A Garden Path for You

Build a timber frame to outline the path (figure C). Till the garden beds and rake the soil level. Dig the pathways down two inches, allowing room for the stones to lay flat and even with the soil's surface. Put down a weed barrier on the pathway. Pour about an inch of sand on the barrier and smooth it level. Place a border if desired. Fill in the middle section with flagstone. Start in the middle and work our way out, leveling the stone with the sand.

If some of the stones seem a little large, break the pieces with a mallet. Leave room for planting pockets while you continue to assemble the pieces of your flagstone puzzle. For finishing, combine equal parts of soil, sand and gravel. Pour this mixture on top of your path, then sweep it into the cracks. This should hold your stones firmly in place.

Insert low-growing plants, like creeping thyme, to fill empty spaces between the stone. Not only will it look great, but it will smell terrific when you step on it. Plus, when it starts filling in, it will look natural and tame the sharp edges of the stone.