Garden paths – tips and inspiration

A beautiful garden is not only flowerbeds, shrubs and trees, but also small garden architecture, which includes elements such as paths. They allow to divide the space in the garden and make it a functional whole.

Why are garden paths so important?

Garden paths are one of the most important elements of small architecture on the plot. They ensure freedom of movement around the entire area – then there is no temptation to take a shortcut to e.g. a flower bed. The paths always complete the garden.

How to design garden paths?

When designing a garden path, remember that:

• the path from point A to point B is as short as possible;
• paths leading to places inaccessible to neighbors are led in a secret way;
• the shape of the path matches the style of the garden.

>> See also: Spectacular entrance. Arranging the entrance to the property

What materials can be used for making the path?

Garden paths have a utilitarian and aesthetic function. When choosing a material for construction you should consider its:

• durability,
• anti-slip properties,
• resistance to changing weather conditions.

Currently, garden paths are made of:

• concrete,
• stone,
• wood,
• brick,
• gravel.

Concrete pathways

Concrete blocks or pavers are most commonly used. The biggest advantages of this solution are:

• low price;
• resistance to weathering;
• wide selection:
  • shapes,
  • textures,
  • colors.

In garden stores you can find concrete blocks imitating:

• natural stone,
• wooden paving,
• clinker bricks.

Concrete is more and more popular material for building garden paths.

Stone paths

Stone garden paths are an elegant and timeless solution. A very popular solution is to create so called walking islands, or laying single large stones directly on the grass. In country gardens very often paths are laid with pebbles, or field stones.

Stone as a material has many advantages but it should be placed only in sunny places on the plot. In shade, the stone becomes mossy and its surface becomes slippery.

For garden paths, stone paving blocks and slabs from:

• granite,
• quartzite,
• porphyry,
• basalt,
• sandstone – requires impregnation, as water soaks into its porous structure.

Wooden paths

A trendy but least durable solution is to create a garden path out of wood. In order for wood to retain its aesthetic qualities, it needs to be maintained regularly. Deciduous trees and some coniferous species are best suited for garden paths. Wooden garden paths can be made of:

• boards,
• slices of wood.

An alternative to wooden paths are those made of composite boards of the highest quality.

Garden paths made of clinker bricks

The garden path can be made of clinker bricks, which have a lot of advantages:

• is resistant to:
  • weather factors,
  • action of water;
• colors are very durable.

It is most fashionable to lay clinker bricks in herringbone pattern.

Gravel paths

The gravel paths fit to every style of the garden but they look best in English and country gardens. This type of paths is the cheapest to make and in a small area can be done alone.

It also has disadvantages:

• weeds can grow on the path,
• the stones move while walking,
• rain washes out the stone.

The best for making a garden path are stones with a size of 5-25 mm, the most popular are:

• wedge,
• grit,
• ballast,
• gravel.