Q&A: What if I don't have a concrete path?

All council policies include the requirement to leave a clear pathway for pedestrians. So, what do you do when there is only grass?

This morning I received a question:

About to embark on a verge garden and a bit confused about the 1.2m path and where it needs to be placed. There isn't an official path, it's all grass. Is it 1.2from the kerb, 1.2 from our fence or somewhere in the middle? Is there a rule where the 1.2m path needs to sit? I rang council and they weren't particularly helpful.

Here is my answer. Everyone is welcome to add their comments and ideas below.

All council policies include the requirement to leave a clear pathway for pedestrians. Having a concrete footpath in place makes it easier because the decision about where the path goes has already been made for you.

So, what do you do when there is only grass?

Because every verge is different, there is no simple answer. There are many variables: existing street trees, width of the verge, slope of the verge, other services on the verge, driveways, context in the street, and so on.

That’s why most council policies don’t have a standard rule, and why they can’t answer what can seem like a simple question.

What The Policies Say

Depending on your council, the policy will almost certainly say that you have to leave a grass path of at least a set width (varies from 1.2m to 2m) with no garden edges.

Garden edges create trip hazards. So you’ll have a spade edge that you can either trim with a whipper snipper or occasionally refresh with your spade.

Put Your Pedestrian Hat On

Streets are pedestrian corridors, so the path through your verge garden should be placed where it’s safe and comfortable for people walking by.

Walk up and down your street so you approach and walk past your home from different sides, and also take note of where you cross the road. Where seems like the natural place to walk? What feels right?

Where would you want a child to walk?

If people can park beside your verge, you have to leave space there for them to get out of their cars. It can be tempting to widen that a bit and make it the pedestrian path. However, that rarely feels like a safe or pleasant place to walk whether it’s a concrete or grass path.

Likewise paths hard up against the fenceline can feel a bit uncomfortable, especially if it’s a solid wall or hedge.

If your verge is on a slope, where is the flattest part of the verge? If you have a driveway crossing the verge, it should have a section that is flatter for pedestrians as part of the path.

Imagine where the council might put a concrete path along the full length of your street.

So, the best answer is that it’s probably somewhere in the middle but where will depend on the unique features of your street including the street trees.

Experiment with a tape measure and temporary markers like string or a hose to ensure you get the right width. Then mark out with some sand or spray paint and test it out for a week or two.

Remember to remove your temporary markers. Don’t leave anything on the verge that could be a trip or safety hazard.

Garden Slowly And Observe

The space against the property line is the least contentious place to start a verge garden, and for some councils, the only place you can do it. Start there using the slow gardening method.

Slow gardening will give you lots of time to observe whether people use the space the way you expect before you commit to the placement of the path.

You’ll probably be surprised by the number of pedestrians.

Straight Paths And Lines Work Best

Remember that people walking are not there to admire your garden - it’s a bonus if they do. They can be rushing to catch a bus, just want to get home after a long day, have sight or balance issues, have prams, use a wheelchair or mobility device, and so on.

Straight lines say: this is a garden, someone is caring for it. That helps more people see verge gardens in a positive way and reassure your neighbours that you aren’t going to make their street look messy.

Research suggests that exposure to “slightly messy” nature is the most beneficial for mental health. Straight lines containing messier planting and drifts gives you the best of both worlds.

Straight lines also provide a signal to anyone maintaining the garden about where the edges are. This is really important for garden contractors who are in a hurry.

Note the spade edges I am using on my neighbour’s verge. They signal to the mowing contractor where to stop.

Curves only work on a main pedestrian pathway where they have a function, like a corner block or around an existing street tree.

The Postie Path and Road Access

These paths are where gentle curves will fit people’s movements, and where watching how they use the space is important. It may also change as your garden evolves.

The postie path, like the pedestrian path, is an integral part of your verge garden. The design either acknowledges and welcomes people or makes them feel like they are intruding on someone’s private space.

Before I started, nobody ever crossed direct onto my grass verge despite the traffic calming island. Instead they’d walk along to the next driveway and cross diagonally to the most convenient driveway. After a few years, I noticed some were crossing deliberately into the verge garden and I adjusted the mulch paths accordingly.

Good design is invisible. It just seems natural, like things were meant to be. Our verge gardens aren’t meant to be grand gardens with amazing designs. Keep it simple, observe, reflect, and adjust.

What Do You Think?

Do you agree? Something to add? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.