Trails can be formed using a variety of eco-friendly materials, including (top to bottom): a permeable paver; a permeable paving emulsion mixed with an aggregate; and a paver with spaces in-between that allow water to be absorbed into the soil below.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION
Hancock explains that a wide array of materials is available for pathways, including brick, natural stone and concrete. She points out the importance of considering how a walkway will be used and selecting a medium that tolerates the low desert’s summer heat. Also keep in mind the color, texture and shape of the material. Here are some examples:

• Permeable options. “There has been a big move to permeable paving,” says Robert. In addition to reducing runoff, these absorbent materials allow irrigation and rainwater to recharge ground water. Stabilized granite is a permeable material recommended by several of our experts. Mazier likes it for its natural look, easy application and upkeep, compatibility with plants and relatively low cost. Rocks measuring one-quarter of an inch or smaller are mixed with a stabilizer and pressed into the ground to form a path. Depending on usage and weather, stabilized granite can last up to five years before resurfacing is needed, he notes.

Materials that do not butt against each other also can be used to form permeable paths. Hancock likes Belgard’s Aqua-Bric, a permeable paver with an interlocking design that helps reduce runoff.

• Green options. Hancock states that Level 5 Group’s line of environmental materials is ideal for paths. She describes the company’s EkoPaver as a permeable choice that offers the look of a traditional paver.

A number of other eco-friendly materials also are available. Robert says recycled tumbled glass chips can be used around fountains and birdbaths or to create a colorful faux stream bed. Another option is reclaimed broken concrete. Dollin favors compost mulch, such as Singh Farms, a Phoenix-area manufacturer. He says mulch retains water to reduce runoff, helps fertilize soil, and has a spongy texture that is soft underfoot. A compost mulch pathway will require occasional touchups, he comments.

“A path can give you unique views of your garden from different angles, making your garden experience a lot more enjoyable,” says landscape designer César Mazier. He directed this path to take advantage of mountain views.

SIGHTS TO SEE
“In every area there is an opportunity,” Mazier states. “You have to find a stopping place for benches, a table, a reading area—a place where you can look at and get into nature.” Following are a few ideas for creating points of interest along a trail:

•Benches. Resting places are common additions to walkways, Mazier notes. To incorporate a bench, look for a spot that offers a unique view or perhaps shade under a tree. He advises expanding the path out in this area to form a half circle to accommodate a sitting area.

• Yard art. If you have a place along a path where plants won’t grow, try yard art, sculpture or a fun garden stake instead, suggests Mazier. These often are affordable alternatives to having to replace a series of dead plants due to unaccommodating soil, and they introduce visual interest in the garden as well.

• Create an event. Look for areas in a landscape that present a spot to stop and “contemplate something else,” says Dollin. Consider adding such attractions as fire pits, bird feeders or fountains.

DESIGNING A ROUTE
• When designing a footpath, “plan the experience based on what you have,” advises Michael Dollin. For example, to accentuate a view from your backyard, devise a “narrative” trail in which a striking plant placed along the path will catch the eye and draw it to the view beyond.
• To determine the width of a walkway, take into account how it will be used, suggests César Mazier. Make a path 4 to 5 feet wide to accommodate two adults walking side-by-side; 3 feet should be wide enough for one person.
• If you decide to use steppingstones, consider planting low-growing drought-tolerant plants between the stones for visual interest, states Chad Robert. He mentions woolly thyme and oregano as potential ground covers.

PATHWAY PLANTINGS
César Mazier makes the following suggestions for vegetation that complements pathway settings:
• If you want a garden filled with plants that survive only on rainfall once established, try agave, barrel cactus, cholla, creosote, hedgehog cactus, ocotillo, prickly pear or saguaro.
• To create an area that offers blossoms throughout the year, select vegetation with varied flowering times. Summer bloomers include desert bird of paradise, desert marigold and varieties of senna; fairy duster is ideal for fall; aloe and rosemary plants bloom in winter; and in spring, just about any plant will provide a colorful show.
• Wildflower gardens offer a visual treat in late winter and spring. Try incorporating desert marigold, poppy, angelita daisy and penstemon. Be sure to sow seeds in fall for springtime blooms.