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| Photo Credit: Paul Race |
| When landscaping a garden railroad, dwarf Alberta spruce is the most popular tree used. |
Many families are finding more reasons and ways to spend time outdoors, from gardening and exploring to just relaxing. Now you can add a whole new world of enjoyment to your back yard by bringing an indoor hobby outside: model railroading.
Garden locomotives aren’t “your Grandfather’s trains” – they’re big, rugged and weather-resistant. Because they move throughout the garden, they’re noticeable across most yards, and they add unequalled interest to your outdoor space for adults and children alike. A garden railroad doesn’t have to be extensive or expensive – you may just want to put a loop of track around a pond you already have in your back yard. But most people who realize just how fun this garden hobby can be don’t stop there: Some landscape along their tracks with miniature waterfalls and mini spruce trees. Others like incorporating rock garden plants and herbs. Some choose to add (and build) little model buildings and houses along their train lines. Whether your garden railroad be simple or elaborate, one thing is certain: It’ll be fun – and it’ll certainly attract attention from visitors of all ages! How much room do you need for a garden railroad? Garden trains are typically three times larger than most indoor models. That means that a garden train running on a 9-foot-diameter circle of track outdoors will look about the same as an indoor train running on a 3-foot circle of track. If you start well, you may realize why some folks who begin with relatively modest 10- by 20-foot railroads soon expand beyond their original space. Think railroad gardens are cool but not ready for a permanent one in your yard? No problem. I built my first “trial” garden railroad by laying a bed of mulch in the side yard and putting an oval of track right on top of it. Now I recommend laying down a thick layer of newspapers and some landscape fabric first, then using a few bags of small crushed gravel (pea gravel doesn’t work because it doesn’t stay in place).
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