Landscape area

I don’t understand the question. You have wood mulch laid over black plastic (are you going to leave it like that?) and then you want to divide it with a pathway?

What’s the point of the pathway? Where is it going from and to? And is it to be built on top of the black plastic and mulch?

I’ll have to say that any black plastic in landscaping is usually a bad idea.

Black plastic or landscaping fabric is ALWAYS a bad idea unless it's under a well laid gravel path.

If you want to grow anything the plastic needs to be removed. I don’t understand how nothing but mulch can be a retreat, so you will need to explain your vision for this space to get assistance.

I will add to laceyvail’s comment that landscape fabric can be useful under other types of path such as flagstone or other masonry, but it has no place in an area you want plants. Even in a place where you don’t want plants, I t doesn’t prevent weeds since the seeds arrive via wind and critters, settle on top of the mulch and grow, and they are much harder to pull when roots are tangled in plastic or landscape fabric. Mulch reduces weeds already in the soil from sprouting by blocking light but nothing in my experience will prevent all weeds.

The tarp and mulch was done prior to me moving in and has been there awhile. To my understanding whomever put it down did so because there were so many weed. It was a lazy choice and rather ugly one in my opinion but I wouldn't know much about it to be begin with considering I have no experience with landscaping at all..... That's why I'm asking advice?

If you want to grow anything, the tarp must be removed.

I'll save Yardvaark the time and effort and say that you must begin with some kind of layout drawing that shows how the yard and the house relate to each other. Unalterable existing conditions such as size and orientation will determine what you can do. Once you have that then you need to answer the question already asked, how will you use this space? Retreat is a little vague. Do you have children and need a place for them to play? A place to barbecue? A place to escape to? A place to entertain? A place that gives you a pleasant view from your house?

With a layout and answers to those questions I think you will find people here that can help you visualize what your yard can become.

And yes, the black plastic has to go.

Thanks Kentc! You did save me the time and effort. Before I read, I was wondering what the intention was for how the space would be used. We must know that before we have any idea how it might be laid out. And then the path is a by-product of planning for the use.

How large is the area and your "retreat" intended to be a place for solitude or for entertaining?

After you remove the plastic ... a good beginning for your path -- if you only intend to create a path -- could be:

If the area is "sorta" square, draw a smaller square inside the area (at least several feet from the outer edge of the lot) and then round the four corners a bit or create a small square at each corner. If the area is "sorta" rectangle, begin with the shape of a rectangle instead.

After that you will need to connect that path to your back porch or back door Once this is done, you can create a patio in the size you need for your purposes and where the sunlight best meets your preference.

Alternately, if creating a patio is your objective, you could begin with the patio and then build the walk path to fit the new shape of the lot --- what's left not used for the patio you create.

Everyone has a different vision of a personal outdoor space and we need to know something about what you view as a retreat. You asked about a path, but we need much, much more information. Are you looking for shade or sun? Pretty gardens or fresh veggies or a lawn? Casual billows of plants, or formal symmetrical layout? Kids’ play structure or volleyball court or putting green or a pool or hot tub or deck or patio? Privacy from nearby homes or long open views?

Start by getting books from the library and looking through Houzz photos for you region to get a feel for what appeals to you and start a folder of images. Take photos of the plants that are currently around the edges and get them IDed on the Name that Plant forum . Start pealing up the tarp/plastic so that when you are ready to get working on the space, the space is ready to be worked on. Rake aside the mulch from one strip of area onto another area, cut the plastic out with a utility knife, and then rake the mulch backonto the soil. Repeat until the plastic is all removed and you just have dirt covered with mulch. If you are concerned about weeds, for now spread something like Preen or even just get a scuffle hoe and use it anywhere you see sprigs of green.