Stone Garden Path Guide

A garden path is the way we control how our garden is viewed. It encourages anyone in the garden to follow certain routes and see the garden from predetermined points. They also offer a divide in the garden, allowing separating lines and contrasts between each side to be drawn.

Garden paths come in many styles, and not all can be mentioned here, but there should be a few ideas to get you thinking.

Stepping stones

There are plenty of stepping stone ideas for the potential landscape artist. For anyone with a large pond, stepping stones leading across it may be a long term dream.

One option is to have large stone which are raised well above the ground or the surface of the water. Large blocks like these offer themselves as a really attactive option to have across the whole garden.

If you are making a stepping stone path across the garden pond then you should consider making stone piers from stone and slab – this should give the appearance of floating steps across the pond. This can be an elegant set-piece and, if you use the same slabs as used on the piers, then you should be able to continue the look seamlessly between garden and pond.

A quick and cheap option is the pre-made or pre-fabricated stepping stone which you can simply install on top of your garden. There are also sliced tree trunks used as wooden stepping stones, while these are fine you should be prepared to replace them through rotting.

Lawn and Garden Bed Insets

One way to set up your garden path is with inset steps so they sit flush with the lawn. They look good while new but there are issues. The edges will need constant trimming (probably weekly in summer) and eventually the stones will sink into the ground as the lawn grows over them. This will require you to reset them.

Garden bed insets allow for flowers to grow through the path. This is perfect if you want a “wild” garden look. Any inset that wobbles can be displaced later and become dangerous – so make sure yours are all secured and fitted properly.

Pebble and Stone

If you have a loose pebble and stone path you require a border. Once this is down however there should be little trouble in setting it up. The only issue will come later when you find a stray pebble or stone is the cause of your lawnmower problems. Other than this there are few worries regarding maintenance.

Fixed pebbles and stones are for those with the time and patience to do it. It requires days of work in most cases. The end result tends to be a good looking path with a low maintenance required. You simply set the stones when your cemented limestone or concrete begins to set.

This list is not exhaustive, but it should make you aware of some of the options available to you when planning your garden path.

If a stone garden path is not to your taste then you should possibly consider a tile or brick path for cleaner lines in your garden.