Are you a wanderer? Or even just a wanderer at heart? Then, these garden path ideas are for you!
Even a small yard or garden benefits from a pathway that weaves and curves around leading to a happy destination; like the family fire pit. Or the garden shed. It can also break up a large outdoor space and give it a more interesting look.
A pathway gives you someplace to go in your yard or garden. For instance, instead of plodding across the lawn, a path provides an interesting way to get there, with a park bench, a fountain or bright flower beds lining the way!
Here are some inspiring garden path ideas you might consider adding this summer.
Garden Path Ideas
If you’re interested in garden design, you probably already know how irresistible a pathway is; it literally begs to be followed! The good news is, whether you DIY, or decide to hire a landscaper or garden design professional, there’s no shortage of materials and creative ideas for every budget.
START WITH A VISION:
Just for fun, look at your yard and use your imagination to visualize where a path might go. Consider, too, the purpose it will have. Some people like to physically mark things out with surveyors spray paint to get a better visual. Then they outline it using small stones, logs, or stake and twine.
A path doesn’t have to be long, either. Even a short walkway thru the garden is charming.
A variety of materials
Different materials make a different impression: formal, informal, woodsy etc. So think about where your path is being installed and what style would best match the look and feel you want to accomplish.
- gravel
- stone
- concrete pavers
- treated wood
- wood chips
Some hardscape materials are more expensive than others, particularly if the material is rare or more difficult to get. That would be true of exotic stone or slate. Higher quality factors in too.
Natural, rustic materials such as gravel and wood chips are generally more affordable and often available locally. In fact, tree cutting businesses sometimes offer free chips to self-loading customers. If you live near a river or stream bed, you might be able to gather your own river rock for the project. A drive to the countryside may be in order to collect logs, tree branches, or stumps to outline your “enchanted forest” pathway.
Beautiful garden path ideas flow from your creativity and imagination. Perhaps in your mind you see a transition point in your path where it goes from one place into another. That’s a perfect spot for a crossing point. And a charming, little footbridge over a dry stream bed does the trick even without the presence of water.
Thrifty ideas for a garden path
Other thrifty options to consider include your local Facebook marketplace/Buy, Sell Trade. There’s always someone with leftover bricks, rocks or other suitable pathway materials taking up prime real estate space in their yard. They’ll usually offer it at a minimal price or even free. It’s worth looking into.
And don’t forget about your local Re-Build store, either! These are places that sell remnant building materials in an effort to keep re-usable items out of the landfill. They may have just what you need to complete your pathway project at a reduced price.
Unique pathways for a different appeal
In recent years, the flea market style has become one of the hottest garden trends. (this writer’s favorite, too) Pretty much anything can be “re-purposed” into a very artistic pathway, adding a huge dose of intrigue to outdoor spaces.
Another great artistic trend is known by the name “crazy paving“. It refers to the use of irregular sized paving stones, but due to the popularity of recycling, ‘crazy paving’, these days includes the use of re-cycled mix and match materials. Broken concrete blocks and pavers, metals such as pieces of rusty iron and galvanized conduit, treated lumber and painted rocks all come together in a mosaic composition that’s super fun to walk on.
If you plan on getting artsy-fartsy, you can get concrete molds and make your own pathway. Your choice of colors can be added to the concrete mix. Don’t forget to add a few decorative stepping stones in leaf or flower shapes as accents.
A starting point
Finally, every yard or garden path needs a starting point. You may wish to buy or make an arbor that beckons “come THIS way!” It really doesn’t matter of you have a tiny pocket garden or a full acre. A garden pathway transforms bland spaces into places where you’ll want to spend more time!
Final Thoughts
So where are you going in your outside spaces? Over here, over there. To the garden shed, or around in back? Let one of these beautiful garden path ideas take you there! Pathways are irresistible even if they only take you a few steps from the porch to a comfy chair under a shade tree.
My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled. Psalm 17:5.
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