If you're stumped for garden path ideas because, well, yours is already just there, or because you want fresh inspiration as you're starting with a clean (garden) slate – we can help. Because whether you're designing and building your path from scratch, or if you want to change up your existing one, we have a few tricks and looks up our sleeve.
Fellow fans of Monty Don will be pleased to know that as we do study every aspect of Monty’s plot, we've taken note of all the elements of his outdoor space, including his brick garden paths! We love the different features of the brick paths and steps that lead through different areas of his garden, and there's more too.
We think it’s the soft warm colour of the bricks, and their been-there-forever appearance. It’s a simple rustic look that could easily be copied in your own plot if you love it as much as we do.
So keep scrolling for inspiration from Monty’s garden and for more ideas for your own garden path. Then if you'd like looks for your entire garden's appearance, we have a gorgeous garden ideas feature for you to explore where you'll find endless inspiration.
1. Choose reclaimed bricks for a garden path like Monty Don's
If you want the gently aged look of Monty’s path, laying reclaimed bricks rather than new ones can create the look. It’s also the environmentally friendly way to go as you’re re-using materials. You’ll find plenty of reclaimed brick suppliers online, and a variety of brick colours on offer. If you already have a brick wall in your garden, you might want to match to it for continuity, or try picking a reddish brick that harmonises with terracotta planters.
If you want container gardening inspiration take a look at our feature.
2. Use yoghurt to age new brick paths
What if you already have a brick path but it just looks too pristine? Or perhaps you are putting down the path but prefer to use new bricks because the regular shape makes them easier – and cheaper – to lay? Don’t worry, you can still achieve a weathered effect. The secret is yoghurt. Yes, honestly – these garden path ideas are genius we know. You just need to dilute it with water then brush it on to the path. Make sure you check the weather forecast first so your solution isn’t washed away in a hurry, though.
If you are actually in need to help with garden design from A-Z check out our guide.
3. Make your garden path narrow
One of the varieties of brick path Monty has used in his garden is a ‘wheelbarrow’ path, and it’s easy to copy. As he wrote in the Mail Online, it’s ‘a brick strip down the centre of a grass path just wide enough for the wheel of a barrow and the pair of feet pushing it’. One of these will mean the grass won’t get flattened, and hardened or muddy, depending on the weather, and it’ll lead the eye through the space, too.
4. Allow seeds to grow between the cracks
For a more overgrown, relaxed garden path look, let nature do its thing and encourage plants to grow between the bricks of your path. Monty’s advice, shared in the Mail Online is to skip the mortar between the bricks in your path when you lay it, and simply brush in plain sand. How easy – and time saving – is that?
5. Mix brick with other materials
Brick isn’t the only material Monty uses for the hard paths in his garden, and this is one of the most effective garden path ideas in our eyes. Combining different surfaces will simply make your garden path look more rustic and interesting – in a subtle way. To ensure you don't end up with a harsh contrast, choose a paver in a harmonious shade as above so the change of surface is subtle. Make sure, too, that there’s not a level change where brick and a second material meet to avoid creating a trip hazard.
6. Line a gravel path with flowers
If you were left with a gravel garden path but aren't into the look, not to worry as you should never underestimate the power of flowers! Line your garden path for a dramatic and colourful display, ensuring you pick the right flowers for year-round interest and you'll be left with gorgeous garden borders, plus a more subtle path.
For advice on planting garden borders for real success take a look at our feature. And, for help choosing the best gravel for your garden we can help too.
7. Make yours wind
What is a garden path if not a little interesting? We think this rustic slate walkway is made even more mystical by the soft, winding edges. It serves a purpose too as it's a space-saver in a sloping garden design.
If you need a hand with garden landscaping then our advice piece can help get you started on tackling hard landscaping must-haves and more.
More garden reads
- Cheap garden ideas: how to save money on your garden design
- This is how to build a herringbone path from scratch.
