other tool that will define your path. Make it at least two-and-a-half feet wide. Line your path with stones or landscape timbers or shape the edges to confine the ground cover. Top it with pine needles, bark, chips, shavings, or gravel for comfort as you trip back and forth. It is all coming together now. Start digging, and enjoy.
June T. Parker, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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