Preparation began in late summer - early fall of 2001. The first decision regarded the layout for the existing flowerbeds. At this point some of the beds were increased in size to accommodate more plants. Previous years experience developing a selection of compatible flora were considered for bed size and placement. Once this was determined an overall floor plan was established. It was important to be able to access the beds from several different directions to allow for maintenance.

We removed the sod and roughly laid out the walkways. A temporary matting was laid down to inhibit weed growth and preserve the geography of the path. There had not been a decision at this point as to what type of material was going to be used for the path so nothing else was done until the spring of 2002. 
Once we made the decision on the mold from Lee Valley, preparations began in earnest for the path. Soil was removed to level out the surface and bring it down to a consistent 4 inches below grade, we did not want the path to be raised in relation to the beds.

        

We were committed to doing this at the least possible cost so instead of purchasing the recommended premixed concrete, Larry picked up a load of crushed gravel and 2 loads of sand from a local cement company (BurnCo Rock Products). It worked out that we required 2 80 lb. bags of Normal Portland cement, we didn't realize this at the time so 3 bags were purchased. This was not a problem as the extra bag was used later to build a curb around the triangle garden on the other side of the sidewalk. 

With all of the components in place we got up early in the morning, put on several layers of clothing, grabbed a cup of coffee, went outside and began to lay the path. 

  1. lay down a weed inhibiting mat.

  2. apply and level 2"s of sand to the path 

  3. trim excess matting 

Once this was done the first of 8 batches of concrete was prepared. Each batch took 20 - 30 minutes to make and it took about 5 - 10 minutes to apply it to the path so the designated concrete guy didn't get many breaks. 

With a start time of 7 AM, an hour for lunch and several much needed breaks for coffee, the path was completed by 5 PM. We would have preferred a nicer day to do the work but Medicine Hat provided miserable weather conditions all spring and that day was no exception. Single digit temperatures and a constant wind were present throughout the day. Aside from that minor inconvenience the whole process was quite enjoyable and we all had a good time. It was obvious to us all after the first batch was laid that this was exactly the look we were hoping for, so the excitement level remained high throughout the day to see what the finished product would look like. Needless to say when it was all done we were more than pleased with the whole project.