Making a path through a landscape is not as easy as one might expect. There will be lots of back and forth, and at least three or four attempts before it’s perfect. So don’t give up too soon!
As a general rule first choose the location and size of your garden path. It should lead from one area to another, but you can also make a circular path around a garden to create a focal point and give the eyes somewhere to rest. If you want to use it as a shortcut, try making it narrow so that people won’t linger on it for too long.
You will need: Wheelbarrow, gravel, pavers , level, spade, mallet, hose.
Once you have chosen the spot for your path, start digging out the earth to a depth of about 8 inches. If your soil is very stony, you might want to go down a bit more. Remove any large stones or roots and level the surface. Now it’s time to choose the material for your path.
Gravel is a good option as it is easy to walk on and doesn’t get muddy in the rain. But make sure to use a type that doesn’t sink into the soil over time. Another option is to use paving stones or bricks, but these can be quite expensive.
If you decide to use gravel or stones, it’s best to put a layer of hardcore (i.e. crushed stones) down first. This will help to keep the path stable and prevent the material from sinking into the soil.
Once you have decided on the material, start spreading it out evenly across the surface. You can use a wheelbarrow for this, but it’s best to ask someone to help you so that the path is evenly distributed.
If you are using paving stones or bricks, lay them out on the hardcore first to make sure you are happy with the design. Once you are, start fixing them in place by tapping them down with a mallet. Make sure they are level with each other and that the joints are tight.
If you are using gravel, start by spreading a layer of hardcore across the surface. This will help to keep the path stable and prevent the gravel from sinking into the soil. Then start spreading out the gravel, making sure it is evenly distributed. Use a hose to wet it down if you need to.
Types of garden paths
Garden paths are, basically, any path which you can walk on in your garden. Here are various types of garden paths.
1. Brick Garden paths: Brick garden paths are the most popular and widely used. They can be either straight or curved and can be laid into any shape.
2. Paving stone garden paths: Paving stones come in a variety of sizes and colors, and it is available everywhere. This type of path is suitable for almost every garden and is very easy to install.
3. Gravel Garden paths: Gravel is a cheap and easy way to create a garden path. It can be either spread on top of soil or fixed in place with a hardcore layer underneath. Find more information on building a gravel path in this article.
4. Mulch or woodchip garden paths: Mulch or woodchip paths are the most environmentally friendly option as they are made from recycled materials. They are also very cheap and easy to install. However, they can be difficult to walk on and can become muddy in the rain.
5. Flagstone Garden paths: Flagstones are natural stones which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are expensive to buy but very easy to install and can last for many years.
6. Concrete Garden paths: Concrete is a hard and durable material which can be molded into any shape. It is easy to clean and very long lasting, but it is also one of the most expensive options.
7. Asphalt Garden paths: Asphalt is a type of concrete which is made to look like stones. It is cheap to buy and easy to install, but it is not as durable as other materials.
8. Diamond-shaped gravel garden paths: This type of path has become very popular in recent years. It is made from a layer of gravel fixed in place with a layer of hardcore underneath.
Cheapest ways to make a garden path
Garden paths can be cheaply made in several ways:
1. Use hardcore material such as crushed stones and gravel: This is the cheapest option and is also very effective.
2. Use recycled materials such as mulch or woodchips: These are environmentally friendly and cheap to get but can be difficult to walk on.
3. Use paving stones or bricks: Although this is one of the more expensive options, it is also very easy to install and can last for many years.
4. Use asphalt: This is the cheapest type of concrete and is easy to install, but it does not last as long as other materials.
Choosing the right garden path
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right garden path for your home:
1. The type of material you want: There are many different types of material to choose from, including bricks, paving stones, gravel, mulch, and woodchips.
2. The shape of the path: You need to decide whether you want a straight or curved path and what shape you would like it to be.
3. The size of the path: You need to consider how much space you need to install the path and how wide you want it to be.
4. The price: Some materials are more expensive than others. You need to decide what you can afford and what will be most practical for your needs.
5. The durability: You need to choose a material that will last for a long time in your garden. Some materials, such as asphalt and concrete, are more durable than others.
6. The ease of installation: Some materials, such as paving stones and bricks, are easier to install than others. You need to decide whether you want to do it yourself or hire a professional.
7. The environmentally friendly: You need to consider whether you want to install a material that is environmentally friendly and will not harm your surrounding wildlife.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right garden path for your home. The most important thing is to decide what material you want and what will be most practical for your needs.
