12 Garden Path Ideas

If you have a garden and you want to access easily and enjoy regularly, these 12 garden path ideas are a great source of inspiration. From garden path stones and garden path flags to garden path edging and garden path lighting, we have a whole host of ideas for a garden path to suit you and improve the appearance and value of your home.

Take a moment to wander through our ideas and get on the path to a better garden.

Marshalls

1. Garden Path Paving

An obvious solution and one that might first spring to mind for a garden path is paving. Large paving stones can be used to create a hard-wearing and good-looking garden path that will stand the test of time. There are many different types of paving you can consider ranging from block paving and concrete paving slabs to porcelain paving and natural stone paving slabs.

Stone is the more natural option for garden paths and this is available in a wide variety of types to suite the style of your property and also your budget. Granite, limestone, sandstone and slate are all good choices and can be laid in a variety of different patterns from traditional brick set to a more random opus pattern.

Block paving is a great option if you want an easy to install low-maintenance garden path. Being made of concrete can also make it one of the cheapest DIY garden path ideas available.

The Spruce

2. Stepping Stones

A natural alternative to paving is using irregular shaped stones to create a series of stepping stones. This garden path idea gives a more rustic and naturalistic look and enables the grass to continue uninterrupted. You can use irregular shaped natural stones or for a more contemporary look, use square or rectangular paving slabs. Space them evenly and ensure they are at an average stride’s width to make it easier to walk casually on.

Pinterest

3. Cobblestones

One of the oldest and most traditional ideas for a garden path is using cobblestones. These are available in a wide variety of hard-wearing stones including granite, limestone and sandstone. With a riven edge, cobblestones can be laid to create entire pathways or used to edge garden paths made of decorative stones, paving or flagstones.

Natural Paving

4. Pergolas or Arbors

At the end of your path or at a chosen point along it, you can install a pergola or arbor. Garden paths aren’t all about the horizontal, think how you can use your path to enhance it vertically. Pergolas and arbors can be used to not only provide a spot of shade to sit and enjoy others’ company, they also give you the opportunity to train climbing plants and bring natural beauty to your garden path.

Better Homes & Gardens

5. Brick Garden Paths

Cheap DIY garden path ideas don’t get much better than a garden path made from bricks. Low-cost and abundant, bricks can be set to make durable, beautiful and stable garden paths that require little or no maintenance. If there is ever a problem with one of the bricks, you can quickly remove it and replace it with another. Brick garden paths can also blend seamlessly with your house if it is of brick construction. Choose old bricks for a more traditional country garden look.

Family Handyman

6. Bark & Wood Chippings

Mulch isn’t just for putting on flower beds to retain moisture in the soil and keep weeds at bay. Shredded bark or wood chippings can be used to create wonderfully soft and natural garden paths that are kinder on your feet and allow rainwater to seep through into the ground and top up the water table. Bark and wood chippings also blend well with the surrounding landscape.

Stone Zone & Landscaping Supplies

7. Garden Benches

Garden paths are also a great place to add garden furniture such as a garden bench or chair. You can design your path in such a way that there are wider areas which can accommodate garden furniture and allow you to relax, socialise and enjoy a favourite view of your garden.

Family Handyman

8. Raised Paths

If you have a garden where you have wet areas of grass or you have changes in elevation, then a raised wooden garden path could be the answer. Known as “boardwalks” on the other side of the Atlantic, these can be constructed in any shape you wish and will have minimal impact on your garden. Decking is a good solution for creating raised paths and the wood is usually kiln-dried and pressure treated to resist against rotting. Railings and joists will also ensure your raised garden path is strong, stable and safe to use.

Backyard Eats

9. Garden Path Lighting

Garden path lighting can make a dramatic difference to how your garden path looks and also make it safe and easy to follow pathways at night. There are many low-voltage solar lighting options available that require no wiring and are so simple to install. You can also opt for LED strip lighting which uses minimal power and is set into the ground at the edge of paths or into a wall. Standing and bollard style garden path lights can be strategically placed and provide a pool of light on the ground at intervals. Finally, LED spotlights can be positioned on spikes or set into walls or even steps.

Moonlight Design

10. Decorative Stones

Of the many ideas, decorative garden path stones, gravel, chippings, pebbles and slate chippings are highly popular and ideal for quickly creating a well-drained garden path. Whichever you choose, do take into account what colour they will be when wet as this is often surprising. Because decorative stones and slate pieces move, do ensure that you fit proper metal, wood or brick garden path edging or curbs to contain the path and give a clean look.

Bury Hill Landscaping Supplies

11. Garden Sleepers

You can make a garden path from wooden garden sleepers. These are proving increasingly popular with homeowners as they have multiple uses. You can make an entire garden path with them, use them to edge a gravel path and even use them as stairs for accessing raised areas of your garden. They weather over time and blend in with the natural elements in your garden.

Luxury Wood

12. Water Features

Water is great for attracting wildlife and also providing a relaxing aural backdrop to your garden. Why not add one or two water features on or next to your garden path. Install a fountain, birdbath or pond and enjoy the soothing sound of water and give a home or place to drink and bathe for animals, birds, fish and amphibians.

Better Homes & Gardens

We hope this article has helped you understand more about garden path ideas, however, if you have any more questions about garden paths, or would just like to know more about the products we sell at Howarth, we offer helpful advice from our Customer Service team who may be able to advise you further, and you can contact them on the number 01472 907051.

Or if you’re interested in checking out our wide range of garden landscaping products, you can access the category here, and you can visit us in branch for more information.