30+ Gorgeous garden path ideas

Garden paths have the power of transforming any garden from drab to fab with as much or as little effort and in whatever way you like. Installing a garden path is also a very budget-friendly solution to tidying up your garden and they often require minimal supplies. Most garden paths can be made up of concrete steppers, gravel or stones, bricks, stone or all of the above. There are really endless ways you can construct a garden path and the design is really down to your own (or your landscaper’s) imagination!

Garden paths also work well in giving definition to the best places in your yard for guests to stroll through without having people walk through your garden and stuffing up your plants. If you have a modern area to add to or a more cottage style space, garden paths can work with any style.

Whether you’re looking for a simple DIY project or something a little more involved, then you’ve come to the right place! These ideas should get your creative juices flowing!

1. Red geraniums

How special is this garden path! The geraniums really make for a bold, yet beautiful statement. I could just imagine strolling along this garden path and enjoying the subtle scent of the sweet geraniums as I walk past. I already know that the rest of the gardens at this property would be just divine!

2. Foliage stepping stones

Stepping stones provide a solid path to step on and are such an easy way to create a garden path. Foliage can really create a lot of texture along your garden path, so ensure some of your plants are draping over the edge of your raised garden beds as this creates the effect of them spilling over.

3. Decorative garden path

This garden path is a clever take on stepping stones using block pavers. The blocks are spaced just the right width apart and have little stones underneath them that create other interesting details amongst the dark soil. Perfect for a dramatic sculptural cactus garden like this!

4. Surprise at every corner

The beauty of a winding garden path is that you can have a surprise at every corner. Every turn you make, you could discover a new world, a new flower to smell and learn about. How magical. If your plants are slightly overgrown and cascading over the garden path, this creates a really lovely organic appeal.

5. Modern path

You can still have a garden path even in a space that doesn’t have much garden. This path divides the shrub areas and allows for people to walk across to the pergola without disturbing turf. Simple pale neutral pavers look stunning here.

6. Spring bulbs

For a stunning look, add tall spring bulbs to make a statement along the path. Using a variety of seasonal plants will ensure your garden looks different all year round. Contrast magnificent flowers with smooth concrete for the path itself. This will ensure it is sturdy and built to last.

7. Brickwork accents

How cool is this garden path! It reminds me of the yellow brick road in The Wizard of Oz, just not in yellow! Rectangular brick paving has been laid in intricate diagonal patterns for a very neat look.

8. Unusual arbour

If you’re wanting to welcome your guests inside your garden, then an arbour would work so well! But what about an arbour that you don’t see everyday? Consider unusual shapes, like a round arbour.

9. Overgrown and organic

Here is a very overgrown and organic looking garden path! The flowering bushes almost look as if they were naturally formed there… almost! A gorgeous riot of pinks, reds, orange and white, and a lovely sense of mystery as to what’s around that corner.

10. Lattice archway

Arbours made from lattice are another pretty arbour style. Lattice archways can become an extension of your garden when you grow climbing vines on them.

11. Arched border

Arches are a great way to give structure to your garden paths. I especially love this one that you can see through and still be able to see the amazing greenery growing up the side of the house. There looks like there are some vines growing up the arches so I suspect that there are plans to have full garden arches over the garden path eventually.

12. Brick path DIY

If you have some bricks left over from your building works, why not make a custom garden path?! It’s an easy DIY from recycled material. Just grab two bricks at a time, alternating the pattern and voila, you have your very own bespoke garden path.

13. Pebble garden path

If you have an irregularly shaped garden, then a custom shape garden path is just the thing you need. This path is made up of small pebbles that I’m sure would provide a very satisfying crunching sound as you walk over them. The gravel is neatly contained inside a paved border.

14. Hedge lining

Incorporating hedging into your garden path design will give a super neat and timeless effect.

15. Symmetrical space

Anything symmetrical is seriously so satisfying to look at and this garden path is no exception. Stairs have also been added to help with varying foundation heights which also looks so satisfying and symmetrical.

16. Mosaic garden path

Mosaics are perfect for adding visual interest to a plain garden. Go full colour, or if colour isn’t really your thing, you could totally bring in some monochromatic pattern. Mosaic tiles really bring a creative and modern touch to a garden space.

17. Overgrown prettiness

Oh, how sweet is this garden of overgrown prettiness! I would feel as if I was entering a secret garden when coming into this space.  I love the large pink flowers that seem to have a mind of their own and are trying their best to reach their flower friends on the other side of the garden path.

18. Country garden

I love a country garden is filled with tones of purple and hints of blue that line a garden path perfectly. If your pathway is made up of little bricks, it will be a great stable surface to tend to the gardens (or even to frolic through them!)

19. Creative design

This path certainly would involve some clever design and a thoughtful process. The angles and curves are so satisfying which really makes this space feel friendly and inviting. A simple concrete path like this is perfect for the contemporary home.

20. Heritage meets modern

It’s perfectly OK to mix styles these days, so why not marry your heritage cottage style home with modern landscaping. This will create a look that’s both classic and edgy at the same time!

21. Tranquil privacy

This traditional garden space really reminds me of something out of a fairytale book with all the lush greenery and classic features. High hedges bordering your garden path generate a sense of mystery and also afford you plenty of privacy!

22. Side of house garden path

Who says the side of the house doesn’t need style? A great choice of path for your side return is large, square concrete slabs as pavers. These create a smooth surface and can be lined with small pebbles to create texture.

23. Tudor pathway

Check out this amazing Tudor home! I can only imagine the incredible history behind this property! I love the neat floral borders to the winding garden path leading to the property – it’s an instant way to create the sense of classic, formal beauty that this kind of garden path boasts.

24. Garden steps

Another way you can incorporate a garden path into your build is by making your garden path into steps! Steps are a great idea to put in your place if you have a slope on your property. I love the plants that are lining these garden path steps. The natural stone material that has been used is also a great choice if you’re wanting to keep your area looking organic and one with nature.

25. Pergola pathway

Another way that pathways can be enhanced is to design it to have things to walk under, aka arbours. Arbours work as effective structures for plants to be able to climb up and around as well as defining entryways.

26. Dripping wisteria

Here comes the bride… I could just imagine a bride and groom standing beneath this garden path entrance after their wedding ceremony! The wisteria that is lining the sky looks magical, almost like icicles about to drip onto the pathway. This is just so stunning and it’s another garden path idea I would love to explore!

27. Garden path fences

A garden path fence doesn’t need to be so bland when you plant a variety of colourful flowers alongside it. The addition of bright purple flowers always works really well and brings in so much colour. Love a classic garden fence? Get your very own picket fencing at your home.

28. Perfectly positioned

This garden path is so perfectly positioned to look out onto a magnificent view! The simple timber steppers look even and uniform as they are all the same shape, height and size which really makes for a rustic but minimal look.

29. Garden access

One step, two steps, three steps, four. Stepping stones look so sweet going through a bustling, colourful garden and are perfect for enabling easy access from your home to the garden.

30. Night lights

Finally, don’t forget to think about your garden path lighting for atmosphere and for safety reasons.

So there we have it, 30 ideas for your next backyard project! I especially love the garden paths that also have a garden arbour and am always a sucker for colourful flowers that line a path. What do you think? Which ideas would you like to try out? Let me know in the comments below!