Great Garden Paths

Let your imagination run wild as you consider the different types of walkways you could use in  your garden. 

The path is an invitation to explore, to get out of the house and into nature. Even if it’s in your own  backyard. In fact, a carefully designed path can turn a simple walk across your yard into an  opportunity to slow down and take in your surroundings. From a stepping stone path leading into  a shady grove to a wide tree-lined path you can walk hand-in-hand, here are some ideas for creating  the garden path of your dreams. 

A road lined with rock walls. Low rock walls line the edges of the gently winding gravel road.  Stone walls allow you to create flower beds along the path, allowing plants to overflow without  overstepping the sidewalk. 

Wooden stairway. Thick pieces of wood create low steps on this curved cobblestone street.  Flexible metal edging prevents stone from migrating into surrounding layers. 

Forest road. Fragrant pine needle mulch surrounds round stepping stones leading to bamboo and  stone fountains in the wooded garden. A walkway like this is a great way to bring a little magic to  a shady part of your yard. 

Stone river road. These intricate designs are just as fun to look at as they are to walk. The tortuous  flow of stones through secondary gravel layers invites exploration. 

Bird’s eye view. You can see the garden clearly from the upstairs window, right? Make the most  of it by designing a path that creates a distinct pattern when viewed from above. Here, a sharply  angled cobblestone path leads to a circular seating area with a fire pit in the center. 

Wave path in the grass. Steel risers form the base of this unique set of garden steps. Domestic  grass planted above does not need to be mowed. We encourage you to experience this trail  barefoot! 

Stone steps. Large stone slabs form a striking path that flows seamlessly from the stairs to the  level passage. The organic, jagged edges of the broken stone look like homes under the shade of  cedar trees. 

Winding gravel road. Curved paths can make a small garden feel larger. Use small plants in the  front and large, abundant plants and trees in the back of the passage to enhance the space expansion  effect. 

A road that looks like gravel. To achieve the look of loose gravel without the fluttering stones,  the landscape designers of this space used a treatment called chip seal. When applied to asphalt, it  creates the look and feel of loose gravel. 

A road lined with trees. If you have a lot of space to work with, consider lanes designed for  walking. Here, the cobblestone edges are edged with bluestone and the streets are lined with red spired pear trees.

Stepping stone road. Make a narrow side lot special by breaking up a large lawn or adding a  stepping stone path. This is offset by the use of stones of various sizes rather than perfectly straight  lines, creating a more relaxed and wilder atmosphere. 

The modern road. It complements contemporary architecture by repeating the lines and forms of  the structure on the surrounding path. Here, square concrete pavers are installed on river stones to  create pleasing geometric shapes. 

Japanese garden path. With its stepping stones and small bridges, this Japanese garden invites  strolling and exploration. The river stones under the bridge serve as water, and the large stepping  stones serve as islands. 

Broken bluestone road. A mixture of irregularly shaped bluestone and fine gravel is a classic  combination that works well with a variety of garden styles. Climbing thyme fills the gaps between  stones and perennials and shrubs have been chosen to bloom at various points throughout the  season, ensuring there are always pleasing sights along the path. 

Cobblestone road. Cobblestone paths reminiscent of charming villas and historic sites are great  if you want your new garden to feel like it’s been around for years. 

Tell us: What garden path captures your imagination?