Ignite FB Tracking PixelHow to Use Native Stones for a Rustic Walkway - Natalie Burnside
The Cobb Group brokered by eXp Realty
Natalie Burnside, The Cobb Group brokered by eXp RealtyPhone: (843) 295-1178
Email: [email protected]

How to Use Native Stones for a Rustic Walkway

by Natalie Burnside 12/27/2020

Image by Nancy Buron from Pixabay

If you're like many homeowners who prefer a natural landscape plan, your outdoor living space undoubtedly features lush vegetation and bright, blooming flowers. However, you might also have the sense that something is missing but can't quite put your finger on what it might be. If this describes you, the missing element is probably hardscaping. Hardscaping refers to elements of landscaping that aren't plants, such as water features, statuary, gazebos and garden paths.

At its best, hardscaping brings functionality to the table as well as enhances aesthetics. Few things do this better than a rustic stone walkway meandering over the property. Here's how to make it happen yourself over the course of an average weekend. 

Select Your Stones

Stones used for walkways should be flat, wide and thick enough to withstand foot traffic. Choosing stone that is found naturally in your area cuts down on retail and delivery costs. Avoid using polished stones because these present potential slip-and-fall issues due to their slick surfaces. Stones that are between two and three inches thick offer better stability than their thinner counterparts and often come with a more attractive price tag as well. 

Lay Out Your Walkway

The first step is to determine your walkway. Avoid straight lines -- stone walkaways are meant to meander. Garden hoses are ideal for marking garden paths that curve. Use a sod cutter and a flat spade to cut and remove the grass, and dig out the soil where you want to place the stones to about a depth of five inches and make sure it's firmly tamped down before placing landscape fabric and adding a two-inch layer of sand over it. 

After smoothing down the sand so it provides a flat surface, it's time to lay down the stones. This part is a little like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, so take your time to figure out the placement. Be sure to use a carpenter's level to make certain that the stones are at the same height, and add or remove sand as needed. However, if you live in an area that receives significant amounts of precipitation, slightly sloping the larger stones toward the outside of your walkaway helps prevent standing water issues.

Landscape the Walkway

Some people prefer the clean, austere aesthetic of pebble or oyster shell mulch in the gaps between the stones, while others like the rustic, tousled look provided by low-growing herbaceous plants. Corsican mint is an excellent choice because it has a bright green color all year round and releases a divine, minty aroma. Other choices include creeping thyme, rock cress, artemisia and sedum. You can also mix it up with a variety of ground covers for a classic, cottage garden look. 

About the Author
Author

Natalie Burnside

Originally from the midwest, Natalie and her husband Brian spent many years following his career but knew they were forever home when they made it to the Lowcountry. During vacations on Kiawah Island, they would dream of retiring to the South Carolina coast. When an opportunity presented itself to move to Bluffton much earlier than they envisioned, it was a “no brainer” and has proven to be one of their family’s best decisions. The two things Natalie loves most about the area are the community’s welcoming attitude and the always changing, but consistently breathtaking, views from the Lowcountry bridges. “It seems that everyone you meet in Bluffton and Hilton Head loves their community and genuinely wants you to fall in love with it, too…whether it’s for a week of vacation or to plant your own long-time roots.”