Paths are invitations to explore, to step out of your home and venture into nature — even if it’s your own backyard. In fact, a thoughtfully designed path can turn a simple walk across the yard into an opportunity to slow down and notice your surroundings. From a stepping stone path leading through a shady woodland to a wide tree-lined path meant for walking hand in hand, here are 15 ideas for creating the garden path of your dreams.
Whitmores Landscaping
1. Rock-wall-lined path. Low, stacked rock walls line the edges of this gently curving gravel path. Using stone walls creates raised planting beds alongside the path, allowing the plants to spill over without overtaking the walkway.
dabah landscape designs
2. Timber-step path. Chunky pieces of wood create low steps in this curving gravel path. Flexible metal edging helps keep the stone from migrating into the surrounding beds.
Hanselman Landscape and Gardens
3. Woodland path. Fragrant pine-needle mulch surrounds round stepping stones leading to a bamboo and stone fountain in this wooded garden. A pathway like this is a wonderful way to bring a bit of magic to a shady spot in the yard.
gytis
4. Stone-river path. An intricate design like this one is as much a pleasure to look at as it is to walk on. A meandering stream of stones winding through a secondary bed of gravel invites exploration.
Thuilot Associates
5. Bird’s-eye path. Have a good view of your garden from an upstairs window? Make the most of it by designing a path that creates a distinct pattern when viewed from above. Here, a sharply angled gravel path leads into a circular seating area with a fire pit in the center.
GEL: Griffin Enright Landscape
6. Waves-of-grass path. Steel risers form the base of this unique set of garden steps; Korean grass planted on top needs no mowing. This pathway begs to be experienced with bare feet!
Ron Yeo, FAIA Architect
7. Stone-step path. Large stone slabs make up this striking path, which transitions seamlessly from steps to flat walking path. The organic, uneven edges of the broken stone look right at home under the cover of the redwood trees.
Oliver Nurseries
8. Winding gravel path. Curving paths can make a small garden feel larger. Enhance this space-expanding effect by using smaller plants in the foreground and taller, fuller plants and trees near the back of your path.
Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC
9. Gravel-look path. To get the look of loose gravel without having to bother with scattering stones, the landscape designer of this space used a treatment called chip seal. Applied to asphalt, it creates the look and feel of loose gravel.
Wallace Landscape Associates
10. Tree-lined lane. If you have a large space to work with, consider a lane designed for strolling. Here, gravel is edged with bluestone, and the path is lined with Red Spire pear trees.
Rebecca Smith Garden Design
11. Stepping stone path. Break up an expanse of lawn or make a narrow side lot feel special with the addition of a stepping stone path. Using various size stones and offsetting them (rather than lining them up perfectly) makes for a more relaxed, wild vibe.
Shades Of Green Landscape Architecture
12. Modern path. Complement modern architecture by repeating the lines and shapes of the structure in the paths that surround it. Here, square concrete pavers are set over river stones for a pleasingly geometric look.
Richard Kramer
13. Japanese garden path. Stepping stones and a tiny bridge invite wandering and exploring in this Japanese-style garden. River stones act as the “water” beneath the bridge, and large stepping stones as “islands.”
The Todd Group
14. Broken bluestone path. Irregularly shaped bluestone set into a fine gravel mix is a classic combination that works with many garden styles. Creeping thyme fills in the gaps between stones, while perennials and shrubs were chosen to bloom at different points throughout the season, so there is always something delightful to look at along the path.
Hendy Curzon Gardens Ltd
15. Cobblestone path. Calling to mind charming cottages and places on a historic register, cobblestone paths are wonderful when you want to create the feeling that a garden has been around for many years — even if it’s new.
Tell us: Which garden path captures your imagination?
More: Pavers for the Perfect Patio and Path 3 Essential Elements of an Artful Garden Path Browse thousands of inspiring path design photos
Whitmores Landscaping
1. Rock-wall-lined path. Low, stacked rock walls line the edges of this gently curving gravel path. Using stone walls creates raised planting beds alongside the path, allowing the plants to spill over without overtaking the walkway.
dabah landscape designs
2. Timber-step path. Chunky pieces of wood create low steps in this curving gravel path. Flexible metal edging helps keep the stone from migrating into the surrounding beds.
Hanselman Landscape and Gardens
3. Woodland path. Fragrant pine-needle mulch surrounds round stepping stones leading to a bamboo and stone fountain in this wooded garden. A pathway like this is a wonderful way to bring a bit of magic to a shady spot in the yard.
gytis
4. Stone-river path. An intricate design like this one is as much a pleasure to look at as it is to walk on. A meandering stream of stones winding through a secondary bed of gravel invites exploration.
Thuilot Associates
5. Bird’s-eye path. Have a good view of your garden from an upstairs window? Make the most of it by designing a path that creates a distinct pattern when viewed from above. Here, a sharply angled gravel path leads into a circular seating area with a fire pit in the center.
GEL: Griffin Enright Landscape
6. Waves-of-grass path. Steel risers form the base of this unique set of garden steps; Korean grass planted on top needs no mowing. This pathway begs to be experienced with bare feet!
Ron Yeo, FAIA Architect
7. Stone-step path. Large stone slabs make up this striking path, which transitions seamlessly from steps to flat walking path. The organic, uneven edges of the broken stone look right at home under the cover of the redwood trees.
Oliver Nurseries
8. Winding gravel path. Curving paths can make a small garden feel larger. Enhance this space-expanding effect by using smaller plants in the foreground and taller, fuller plants and trees near the back of your path.
Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC
9. Gravel-look path. To get the look of loose gravel without having to bother with scattering stones, the landscape designer of this space used a treatment called chip seal. Applied to asphalt, it creates the look and feel of loose gravel.
Wallace Landscape Associates
10. Tree-lined lane. If you have a large space to work with, consider a lane designed for strolling. Here, gravel is edged with bluestone, and the path is lined with Red Spire pear trees.
Rebecca Smith Garden Design
11. Stepping stone path. Break up an expanse of lawn or make a narrow side lot feel special with the addition of a stepping stone path. Using various size stones and offsetting them (rather than lining them up perfectly) makes for a more relaxed, wild vibe.
Shades Of Green Landscape Architecture
12. Modern path. Complement modern architecture by repeating the lines and shapes of the structure in the paths that surround it. Here, square concrete pavers are set over river stones for a pleasingly geometric look.
Richard Kramer
13. Japanese garden path. Stepping stones and a tiny bridge invite wandering and exploring in this Japanese-style garden. River stones act as the “water” beneath the bridge, and large stepping stones as “islands.”
The Todd Group
14. Broken bluestone path. Irregularly shaped bluestone set into a fine gravel mix is a classic combination that works with many garden styles. Creeping thyme fills in the gaps between stones, while perennials and shrubs were chosen to bloom at different points throughout the season, so there is always something delightful to look at along the path.
Hendy Curzon Gardens Ltd
15. Cobblestone path. Calling to mind charming cottages and places on a historic register, cobblestone paths are wonderful when you want to create the feeling that a garden has been around for many years — even if it’s new.