Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to another edition of my newsletter, THE PENCIL CASE! As always, each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. This week let's learn about stepping-stone paths. I love these paths because they help us slow down and take note of our environment. Pretty cool. ♥︎

STEPPING-STONE PATHS

Garden paths, in general, can be a variety of widths, be made of many different materials, be curved or straight, plus serve many functions.

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There can even be hierarchy in a path system. For instance, a wider, even-surfaced path at your front door would be more prominent than a narrow stepping stone path in your backyard. This front walk could accommodate more foot traffic, have a safer walking surface (less trip hazards), allow snow removal, plus the size would be in scale as a welcome-mat of-sorts to visitors.

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Whereas a stepping-stone path (spacing out stones one-at-a-time) would be used as a secondary path to a special garden room, utility area, through a perennial garden or simply to reach a bench. These can be narrow or wide, plus formal or informal, while also allowing ground-covers or turf to grow between them. Place these where snow removal doesn't need to happen (ugh, not fun). 

SLOW + FOCUSED + HAPPY

Stepping stones paths may have originated to help cross streams. They were placed high enough to walk over the water, but far enough apart to allow water to flow in-between. How they eventually became a quant, yet adventurous part of the garden is unknown.

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What we do know, is stepping stone paths help us slow down. Irregular, sometimes uneven surfaces, paired with elongated spacing encourages us to watch our footing, take slower, more meaningful steps, and honestly, helps us focus on the space we're in more deeply. We somehow forget to rush and instead take in our surroundings. Don't you feel a little giddy jumping from one stone to another too? Happy and focused. That's magic.

STEPPING STONE PATH INSPIRATION

There are many materials we can use in a variety of ways to create stepping-stone paths. Take a peek at our PINTEREST BOARD for inspiration.

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Now that you're inspired, CREATE A STEPPING-STONE PATH with this fun worksheet.

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Have you stepped into my new design membership, THE GARDEN DESIGN COLLECTIVE? Enrollment is open through tomorrow, September 30th. If you're looking for support (and lots of fun) on your design journey, I've got your back.

LET'S DO THIS! 

I'd love to see the stepping-stone paths you create...either on the provided worksheet or in your garden! Tag me on Instagram or hit reply to this email.

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In case you missed my reminder above, please note THE GARDEN DESIGN COLLECTIVE is currently open for enrollment one more day. I'd hate for you to miss out.♥︎

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Thanks for letting me visit your inbox once again. I look forward to seeing you very soon. 

All my best, 

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP