A well-designed garden path is more than a surface to walk on. It also serves as a visual design element that separates different areas of your landscape and improves its aesthetic appeal. Instead of using grass, shrubs, and mulch to create a path, consider hardscaping with stone, brick, and concrete as a more durable, impactful alternative. Here are four creative ideas to consider when laying down a path.

4 Unique Ways to Create Garden Paths

1. Steps or Stairs

Hardscaping elements like concrete can be used to make a stairway or layered steps out of sloping paths in your yard. Use wide slabs made of concrete aggregates as staggered steps, or create low concrete-edged stairs that taper upwards to create the illusion of more space. For a softer look, fringe the edges of the steps with perennials and herbs, such as lavender and thyme.

2. Stamped Concrete or Mortared Path

Mortared path and stamped concrete create a clean, polished look for your garden. Compared to other hardscaping, these paths show a clear demarcation between the hard and soft elements. To make them blend seamlessly into the landscape, use the same concrete and brick materials already found in the garden. Soften the edges by planting perennials, grasses, and ferns along the path.

3. Gravel & Pebbles

Using gravel and pebbles to create a rocky path doesn’t cost much but they can withstand as much heavy traffic as more expensive hardscaping alternatives. Gravel walkways are easy to maintain and have good drainage, allowing water to freely pass through to the plants’ roots or soak into the soil. To prevent gravel and pebbles from spilling onto flower beds, use larger stones or rocks to define the path edges. But if you want a more laidback look, allow low grasses and herbs like thyme, sage, and lavender to grow onto the gravel. 

4. Pavers & Flagstones

Dry-laid flagstones and pavers make for structured, but natural-looking walkways. Since they are prone to shifting or flooding without sufficient drainage, lay them atop sand, gravel, or fractured shale instead of bare soil. If you don’t mind them moving a bit, use mulch to fill the gaps and create contrast with the stone’s neutral colors.

Pathways are an excellent way to beautify your garden and increase its functionality. Let the hardscaping experts at Kepa Masonry & Landscaping upgrade your garden and landscape. As a leading landscaping contractor in Mililani, HI, they provide outstanding landscape design and lawn maintenance services to residents throughout the island of Oahu. Call (808) 345-3876 to consult with a friendly representative or visit their website for more information.