Nestling a walkway into your landscape looks simple, and it is. However, if you want it to surpass mere function and be inviting and natural, you ought to ponder four basic points.

The basic objective, of course, is to get from Point A to Point B. But that?s a very simplistic view, in which any old sidewalk will do. It?s like saying that all you have to do to stop world hunger is to feed everybody. Simple to the point of being naive.

For a walkway that looks natural, inviting and blends into the appearance of your yard, ponder these four points before you buy anything or do any digging: users, route, surface and nodes.

Users
Will the walkway be used primarily by children? Adult family members? Visitors? In groups? One at a time? Will they be carrying things like groceries or pool toys? Wheeling lawn equipment or baby carriages?

Ask a lot of questions like this. The answers should give you clear direction about walkway width, lighting, security and the need for any ramps, stairs or landings.

Route
In truth, the most comfortable way to get from Point A to Point B is rarely a straight line, however convenient it is for the builder. Is there some feature you want to go near, such as a nice tree or a good view, or to avoid, such as a hot, sunny place or a dryer vent? Do you want it near a spot where you can mount lights?

A walkway can connect a door to a driveway, an outdoor barbecue, a mailbox, an outbuilding or a gate. It can even connect three or more such places without being boringly straight. Whatever the function, avoid simply copying the man-made and artificial lines of your house and driveway. The walkway is part of nature, after all. Instead, try curving or meandering it a little, mimicking shapes found in nature.

Surface
The choices are limited only by your imagination. Plain concrete is usually an initial impulse, but the surface can also be brick, tile, asphalt pavers, natural stone, gravel and wood in many forms. Within each of these surface options is a range of alternative patterns, textures and colors.

Think about how each would visually blend with your landscape, and think about how each would accommodate people with wheelchairs, canes, baby strollers, bare feet and so on.

The surface material will have a strong psychological effect on the users? mood. In addition, it will go a long way toward defining the mood of the homeowners.

Nodes
This is "designese" meaning a place to have a conversation, a place to sit and wait for a spell, a spot with an especially good view. These can be placed strategically along walkways, usually long ones. Maybe a node is as simple as a bench or a wide place where you can "stop and smell the roses." Maybe it?s as complex as a fish pond or an outdoor seating area.

Ordinarily, walkways demonstrate minimal thought as to what people do on them besides get where they?re going. It?s up to you to create an experience that?s unique and pleasant. Otherwise, it?s merely a sidewalk.

Be imaginative. Make it unique. Take your cues not from the shape of your house or whatever is easiest for the builder, but from the appearance of the landscape that the walkway will be part of.