Designing Your Ideal Garden Path

Do you have visions of an idyllic backyard? Are you seeking a novel way to get to parts of your garden without tromping all over your lovely flowers and plants? If you answered yes to those questions, it sounds like you just might need a garden path.

From brick pavers, to mulch, to pea gravel, and beyond, there are so many choices for an attractive garden path. You can even spruce up your garden path with new plants and lawn ornaments. Because of all of the different possible ways to create a garden path, you can be sure you have one that speaks to your general aesthetic, as well as your yard’s general needs.

How Much do Garden Paths Cost?
In relation to many landscaping options, garden paths are pretty low-maintenance, so the cost of ownership over time makes them a wise investment. In addition to looking pretty, they can allow you easy access to parts of your yard that you might otherwise have difficulty reaching. Garden path costs, naturally, will vary depending upon the types of materials you choose and how long the path will be.

What Materials Should I Use for My Garden Path?
As mentioned, the amount you would spend on a garden path varies depending upon the materials you choose, as well as whether you decide to DIY it or work with a landscaping professional. Don’t be afraid to get creative. There is no rule against using several different materials in your design. It’s worth keeping in mind that some materials (e.g., cement, etc.) will likely necessitate professional landscaping assistance, while others, such as mulch, could be easier to pull off on your own. With that in mind, here are some ideas for different materials you could use in your ideal garden path design.

Stepping Stones
If you are planning on going the DIY route, stepping stones is going to be the easiest material with which to work. Simply map out your path and lay the stones flat to the ground.
Tip: Take the time to ensure the ground is level before you position the stones. It may seem like no big deal now, but uneven stepping stones have the potential to wear on you over time.

Mulch Paths
While more involved that stepping stones, a mulch garden path is usually still within the skill set of your average DIY-er. This option is often preferable for homeowner who are looking for a longer-lasting solution—and one that helps prevent weeds. The cost for going this route can range from $200 up to $2,000, depending upon the amount and type of mulch you wish to use.

Tip: To ensure your mulch garden path is even with the ground, you’ll want to dig your path out before spreading your mulch.

Brick Paths
For a timeless option, you’d be hard pressed to find a better option than brick garden paths. Durable and long-lasting, brick garden paths remain one of the popular choices for a wide range of climates and terrains. That said, you will definitely want to consult a landscaping professional if you opt for a brick garden path. Additionally, you’ll want to budget $8 to $18 per square foot depending upon the type of brick you wish to implement.

Cement Paths
If durability is your primary concern when putting in a garden path, then cement paths offer it in spades. Like brick paths, you’ll definitely want professional assistance when it comes to laying the cement. It’s not something you will want to redo simply because you overestimated your skill level. You can expect a cement garden path to cost $6 to $12 per square foot, on average.

Maintaining Your Garden Path
After your garden path installation, it will naturally require a degree of maintenance to keep up its appearance. Different materials require different types of care. If you are working with a landscape professional, be sure to ask during the project consultation. For instance, you should freshen up mulch annually (at a minimum), while brick and cement will generally be fine for the first several years following installation.

To really add some extra “pop” to your garden path, separate it from your yard with different materials or plants. Another solid option is integrating ornamental grasses, as they return yearly. A simple DIY solution is lawn edging, which is readily available at most home improvement stores. Lawn edging is generally a very affordable solution, running anywhere from $2 to $400 depending upon how long your garden path is.

Garden Path Lighting
Depending upon how (and when) you plan on using your garden path, you may also want to consider using garden path lights. In addition to giving a luminous dimension to your garden path, they can also serve as a safety measure. One of the most popular garden path lighting options is solar lighting, because it requires no wiring. Just place them where you want them. Other options that are becoming increasingly popular include lantern garden path lights, as well as stainless steel lights. It really comes down to which option complements the look of your garden path the best, and how much time/money you want to invest in lighting installation and maintenance.

Lawn Ornaments for Garden Paths
For a fun option, consider setting off your garden path with lawn ornaments along the way. There are a good variety of options available, including decorative stakes and gazing globes, just to name a couple.
While it might be easy to think about your garden path in terms of summer months, you should consider fun options for year rounds enjoyment. Perhaps you could run some holiday lighting and create your own winter wonderland.

In Conclusion
Whether you are looking for ways to introduce some landscaping to your yard or build on existing landscaping, a garden path is an ideal option. If you have some ideas for a garden path (or would like some), contact E.P.M. Lawnscape and Supply or call us at (517) 990-0110 today!