How to Design a Garden Walking Path

Plot out the direction of the garden path. Use the rope to plot out where the path will go throughout the garden. Lay the rope from the entrance of the garden to the exit. The rope should go in a straight line to indicate the direction of the entire path before choosing other features such as winding areas. From that rope, lay more lengths of rope to other focal points in the garden, such as a gazebo, tool shed or unusual plants.

Determine the width of the garden path. Decide if the path is going to be wide enough for only one person to walk, or two people to walk side-by-side. Keep in mind the space needed for flower beds or if you want to plant flowers along the side of the path. Make the path wide enough for wheelbarrows, lawn mowers or other garden tools. A garden path should be at least 3 feet wide.

Plot out the path again. Use two lengths of rope spread apart parallel to each other. Measure the width between the ropes to equal the measurement you chose in Step 2. Try different widths, if necessary, until you find the best.

Test to see if you want the walking path to be winding. Move the rope "path" to create small waves or large curves. Leave the rope in place if you like the look. Move the rope back into straight lines if you do not like it.

Calculate how much you want to spend on the walking path. Keeping a maximum number in mind will help when deciding what material to use for the garden path.

Choose materials for the path. A cheap, simple path could have logs, stones or flowers along the edges and only dirt, mulch or woodchips for the path itself. The path could be made of flat stones, brick, cement, gravel or lumber. Consider what material would look best in the garden and won't surpass your maximum spending amount.