Tips for Creating an Inviting Walkway

It's not just a means of getting from here to there make a path fun to follow.

By: Marie Hofer

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Create a Little Mystery

A gentle curve obscures the path ahead, inviting further exploration. The other pleasure of this garden, designed by Jeff Allen: The path is lined with soft, fragrant plants that invite you to brush up against them.

The Best Approach

The most appealing front walkways are wide enough for two people to walk side by side comfortably. This patterned walk, designed by RMSer 66nick, ties the house to the hardscape and the plants in such a way that even a midwinter landscape looks good.

Leisurely Strolls

You can control the speed of how someone might walk a path by installing a wide variety of plants with interesting flowers, foliage or fragrance.

Varying the Materials

Another way to control the pace of a path is by inviting attention to each step. Mixing hardscaping materials is a fun variation in this electic pathway and is especially attractive in cottage gardens. Posted by RMSer Mikaniru

Providing a View

This beautiful stone walkway rambles between large boulders and soft perennials. Irish moss between the flagstones provides a rhythm to the walkway. Uploaded by RMSer SDEP

Edgy Design

Landscape designer Jamie Durie wanted to bring the textures and colors of Sedona, Ariz., into this backyard. Inspired by the rusted steel that's often seen in sculpture there, he used rebar between the joints of this colorful walkway, playing off the textures of stone and wood.

From: Jamie Durie

Contributing to a Theme

In this African-inspired outdoor living space, a mixture of textures on the surface, including the rustic timber walkway, give this space an "untamed, natural look," says designer Jamie Durie. Photo by Jason Busch

Follow Your Path

Designing a walkway gives you the opportunity to express your creativity in the garden. RMSer UtahGirl's mulch path through a shady garden reveals an explosion of color.