How to Landscape a Gravel Path

Give your gravel path "curve appeal." Add interest with curves instead of just having a path that's straight and narrow. Widen areas with extra gravel to create curves. Add even more gravel to make the start of the path or end of the path oblong or circular so that the path has definition and a distinctive beginning and end.

Use boulders for edging and definition instead of plain metal or rubberized edging materials. Outline the path with medium boulders to add definition and to keep the gravel in place. Use large boulders in key points such as the bend of a curve or at the beginning of the path to add interest value to your landscape design.

Use contrasting gravel colors and sizes and create a design. Make a circular or wheel-spoke design at the end of the gravel path with crushed or pea gravel. Use white or light and natural, earth-toned colors for paths that have a primary base of gray or dark gravel, and dark gravel for a path that is predominately made from light-colored gravel.

Add prefabricated concrete squares or circles to incorporate stepping-stones into the overall gravel path design.

Add border plantings for color, texture and character. Use plants that will grow best in the soil and sunlight conditions where the path is laid. Plant low-growing petunias, geraniums, creeping phlox, and crocus, daffodil and tulip bulbs for seasonal color around the outer borders of paths that get full sun. Consider night bloomers such as angels trumpet and tobacco plants planted around the lights.

Create a "live border" with varieties of hosta plants to make a green, soft scape border for a path that gets lots of shade as an alternative to a hard scape border with boulders.

Plant fragrant herbal ground covers such as creeping thyme and chamomile around the path and even in between the gravel to emit a scent when stepped upon. Consider fragrant shrubs such as honeysuckle and rose bushes to add height and heighten the sense of smell along the path.

Add lighting for nighttime and moonlight strolls. Use solar lights to eliminate the need for electricity and running wires. Stage the lights so they highlight plants and garden ornaments.

Consider an outdoor sound system. Stage audio speakers in key locations (set to low so as not to disturb neighbors) will add creativity to your path and give guests a memorable welcome to your home. Explore connecting the audio system to your intercom system to greet guests on arrival and to play soft music.

Add garden ornaments to personalize your path. Stage wind chimes to add sound. Use garden gnomes, animals and statuary to give the landscape design texture and height. Add funny signs and quotes along the path, or carved granite or marble memorials for living and deceased relatives surrounded by their favorite flowers.