My Cottage - need advice!

Below are pictures of "The Gypsy House"...my beloved cottage.  I need some advice - here's where you come in!  I'd like to complete a proper pathway on my side yard, but I've never done it before and have no idea how to start or what material to use (flagstones?).  The previous owners put down the bluestone pavers on pic #3, but they just put them straight onto the grass, so now they're all cracked and look awful...I need to get rid of them and start over.   I'd like to locate a small patio further up the yard (closer to the front door - pic #1).  Suggestions?  I've looked at lots of garden books, etc., but was wondering if anyone out there has actual experience...thank you!!  Hope you're all having a blissful weekend! 
Front side of the house - street facing

Side yard...obviously, long and narrow...fence to the left (not pictured).
The arched area is my kitchen...view to the street and front garden
Yellow swallowtail enjoying the clover in the front garden!


The images below are similar to what I had in mind, but I'm open to suggestions!





Don't forget to stop and smell the roses this weekend!

2 comments:

Monica {bohemian twilight} said...

well, we've done many paths in our day lol

my faves are ones using a material in sympathy with the environment. so in this house we have used large flat stones that came from a roof, which in turn came from the surrounding mountains.

in a previous cottage in England, we used paving bricks.

i also like when grass grows in between the stones.

use a layer of sand and then possibly a little cement (depends on how they're laid) to keep them away from frost and secure.

beautiful cottage!

Barbara said...

Thanks, Monica!

I, too, like paths to look as though they've been there forever, and to blend in with their surroundings. In a previous house, I planted thyme in between the stones, but I didn't have to lay the actual stones. I'll let you know how it goes!