A rectangular garden measures 18.5 meters by 12.3 meters. A 1.2-meter wide path is built around the garden. What is the total area, in square meters, of the garden and the path combined?

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:46:13 +0000

**How a Rectangular Garden with a Surrounding Path Boosts Space—and Efficiency, Insight for US Gardeners** Walking through a growing trend in smart outdoor living, many homeowners are reimagining small courtyards with functional designs—especially rectangular gardens paired with surrounding pathways. Considering a 18.5 meter by 12.3 meter garden flanked by a uniform 1.2-meter-wide stone or gravel path, one key question arises: what’s the total area covered when both the garden and path are included? This isn’t just a math puzzle—it’s an exploration of space optimization, aesthetic balance, and long-term value. With rising interest in sustainable, multi-use outdoor areas, understanding the full footprint helps with planning, construction, and even insurance or municipal permitting. **The Growing Focus on Smart Outdoor Spaces in the US**
In recent years, US gardeners and homeowners have increasingly embraced compact, efficient outdoor designs to maximize usability and visual harmony. Rotational gardens paired with dedicated pathways reflect a shift toward purposeful landscaping that balances beauty with practicality. With living spaces shrinking in urban and suburban areas, rethinking traditional garden boundaries reveals how even modest rectangular plots—just under 226 square meters—can become dynamic, multi-functional zones. The addition of a uniform perimeter path transforms not only the garden’s footprint but also usability, accessibility, and flow. ### Understanding the Dimensions: Garden and Path Together