Flagstone Stepper Walks and Paths

Sidewalk Construction 1992

As an alternative to a cement walk we created a curved four-foot wide flagstone stepper sidewalk. It consists of a 3 to 4 inch base layer of river rock and a top layer of flagstone steppers with pea gravel filling the areas between flagstones. The grass on the right side of this picture has been killed to allow for creation of an additional garden area.  The walk serves as both a garden path and the front sidewalk.

 

This walkway allows for stepable plants to grow in the pea gravel between the flagstones. We have experimented with Sedums, Thyme, Lady’s Mantle, Lamb's Ear, Rue, Hyssop, Chives; and they all work well. Many other plants will thrive in dry, gritty conditions. The surface is low maintenance and permeable allowing rain water to flow through to the ground.   Initially the pea gravel does settle and additional fill can be easily applied. As the years go on there is less need to do this. 

An example of various types of Sedum between flagstones

Garden Pathway--flagstones embedded on mulch

Flagstone steppers also work well separating garden areas. A pathway can be created by embedding the steppers in a layer of mulch.
 
Volunteer daisy, larkspur, verbena, and yarrow pop up unexpectedly and we sometimes let them stay. Of course, you can lose sight of the walkway without a watchful eye so maintenance is required depending on what you want to weed and how accessible you want your walks to be!

Matured Walkway 2009

 By Andy