What Are the Materials to Make Garden Paths?

Mulch

• Although usually thought of as a bedding material, mulch can be used as a garden path material choice. Specifically, organic choices, like shredded bark and wood chips, fit close together on the ground to create a solid walkway while providing a rich color to the ground -- wood mulches are often available in various hues, from deep brown to slightly red in tone. You must excavate the pathway to allow for a 3-inch mulch layer, however. This construction strategy creates a soft feeling under your feet while maintaining a weed-free zone. You also contribute nutrients to the ground below as the mulch decays over time; add more mulch to the walkway approximately once a year to keep the area fresh.

Gravel

• A pathway that stands out to the eyes is often made of gravel. Typically in gray hues, gravel provides a long-term path material without the cost of pouring concrete. Choosing a crushed rock type with a half-inch diameter is best for pathways since the various gravel shapes slowly settle on the ground forming an interconnecting space that defies excessive movement into the nearby garden. Gravel also provides rainfall and irrigation drainage since the small rocks have ample spaces for water movement -- they should not erode away if properly tamped down during installation.

Stepping Stones

• Stepping stones bring a sense of romance to the garden but require some thoughtful planning and installation talent. Each stone needs to be measured for spacing so that walking feels normal as you move across the path. For example, keep a consistent 24 inches between each stone center as you place them on the ground. The stones also need to be set in the ground so that they are only about 1 inch higher than the soil. Ground cover often grows around the stones to fill in the remaining space as the entire area appears flush with the garden's surface.

Pavers

• Pavers give the illusion of a professionally installed brick walkway without the mortar-spreading headache. You must excavate the path area and add a base of gravel and sand. Hand-setting the pavers in the sand creates an instant locking formation to hold the materials in place for foot traffic. You may need to rent a vibrating compactor from a local home improvement store to fully integrate the pavers into the sand. Although installation takes a bit more time than other material choices, pavers stand the test of time when properly set.