Be it a home, a hotel, or a restaurant, no building is complete without a walkway. The walkway is what guides the visitor in, welcomes them to the building, and provides one of the first statements of what the establishment represents and the overall atmosphere of the entire place. Using planters to create a walkway or to embellish it is often the perfect choice. Below are some different ways to use garden planters as a welcoming way to lead people into a  into a home or business.

Natural

One way to go about using planters as a walkway is to take the natural approach. Simply put, however you would find plants arranged in nature is how you should lay out the planter design. For this type of layout, natural materials like clay, stone, rock, and wood are the best options. They are neutral, so they will blend into the background, allowing the flowers to be the main attraction; however, they will still add to the overall ambiance instead of being a drawback.

Symmetry and Uniformity

There are many styles and arrangements that can be used to create a walkway with planters. However, one of the most classic and effective ways is to use a uniform design on either side of the walk way, creating perfect symmetry. For this effect, larger planters are likely the best choice, as several, small planters can become cluttered in many instances. Round planters are always a good option, particularly if you choose to use larger planters, as the round shape is softer and more inviting than harsh, geometrical shapes and corners.

Artistic

Another method of designing the walkway would be the artistic approach. When designing for museums, in particular, this approach can be very helpful in adding to the overall feel of the establishment. The artistic approach treats each planter as a work of art, and the planter should reflect this.  A balance between overbearing planters and invisible planters must be struck, so that the guests notice the planters and think “how interesting”, but also so that the guests do not spend an inordinate amount of time staring at them for their size and embellished nature. Simple but unique shapes can provide this look, or having a few planters in an accent colour that matches the rest of the building in tone and theme can be another way of going about it. The layout itself can be artistic, as well, being highly manicured or shaped into elaborate patterns with intertwining walkways. Regardless of how you choose to go about the artistic walkway, striking the previously mentioned balance is essential.

However you choose to use planters, creating a walkway with them is one of the best ways to set the initial impression of the facility or home you are designing for. No matter the theme, colour scheme, or level of detail the layout calls for, the floral walkway is always an inviting way to usher people into a building. When chosen and designed correctly, planters can contribute to this and add balance to the overall aesthetic.