How to Make Garden Path Stones
High traffic patterns in the yard can cause grass to become damaged and ground to sink, which in turn retains water. Loose, rich garden soil--perfect for growing abundant plants and vegetables--unfortunately makes for muddy and unstable walking territory. Placing garden-path stepping stones and walkway pavers along these areas will alleviate disturbing plantings as well as prevent mud-soaked shoes. For people with a do-it-yourself nature, hand-crafting garden path stones is an economical and enjoyable project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Dust mask
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic molds
- Large plastic mixing container
- Quick-set cement
- Water source
- Sturdy stick
- Spatula or trowel
Instructions
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The Process
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Measure the area where the stones are needed. This will allow you to figure out how many and what shape stones are needed. This is the time to consider decorative options as well because it will dictate what type mold you will use to form the stepping stones.
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Explore shops, found objects, yard sales and your own supplies on hand to find molds that will fit your plans. A reliable, repurposed object used in successful projects is the flower pot trays some plant enthusiasts use to protect surfaces from watering overflow and potting soil debris. Most of these are light, round and approximately 1 to 2 inches deep, perfect for a standard-size stepping stone. Some contain interior ridges that make interesting designs in finished stones.
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3
Empty the quick-set cement into a large mixing container--a wheelbarrow or similar container is ideal. Follow directions on the bag for amounts of cement and water needed for your batch of stones. (Remember this is quickset cement and leftovers cannot be used). Alternate portions of cement and water, stirring with a sturdy implement to a consistency of very thick, pourable mud.
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Pour concrete mixture into your molds. Be careful not to overfill as this must be cleaned up immediately or it will harden on whatever surface it lands. After all molds are filled, shake slightly as you would cake mix in a baking pan to remove any air bubbles. This also settles the mix into all crevices. Any top bumps or dips may be smoothed out with the spatula or a trowel. Immediately wash tools and mixing container to remove concrete remnants as it will harden quickly.
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Leave molds to dry thoroughly. Check the cement bag for recommended drying time. Always be sure to put the molds in an area where debris and blowing matter will not fall into the wet cement. When the cement is fully cured, remove the stones from molds and have fun placing them in your landscape.
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Tips & Warnings
Take a look at shapes of various stones and pavers in books, magazines and at stores when shopping for molds for inspiration. You may want to experiment with slightly sinking objects into the surface of the mold such as colored stones, tile mosaics, plant imprints and concrete colorant to create artistic pieces for garden and flower bed ornamentation.
Be careful not to inhale cement dust when pouring and mixing as it is a caustic breathing irritant. It is best to wear a dust mask, safety goggles and rubber gloves during this stage of the process.
