Sometimes when planning on where I?m going to place a public works project, tree, etc I will place some patterns on the ground so I can see how much space it would take up, and make paths around it. For example if I want to place a bench but don?t have the pwp I will place two patterns on the ground next to each other to resemble the space taken. If you are going for a nature theme remember there are mushrooms, 4-leaf clovers, and that you can sit on tree stumps
There's a lot of great advice here, but I just want to put in a word for natural paths. I've seen a lot of great patterns, and dirt paths do take more time and effort, but depending on your theme, might be a better option than patterns.
All part of what makes AC such fun and customizable.