Add some visual interest and practical purpose to a sloped garden landscape by creating a gavel-stepped walkway. Pea gravel and new or salvaged wood beams are all that you will need to create one like this. Simply level out the grade, or create steps with the beams and fill in with gravel.
Garden Paths: 16 Easy-to-Imitate Stone Walkways
When it comes to garden paths, the possibilities are endless. Here are sixteen examples to help you get inspired.
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Gravel Stepped Path
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Classic Brick
Using bricks as pavers is an easy path solution, one that looks great in any garden. Simply create a level surface, line with a mesh barrier fabric for weed control, add a shallow level of crushed gravel, and arrange bricks in the desired pattern. Fill the joints with silica or basalt sand, or if larger openings, use small-sized gravel.
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Framed
Set square paving stones into a bed of darker-colored loose stones to create a simple yet modern walkway. The concrete squares used here perfectly complement the home's aesthetic, while offering their own aesthetic appeal. Slate stones set among white gravel would have worked just as well.
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Neat Gravel Walkway
While you can use any number of things to border a gravel path—from pressure-treated lumber and stones to store-bought plastic edging—consider paving stones to create a more professional, finished look. Size, composition, and affordability all make today's pavers an easy solution to many landscaping needs.
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Spaced-Out Stones
Leaving space between stones will allow greenery to grow and contribute to the natural beauty of a garden walkway. Arrange the stones accordingly, leaving a few inches of room for grass or moss. Or consider interspersing drought-tolerant plants like thyme—as landscape designer and author Susan Schlenger suggests—to create softness, interest, and charm.
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Rustic Natural Stone
Create a more rustic garden walkway by combining different shapes and colors of flagstone into a richly patterned mosaic. You can approach the project as you would a puzzle; choose stones for fit and coloration. Unlike other stone installations, this one requires no cutting equipment or special tools—just an artistic eye.
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Winding Walkway
The graceful flow of this winding garden path is made even more striking by its well-fitted stone configuration. Such precision requires a good deal of planning, plus the stone you choose must be able to take a circular cut without fracturing. This example was made with banas stone, a durable quartzite sandstone.
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Complementary Colors
Similarly-colored stepping stones and gravel give this garden path its seamless look. You can create something similar by shopping for materials at your local big box retailer or landscape supply center. For an alternative look, consider playing with different colored stones and gravel, or decorate flat stones with painted stenciled patterns.
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Natural Path
Naturally shaped stones create a beautiful garden path, particularly when separated by greenery, sand or mulch. Here, oversized flagstone is arranged in a random pattern to create a dramatic entrance. When planning your garden path, think of how it will look through the seasons.
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Simple Squares
Create a simple yet distinctive path by placing random-sized paving stones into the lawn. Lay the stones out in the desired pattern, using a shovel to outline where the grass will need to be removed. Move the stones, remove the grass and insert the stones in place. Easy and beautiful—the perfect DIY combo.
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Triple Borders
The tiered border of this gravel walkway gives it a charmingly finished look. Consider something similar along the raised beds in your landscape or garden. The opposite side of the path can be contained easily with vinyl edging sold at lawn and garden centers.
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Fitting Composition
Even irregular stones can be fitted together to create a distinctive and colorful garden path. Choose stones that offer the look and color that you want, then piece them into a unique pathway. While it will require planning and a bit of patience, there will be no need for stone-cutting equipment or multiple tools.
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Cast Off Stone
This walkway utilizes recycled stone. Of various lengths, all about 4 inches in width, they resemble wood planks. Alternating the short and long pieces creates curves and contours that meander beautifully through the natural surroundings.
re.Create Design Co.
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Slate and Brick
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Mortar and Pebble
These large stepping stones are made up of stones bound together by mortar and pebbles. With moss and other plant life allowed to grow in between, this path has a very eclectic and natural feel.
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Mulch Surround
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Herbs
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More Landscaping Ideas
For more landscaping ideas, read our article Landscaping Made Easy, then take a look at our Garden Fountains and Arbors slideshows for inspiration on how to decorate your yard.
Better Homes and Gardens
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