Imagine how relaxing it would be to come home from a long day at work and take a meandering walk through your backyard to check out the newest blooms along a stepping stone pathway. Adding a walkway to your landscaping plan is a great way to add to the enjoyment of your outdoors. One of the easiest ways to install a patio or path is by using stepping stones. Stepping stone walkways held in place with plants are beautiful, functional, and blend seamlessly into the natural environment.
What kind of hardscape is good for stepping stone walkways?
What kind of hardscape is good for stepping stone walkways?The first decision you’ll need to make when you build a stepping stone walkway or patio is the type of material for the stones. There are many options available for creating a stepping stone pathway. From manufactured concrete to natural stone, it’s easy to design a walkway that is an extension of your home’s style.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are molded and mixed with aggregate to form durable, flat bricks for walkways and patios. One of the benefits of using concrete pavers is that they are consistently sized to make construction easier for beginners, and they are available in many colors and styles with interlocking patterns.
Natural Stone
Natural stone usually costs more than concrete, but the investment is well worth it. These pathways blend into the natural environment and are just as beautiful as they are functional. The most common types of stone pavers are flagstone or fieldstone. Limestone pavers are very durable and often used for edging. Travertine pavers are easy to maintain, seldom need cleaning, and withstand weather well.
What types of plants work well between stepping stones?
Low-growing perennials are the perfect plants to fill the gaps between your stepping stones. There are many types available that range in height between ¼ of an inch to 3 inches. Using plants between stepping stones will keep weeds from growing in, prevent soil erosion, and add color and beauty to your landscape. Here are some considerations for selecting the best plants between stepping stones:
- How much foot traffic do you expect? Some plants are much more delicate than others. Dwarf mondo grass is an example of a plant that is very hardy and will grow well even under a lot of wear and tear. Your local greenhouse can recommend plants that will grow well for your specific needs.
- How much sunlight will the area get? Ground cover plants are just like any other. Some require direct sunlight while others thrive in the shade. Take good notes about how much sunlight the area will get on a daily basis before you shop for plants.
- What is the drainage in the soil like? Some plants like Mazus or Creeping Jenny do well in damp or soggy soil, while others like Sedums require good drainage.
- Do you want a uniform look? You can certainly use the same filler plants throughout the entire area, but you have the freedom to mix it up, too, if you prefer a more varied look. This gives you the opportunity to use plants that do well in high-traffic areas in some parts of a path or patio, while still using more delicate ones along the edges or less-used areas.
- How much room will you have between pavers or stones? Some ground cover plants want to spread out more than others. To keep your plants healthy, it’s important to select ones that will be happy in the amount of area they are allocated.
Move your landscaping plans from dream to reality at Hilton Landscape Supply.
Move your landscape plans from dream to reality. Hilton Landscape Supply can help you with everything you need to create perfect stepping stone walkways and patio areas! Whether your garden needs a fresh load of soil, a new layer of mulch, or the best fertilizers and nutrients for your area, Hilton Landscape Supply is the place to go. We’ve been serving Southern Oregon and Northern California since 1956, so we know what works best for growing healthy plants and vegetation in our regions. Stop by our retail store in Central Point or contact us for more information about all the products we carry to enhance your garden and outdoor living areas.