Paths need to be, as a general rule, equal width throughout the path. However sometimes it is advisable, when paths are of great length, to expand the width at some points to break up the line. You could add a bench or seat in these expansions, or add a birdbath or beautiful flower bed, as this will make the expansion seem like it was done purposely.
The expansions look best when placed where a secondary path breaks away from a main pathway, also they are best added at the end of a path. In winding paths, they will add harmony with the lines of the path.
Small gardens often adapt to the rectilinear system, causing path offshoots to move away from the path in right angles. This rule does not apply to curved paths, where by-paths should occur at less acute angles. This can be a hard skill to learn, but with knowledge and artistic instinct, you can create pleasing combinations of lines.
In the book, “The Art and Craft of Garden Making”, by Thomas Mawson, he describes garden walks as, "They should be arranged in such a way that the beauties of the place may be exhibited, not by a series of wriggles, but in a simple straightforward manner."
Curves, as a rule, are best not modeled in a geometric form. Curves need to have a flowing character as they appear in nature, as seen in the graceful lines of bending sedge, or the careful curves of a flower spike. With curves, the landscaper should rely on the use of freehand, and not a compass.
While creating these curved paths, often the novice designer tends to overlook the areas to the left and right of the path. These paths subdivide the garden space, and the shape they take effects the areas they enclose. The designer must bear in mind that the space between with path and the fence must be wide enough to include a flower border with grass in front to make the space look right.
