8 Great Garden Path Ideas

Whether used as the main walkway or an invitation for a stroll to a quiet garden bench, a garden path can add beauty and a sense of structure to your outdoor space. And when it comes to making a pathway there are many materials you can use to convey different feelings, looks, and styles. Here are some of the best:

Flagstone

Flagstone is a great option for anyone who loves the look of natural stone but wants a smooth surface. Although their surface is smooth they still convey a natural feel with their irregular edges and shapes. They are often used to make stepping stone paths by placing large pieces at least one inch apart.

Flagstone can also be laid in mortar to form a surface that has a natural look but because it is totally flat can be used easily with furniture that needs a level surface and is also a cinch to clean. Another popular option is to place them in a bed of gravel topped with sand.

Fieldstone

For an even more rural feel than flagstone, fieldstone is an excellent option. Fieldstone has a rougher texture and much more variation than flagstone in both colors and in shapes making it look even more natural. For this reason, many homeowners choose to use it a little further back in their yard or garden.

Fieldstones are most often seen in stepping stone paths. When choosing individual stones it’s important to make sure you choose ones with 2 sides that are relatively flat so they are easy to walk on. When laying field stone simply dig a shallow hole for each stone add some sand and place the stone inside.

Cobblestone

A cobblestone path is easy to walk on and also reminds us of the roads and pathways of the past. The fact that they are not 100% level or uniform adds to their charm and a sense of antiquity to any area they are placed. They are especially good-looking when they start to grow moss in-between the stones.

Cobblestones are set on a base of gravel and sand. They should be set close together with sand filling the spaces between each stone. They should also always be used in conjunction with an edging to keep them in place.

Brick

A path made from brick, like cobblestone, can also help to convey a sense of the past. This is made even more apparent when old weathered bricks are used, especially ones with different shades of color, or are placed with small spaces between them.

A brick pathway can of course also look more modern and uniform if new bricks are used and are placed tightly together. When making a brick pathway the bricks should be laid in gravel and sand, or mortared to a concrete slab.

Concrete Pavers

For a look similar to cobblestones but with a surface that is much smoother, a pathway made from concrete pavers is ideal. Because they interlock they are also very easy to install. Some even come as kits that can be made to form designs and patterns on your pathway.

They can be similar in color to cobblestones, brick, or even cut stone but are made from concrete. Concrete pavers should be installed flush together in a bed of gravel and sand.

Cut Stone

For formal paths close to the house cut stone is a brilliant choice as it’s more uniform but still conveys a natural feel as it is made from stone. Because of its smooth surface, a path made from natural stone is both easy to clean and walk on. Cuts stone in large squares or rectangles set close together portrays a homogenous look especially when all of the slabs are the same color.

Some homeowners choose to mix it up, however, with various shades and shapes. Large pieces are laid in a base of sand while smaller pieces of cut stone will probably need a firm edging to keep them in place.

Because cut stone is more uniform than other types of stone it is often used set in mortar right on top of an existing concrete path for a quick and easy path upgrade. When purchasing cut stone it is a smart idea to choose slabs that have some texture as they will provide grip when walking in wet conditions.

Gravel

One of the easiest pathways to create is one made from gravel. Many homeowners love the unique sound it makes as it is walked on as well as its texture. Gravel is inexpensive and simple to use because you don’t have to place the individual stones together like with other pathway materials.

There is also an enormous array of options when it comes to colors, size, and textures, making it easy to find gravel for any preference. No matter what type of gravel you choose you will need some type of edging to keep in place.

All you need to do when installing a gravel pathway is dig about 6 inches down for the entire length and width of the path, install your edging on the sides (makes sure it is 2-3 inches above ground level), add a layer or two of crushed gravel for your base and wet it down, then fill it in with the gravel of your choice.

Mixed Materials

For a unique pathway, multiple materials can be used to create a path that is truly your own. A simple option is to just fill in the spaces between the material you choose with pebbles, stones, or wood chips. You can also use bricks, stones, or pavers as you’re edging around a gravel or stone pathway. A path made from river stones with brick edging can look especially appealing. It’s up to you. Let your creativity be your guide and have fun!

Whatever material you ultimately choose always remember to keep its function in mind, first and foremost. If it needs to be level this will definitely influence your choice of material, as will its location, along with the style of your home, garden, patio, or yard. Keep this info in mind when planning your garden path and you are guaranteed to find the material which not only suits your individual needs but which also looks fantastic.

***Extra Garden Path Tips***

– Don’t place your garden path too close to large trees with many roots; this could end up in the roots interfering with your pathway.

– The area you place your path should also be an area that has good drainage, as it’s never convenient or safe to walk on a path covered in water.

– A good way to help drainage with gravel pathways is to make their base slightly higher in the center so water runs down and away from the center of the pathway.

– You can also help drainage on stones, bricks, pavers, and cobblestones by placing them ever so slightly at an angle towards one side as opposed to totally level. This will help water run to one chosen side and the path will still seem level when walking on it.

– Don’t forget plants and flowers along your garden path will always enhance its beauty.

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