Stepping stones in the garden: from idea to implementation
Whether you want a neat path through the grass or an adventurous route between perennials, stepping stones—or stepping stones , as the English call them—suit almost any garden style. They're not only practical but also give your garden a playful, natural look. This article offers plenty of inspiration, tips, and examples for using stepping stones in your garden.
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Stepping stones are ideal if you want to add structure to your garden without sacrificing greenery. Unlike fully paved paths, stepping stones create less paved surface area – and therefore more space for rainwater to seep into the soil. This makes them a sustainable choice. Moreover, they don't create a highway through the garden, but a scenic route that allows you to pause at every step and quietly enjoy your surroundings.
There are many types of stepping stones, each with its own appearance:
- Flagstones : Flat natural stones with an organic shape, often made of slate or sandstone. Perfect for a natural, informal look.
- Concrete stepping stones : Affordable and available in all shapes and sizes. Some mimic natural stone surprisingly well. And if you're feeling creative, you can even cast them yourself using a mold.
- Recycled bricks : You can easily reuse old bricks . With a little creativity, you can give old paving stones or leftover patio tiles a new life. Good for your budget and the environment.
- Wooden discs : They create a rustic atmosphere, but they don't last as long and can become slippery. So, it's best not to place them in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Stepping stones are surprisingly versatile and fit into all sorts of garden spaces. You can lay them in the grass, for example, to create an informal and green garden path. Groundcovers like creeping thyme or periwinkle, surrounding the stones, create a soft, natural path. Stepping stones also look great in a gravel path, adding a calming texture.
In the (vegetable) garden, stepping stones are ideal for larger beds or borders, allowing easy access without worrying about trampling plants. Finally, they create a charming route to a garden shed, greenhouse, or sitting area, without having to create a wide path.
Also check out our best garden ideas for a small budget
Large, round stepping stones give a modern look, while irregular flagstones create a natural flow. When making your choice, consider:
- Step spacing : About 60cm between the centres of the stones is a comfortable distance for most people, without having to jump from stone to stone.
- Size : Smaller stones have a more subtle effect, but you'll need to lay more of them to keep them easy to walk on. Larger stones make a statement and feel more stable.
- Shape : Round, rectangular, or irregular? Make your choice match your garden style and the surrounding plants.
Also keep maintenance in mind, as stones can become slippery due to green deposits . Occasional cleaning is therefore essential.
You can incorporate stepping stones into your garden in a variety of ways. There's always something to suit your garden style. Consider these ideas, for example:
Enjoy the delightful scent of chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile ) or creeping thyme ( Thymus praecox ) every time you walk along your garden path. Sow these hardy, low-growing plants between your stepping stones for a soft, fragrant effect.
Stepping stones in gravel create a modern look without being boring or too straight. Place two next to each other, slightly spaced apart, to create a modern garden path without having to pave a perfectly straight path.
Vary the materials: for example, combine wooden tree discs with gravel for a playful effect. You can plant rock plants in the gravel – like a mini rock garden.
Can't decide which groundcovers to plant between the stepping stones? Then choose several of your favorite varieties. This way, you'll not only help suppress weeds but also ensure there's a plant that's perfect for any time of year.
Inspired and ready to get started? Laying a stepping stone path takes much less work than a fully paved path. With the right foundation and a little attention to detail, you'll achieve a sturdy and beautiful result. Below, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to approach it.
- Grass seed, wood chips or gravel
First, place the stepping stones loosely in the area where you want to create the path. Walk along the route and adjust the spacing as needed until it feels comfortable (about 60 cm between the centers of the stones is common). Use a stick or rope to visually mark the route.
Loosen the subsoil with a garden fork and remove any roots or stones. Dig a hole for each stepping stone approximately 2 cm deeper than the thickness of the stone. Then add a layer of sharp sand, approximately 1.5 cm thick, to stabilize the stone and allow rainwater to drain away.
Place the stepping stone in the recess. It should be slightly below ground level. This way, you won't trip over stones that are too high, and you can easily mow over them (if you're laying grass around them). Tap the stone firmly with a rubber mallet until it's stable.
Sift some garden soil and fill the cracks around the stones. Press the soil firmly with your fingers to ensure there are no gaps between the stone and the ground.
Now you can tackle the space around and between the stones. You can choose, for example, grass, creeping thyme, or sedum, but also gravel or tree bark. If you choose to sow grass , rake the soil around the stones and scatter grass seed over it. Also, gently sweep some grass seed between the stones with a soft broom and water generously.
