Stepping stones provide a decorative addition to your lawn. At the same time, it is inexpensive and easy to make. You may use concrete and pour it into molds. Pavers would also be best if you want to save time and energy, but it is more expensive. If you got extra logs, you could repurpose them by cutting them into medallions. Your options are limitless! Garden and stepping stones may become an excellent combination to enrich the look of your land. And to help you, here are some guides to consider.
Creative Ideas
Garden and stepping stones have now started gaining popularity when it comes to landscape beautification. And it’s easy to see why. First, anyone can do it themselves by mixing concrete. The rest of the design depends on you and your creativity. You can do any design you want. Since anyone can do it quickly, it may be a good project for you and your family members. Even kids can help with the application of mosaics and the installation of stains and marbles. If you want to save time, you may use natural stones. However, this can be more expensive. If you have different boards, you may repurpose them and lay them in your desired place. The best part of the integration of garden and stepping stones is that they are easy to maintain.
Uses
In addition to the flair garden and stepping stones provide, they also have practical uses. First, they will help reduce the amount of dirt carried into the house. In mulched planting beds, dirt can reach your home in wet weather. Stepping stones will limit this from happening. Also, this will prevent compacted soil. The stones will absorb the pounding of foot traffic. Lastly, if you want to attract butterflies to your garden, stepping stones will be useful. These creatures are cold-blooded, and the hardscape elements in your garden will absorb their heat. It will then help the butterflies to warm themselves.
Preparation
You may use any mold that you desire to make a garden and stepping stones. If you want unique designs, you can purchase molds. But if you want it simple and inexpensive, you can use old cake tins. Cereal boxes may also be used as molds but are only suitable for one-time use.
Things to consider
In deciding the location of stepping stones, choose the most convenient path. It may lead to driveways, back doors, or straight into streets. Once you have decided, consider the direction of the garden and stepping stones. You may want it straight or winding. Most people choose winding pathways for aesthetic purposes. To layout winding paths easier, use old garden hoses to define the direction. If you want your stepping stones in a straight line, use stakes and strings to guide you.
Stepping stones may have a formal or informal design. Whatever you choose will solely depend on you. The informal design entails digging only the spots where you can install the stepping stones. While for a formal approach, you have to excavate the whole path.
Installation
With all things considered, you can now install your pathway. The number of stepping stones needed depends on your path and the spacing you want. Don’t forget to consider the average human stride in the spacing. Usually, a space of 24 inches is enough. You may want to lay the first and estimate the spacing if you wish. Once you have laid your garden and stepping stones, mark the spot. Then, remove the stepping stone and dig.
How deep you will have to excavate will depend on how thick your concrete is. Add a ½ inch layer of sand at the bottom of the pit. It will serve as drainage. The height should be enough to push your stones half an inch above ground level. They will be easier to navigate and low enough to use a lawnmower over them without becoming obstacles. Sand is easier to manage when you have to make height adjustments.
Important Note
Expect frequent adjustments because the level of stone stones will likely change due to foot traffic. You may also have to adjust for those living in cold areas now and then because of the freeze-thaw cycle. When you notice the sand working its way in your soil, add more of it. Incorporating gardens and stepping stones is a sure way to personalize your land. If you’re looking for a project, DIY stepping stones are just right for you. The materials are not that expensive, and you may even use materials already at your home. So, what are you waiting for?
