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A landscaped garden without a garden path is like forgetting to add an angel to the top of the Christmas tree.
If you think your backyard is currently missing that particular something, chances are it’s lacking a beautiful, winding garden walkway.
But here’s the good news. With our complete guide to designing the perfect garden path, you’ll transform your outdoor space with ease. Here’s everything you need to know before you get started.
Tools: To Hire or Buy?
Before you can start digging, you’ll need to draw up an inventory of tools to do the job. Here are the most common garden path tools you might need:
- For extensive paths, you’ll need a wheelbarrow to move material
- A tape measure to ensure the width of the path remains even
- A spirit level to keep your path flat
- Depending on the path material, you might need a rake to even gravel or mulch
- A shovel for digging
- Gardening gloves to protect your hands during the most heavy-duty work
It’s worth checking whether you can hire the more expensive and specialist tools. After all, you won’t be constructing paths every day, so you might not get enough use to justify the expense.
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Choosing the Right Pathway Material
There’s more than one way to create a beautiful garden path. Here are some of the most common options:
Mulch
Mulch comes from woodchip and bark. It will give your path a soft, natural feel, like walking through a nature trail or forest.
Gravel
Small gravel stones look pretty, are easy to lay, and are the perfect design for gardens with plenty of floral arrangements.
Stepping stones
Simple stones are a good option if you want a path with an informal feel. Kids will love hopping from stone to stone.
Paving
Traditional paving works best for those seeking a high-end finish, perhaps with a landscaped or minimalist garden.
Creating Neat Edging
For a professional finish, use edging on your garden path. Edging is vital when choosing materials like gravel and mulch. They can scatter over time, making your walkway look messy.
There are plenty of options when it comes to edging. You can choose a natural stone edge, wood, or even concrete. Think about your garden’s overall theme before making your selection.
Designing Beautiful Borders
No path would be complete without a garden border. But you don’t have to go for small leaf or floral borders if you want something a bit more modern.
You could try borders made from stone, cacti, or ornamental grasses instead. There are plenty of garden decor ideas to help you create a path that looks unique.
Whatever plants feel right to you, make sure they are not large or fast-growing. Uneven branches that overhang a walkway can quickly look unsightly if you don’t have time to trim them back.
Light It Up
Don’t forget about good lighting. Nothing sets of a beautiful new path, as well as lights. Of course, it’s also convenient to keep your path well-lit in the winter months.
Try small solar-powered lights that you can place between your border and edging. Or, if you have the budget, you can even install lighting on the path.
The Perfect Garden Path
Are you ready to set your sights on a new garden path? Use this guide to plan out your perfect walkway and transform your outdoor space into a thing of beauty.
For more landscape inspiration, head to our gardening section for our latest ideas.
