There are a couple of landscaping tricks to keep in mind when constructing an informal path through your yard. A flagstone path can meander through the woods, lead from the front of your home to the rear, help you access your garden or connect various lawn areas. They’re an excellent device to help create visual connections within the yard.
Material: Flagstone, a natural stone, is flat like a flag. You can cut it into squares or use a hammer and a chisel to easily break it into different sizes and irregular shapes.
Crab Orchard and Pennsylvania Bluestone are the most frequently used types in this area. Cherokee Flagstone is harder and shinier, but it isn’t as easy to work with because you must manually cut it.
The color you choose should blend with the rest of your landscape.
Path: Lay out your path to match the typical gait of an adult. Select pieces that are 18- to 24-inches wide (side to side) and 1- to 2-inches thick. Use flagstone as individual pieces, not little pieces that you fit together like a puzzle. If you use pieces smaller than 18 inches the stones tend to wobble when stepped on. Put a 6- to 10-inch gap between each stone.
Flagstone paths work best in relatively flat or gently sloping areas. Use a shovel to scrape the ground so it’s flat and stable, and then add a small amount of coarse sand to help level the stone.
Bury each flagstone piece about half-way in the ground. Add mulch, stone or plants flush with the top of the stone.
If your yard is sloped, create a series of steps with some level areas between them. This is similar to a landing on a run of stairs.
You can use the same flagstone, but you’ll also want pieces that are 4- to 7-inches thick that you stack on top of each other.
Hardwood mulch works well around the path because it packs down well. My favorite mulch to use around a flagstone path is crushed slate, which is available by the ton at select stone yards. It’s a pretty light blue color. Due to its small particle size, it packs down and helps hold the stone in place. It also helps control weeds.
Typically we dig a slight trench on either side so the mulch or the slate runs into the trench, giving you a consistent look all the way down the path. Approximately once a year, you will need to retrench it and add more mulch or slate as a touch up.
You can also edge the pathway with a lot of different things, including field stone, brick or pavers. But don’t make the edging more dominant than the path itself. Pick colors and textures that blend with the overall character of the path.
Adding spreading plants, like ajuga and mazus, helps create a green pathway with the stone in the middle.
Path lighting is also important. Path lights create little pools of light to help illuminate your nighttime walk. If your path gets a lot of traffic with active children or dogs, mount the lights up in the trees to provide a beautiful woodland glow.
Cost: Depending on the length of the path and the type of stone, you can anticipate $10 to $15 per linear foot. Follow local ordinances and consult a design professional for additional guidance.
A flagstone path adds beauty and function to your yard. It’s a good beginner project that provides long-lasting enjoyment.
