Garden Path

Cobblestone path. Calling to mind charming cottages and places on a historic register, cobblestone paths are wonderful when you want to create the feeling that a garden has been around for many years — even if it’s new.

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Broken bluestone path. Irregularly shaped bluestone set into a fine gravel mix is a classic combination that works with many garden styles. Creeping thyme fills in the gaps between stones, while perennials and shrubs were chosen to bloom at different points throughout the season, so there is always something delightful to look at along the path.

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Japanese garden path. Stepping stones and a tiny bridge invite wandering and exploring in this Japanese-style garden. River stones act as the “water” beneath the bridge, and large stepping stones as “islands.”

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Stepping stone path. Break up an expanse of lawn or make a narrow side lot feel special with the addition of a stepping stone path. Using various size stones and offsetting them (rather than lining them up perfectly) makes for a more relaxed, wild vibe.

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Winding gravel path. Curving paths can make a small garden feel larger. Enhance this space-expanding effect by using smaller plants in the foreground and taller, fuller plants and trees near the back of your path.

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Stone-river path. An intricate design like this one is as much a pleasure to look at as it is to walk on. A meandering stream of stones winding through a secondary bed of gravel invites exploration.

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Rock-wall-lined path. Low, stacked rock walls line the edges of this gently curving gravel path. Using stone walls creates raised planting beds alongside the path, allowing the plants to spill over without overtaking the walkway.

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