Garden Paths: 16 Easy-to-Imitate Stone Walkways

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

A combination of common elements comes together for a unique design in this garden pathway. Square slate stepping stones are turned on a diagonal and framed with brick. With the right size slate, no cutting is required, and this becomes a very doable DIY project.

If you want an organic base to put between your stepping stones, but don’t want to maintain grass, mulch is an excellent answer. The whiteness of these stones is a beautiful contrast to earthy shredded hardwood.

Release a step full of fragrance with every footfall. This walkway incorporates thyme between the stones, which blooms vibrantly for a shock of color, and remains hardy under a steady flow of traffic.

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