DIY Garden Walkway

A path is an attractive addition to any garden area.

Although there are many different ways to create a garden walkway, a loose-fill pathway is a simple and affordable option that will not break your back or your bank. Most loose-fill material is available from your local garden center in bag form. Choose a material that complements your existing landscaping and your home style. For paths that are lightly traveled and constructed in well-drained soil, a brick edging works best. This versatile path can be altered to suit any home and garden style.

Things You'll Need

• Thick rope
• Spade
• Tarp
• Rake
• Brick pavers
• Landscape fabric
• Landscape fabric pins
• Loose-fill material (crushed gravel, wood chips, sand or small rock)
• Trowel

Instructions

1. Lay a thick rope on the ground to mark the outline of the path.

2. Remove the turf from within the outlined area to a depth of 3 inches. Place the removed turf on a tarp so that it does not damage your lawn. Rake the ground smooth.

3. Using a spade, dig a narrow trench 2 inches deep on either side of the path. Place a brick paver on its end inside the trench. The top of the brick should be 3 inches above the ground level.

4. Cover the path, including the trench, with landscape fabric. Use landscape pins to hold the fabric down. This will prevent weed growth.

5. Set the bricks into the trench vertically and side by side. Allow no gaps in between the bricks.

6. Pack soil beneath and behind each brick with a trowel. Adjust the bricks as you pack the dirt around them, keeping them even.

7. Spread the loose-fill material of choice on top of the landscape fabric.

8. Level the surface using a garden rake. The loose material should thoroughly cover the landscape fabric and be just above ground level.

9. Tap each brick on the inside face with a rubber mallet to help fix it into the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Check and make necessary adjustments to the brick seasonally.

• Add loose fill when the landscape fabric becomes visible.

• Line the path with pretty solar lights for an added effect.

• Ask an assistant to help with heavy loads.

References

• "Around the Home and Yard"; Todays Homeowner; 2000
• Sunset: Great Ideas for Garden Paths