Kim Rooney Design

The Benefits of Adding a Garden Path There are many benefits to adding a garden walkway. They create connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, and also within the yard itself. An entry walk guides and welcomes family and friends. A path off a back porch, patio or deck invites you into the yard and provides a smooth transition to areas designed for entertaining, relaxing and play.

“After” photos by Eva Blanchard Yard at a Glance Who lives here: A couple, their teenage daughter and three dogs Location: Seattle Size: 4,200 square feet (390 square meters) Landscape architect: Kim Rooney Design Before: The yard had this lawn next to the house, then a slope between this area and a dilapidated sports court in the lower portion. The family lacked a safe and easy way to get from the house down to the sports court.

1. Take Stock of Existing Views Start by taking note of current views or sightlines from windows and glass doors. What do you look out onto from your most-used rooms of the house? Are there areas that could benefit from more privacy, or are any views obscured by overgrown plants that could use pruning? Could any windows be enlarged (if it’s in your budget) to open up views? 2. Think of Windows as Picture Frames What would you like to see inside each frame versus what you currently see?