A New Walkway Adds Beauty To Garden

March 23, 2001|By Kathy Van Mullekom, Knight Ridder/Tribune.

A new patio or garden walkway adds beauty and purpose to your garden.

Whether constructing a patio for transition between your home and the outdoors or accenting your garden's symmetry with the subtle turn of a path, start with the right foundation to ensure long-lasting results. An uneven patio or walkway is an eyesore as well as a safety hazard.

Gravel, sand and stone or brick provide a solid foundation. To keep the layers from mixing and settling, consider using Easy Gardener's Patio and Sidewalk Underliner.


For patios and walkways, excavate the area to the correct depth for the material your are using stone, sand and brick (rock, slate or locking pavers).

Line the area with the underliner fabric, smooth side up.

Partially fill the area with crushed stone or gravel dust.

Place a second layer of underliner on top of the crushed stone.

Spread and level a 2-inch layer of coarse sand over the fabric.

Place your brick or stone in a desired pattern and tap, using a rubber mallet, until firm.

Spread a layer of sand or gravel dust on top and sweep to fill in cracks, then lightly water to settle the material. Repeat until joints remain solid and bricks or stone fit tightly.

The underliner also can be used to stabilize the ground behind retaining walls and prevent silt from closing drainage trenches. The 3-by-40-foot roll retails for $15.99; available at Home Depot and other garden centers selling Easy Gardener products. For a retailer, call 800-327-9462.

The Patio and Sidewalk Underliner (www.easygardener.com) keeps layers separate to prevent uneven walkways.