Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • April 17, 2013 Nothing says “Welcome to our home” like a beautiful, well-landscaped, and properly designed walkway. The right walkway goes far to enhance a home’s curb appeal and create a more inviting space. In fact, a walkway is part of a home’s entryway and, when properly designed, can change the overall look of the house. The walk should complement the driveway because it is often the connector between the driveway and front door. The walkway can revitalize the front yard by providing a new visual focus, especially Ideas for creating a welcoming walkway when bordered by plantings and garden beds. Remember that it is also important to expand the front entrance hardscape when possible to open up the entry and create an outdoor foyer feeling. Some key points to designing front entryways: • Consider how to get from the driveway to the house. Location, dimensions, and walkway materials are important. • The walkway is a transition point between driveway and front steps. • Flare it so it opens up and creates a more expansive feeling. • Entering the walkway should be simple. It should have a curve, and be at least four feet wide and wheelchair accessible. While in the planning stages, homeowners should speak to their landscape masonry professional about the following issues: • Property slope: Slope determines the number and spacing of necessary risers. • Pitch: Make sure water flows away from the house and off the stone. • Type of stone: Walkway stones should have a smooth surface with minor texture. • Lighting: for safety and aesthetics: Light up the treads at a change in grade or step, and add lighting along the path. Other options include up-lighting and overhead lighting from the room to enhance the home’s architecture. • Plantings: From the head of the walkway to the end and all along the path, plantings tie together the overall front yard look and create strong curb appeal. This article was submitted by Borst Landscape & Design, Allendale.