How to Design a Walkway or Path: 3 Easy Ways!

The purpose for a walkway or path is normally to get from one point to another. While destination is usually the idea, it does not have to be the case. A path or walkway can be designed simply to add atmosphere, be a border for a flower bed or just for casual "meandering". Creative walkways and path designs are only limited to your imagination. One major consideration I have for walkways or paths is maintenance. I do not weed-eat! Here are three types of walkway and path designs that I prefer:

Stone Paths:

These paths designs are mostly for getting from point "A" to point "B". Wet weather can create a muddy path in an established yard and stones placed into the sod will deliver the necessary footing. Use of flat stones such as sandstone or flagstone will give the desired result.

Taking a can of spray paint, walk in a natural gate from point "A" to point "B" marking a spot with the paint for each step taken. At these points, remove the existing sod large enough and deep enough to bury the stone into the dirt, making sure the stone is below the blade level of your grass mower. For leveling purposes it is best to add sand into the depression before setting the stone in place. Use stones large enough to accommodate some grass growing over the stone but not completely covering the step area and back-fill around the stone with dirt.

Since you can simply mow over the stone path the only maintenance required for this design is to remove some of the grass growing on top of the stones every few years; nothing more.

Rock Walkways:

A walkway made from river rock is beautiful, low maintenance and is an easy project to accomplish. Start by laying out the design, preferably incorporating a curve. A curve adds character to a walkway, a sense of distance and gives the illusion of more space. A garden hose is an easy tool for laying out gentle curves. Mark the edges of the designed walkway with spray paint. If space permits, make the walkway at least three feet wide to accommodate two people walking side by side.

Start by spraying any vegetation with a strong weed killer (such as Roundup) and give the area a few days to kill any growing grass or weeds. Apply a layer of good weed barrier cloth on the area for the walkway. (Commercial grade weed barrier is the best.) On top of the weed barrier cloth, put a layer of river rock about 3 inches deep. I prefer the smaller grade of rock (1/2 inch to 1 inch). This size rock is easy to walk on and anything smaller will track everywhere, even in the house! Save the larger size rock for the rock gardens.

Now the edgings.....remember, I don't weed-eat! Instead of using any type of hard border edging, I prefer Mondo Grass. The regular size of Mondo Grass, or Monkey Grass as it is commonly known, grows to about 12 inches tall, is dense, and not an invasive type of grass. There is also a dwarf Mondo Grass that only gets 3 to 4 inches tall. Either type grows well in full sun or shade. Plant the "sprigs" of Mondo Grass at intervals of about 4 inches apart. Within the first growing season it will make a nice solid border for the rock walkway and you can mow right up to the outer edge of the Mondo Grass.

Occasional weeding in the rock walkway or using a rake for leveling if you wish is all the maintenance required for this design. Some rock may need to be added every 4 to 5 years.

Mulch Walkways:

For walkways in dense shade areas, use materials such as cypress mulch, pine bark nuggets or wood chips. There is no need to use a weed barrier material since growth is minimal and edging is not required. Purchasing these materials by the bag can be expensive so it is better to pay to have bulk delivery if large quantities are needed. Putting down a 3 inch layer of material will last a few years before having to add more. This walkway design is enjoyable and meant for leisurely strolling through areas of woodland gardens.

These are three path and walkway designs that are easy enough that anyone can do alone in a very short period of time. Figure out the purpose, lay out the design, locate the materials and ........get to it!