We had sewer work done in 2024, shortly after moving into the house. The soil seems to have settled for the most part, but the area is still very uneven and full of weeds. We’d like to add a walking path leading from where we park the cars—and possibly connecting to the sidewalk.
First pic is the rendering; second picture is recent; third picture (showing the bare area) was taken in May 2025.
Do you think this rendering could work, or is it not worth pursuing? I’m considering adding more ground cover or low-growing plants near the sidewalk. My main concern is that the mix of rocks and mulch might be a hassle to maintain, especially with runoff during heavy rain.
Eventually, we’re planning to eliminate most of the lawn and replace it with garden beds and low-maintenance plantings.
by WBShelp
21 Comments
You could add edging (metal, plastic, larger rocks, etc) to separate the mulch and rock walkway. There may still be some upkeep, but it would minimize it. I saw something recently on This Old House where they created a winding rock path through a mulch bed edged with larger rocks on both sides.
As for the plants, the rendering has a mix of juvenile and mature size plants. For example, that hydrangea on the right side is shown as the smallest it will ever be, likely the size you’ll purchase it at. But I think the overall vibe would work in an English County style, if that’s what you’re going for. As things grow and mature you’ll probably just need to prune them out of the walkway on a case by case basis and divide things as desired.
I watch a lot of the Gardening with Monty Don channel, which is available on Prime video. Or his show Small Spaces, Big Dreams is available for free on Tubi. That would give you a lot of inspiration towards what you’re going for.
I wouldn’t use the gravel and step stones. I would either pour a curved, stamped concrete sidewalk (I actually did that) or use step stone with a very low growing ground cover between them. Those little stones will get everywhere and won’t prevent weeds from growing.
If you have a drainage problem you should address that first. Do you have gutters? Standing water after a rain?
Widen the driveway with your walkway. Not sure why you want to step into a flower bed before getting into your car or out of it. Frame the flower bed with edging to contain runoff.
Is this going to be the main entrance into your house that you will use daily ??
I like it. I dont really like the ridiculous other comments/suggestions from others though. make it happen,git er done,and tweak it down the road.
https://preview.redd.it/cuc43ivbeqtf1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=111a5c97cf1320185b3c82d52f94456dc8f9e923
I did something similar. My driveway is on the right side out of frame. I didn’t have $$ to redo the entire sidewalk or add a new concrete extension, so I extended the garden bed and added some pavers with mulch. Pavers lead directly to the driveway. I can add another picture from the other side showing the driveway too. But it really leaned into the cottagecore vibes.
The pea gravel will get into the mulch and the mulch will get in to pea gravel.
Do you actually use your front door? I would not do a stepping stone path if that patch that is used multiple times a day.
Looks wonderful. I would go for taller plants to give you height and to make the walkway fun.
High maintenance keeping the bed weed free, rocks and wood mulch being kicked around. Soil is highly compacted so some of the rendition’s plant choices will struggle.
High maintenance keeping the bed weed free, rocks and wood mulch being kicked around. Soil is highly compacted so some of the rendition’s plant choices will struggle.
High maintenance keeping the bed weed free, rocks and wood mulch being kicked around. Soil is highly compacted so some of the rendition’s plant choices will struggle.
High maintenance keeping the bed weed free, rocks and wood mulch being kicked around. Soil is highly compacted so some of the rendition’s plant choices will struggle.
High maintenance keeping the bed weed free, rocks and wood mulch being kicked around. Soil is highly compacted so some of the rendition’s plant choices will struggle.
High maintenance keeping the bed weed free, rocks and wood mulch being kicked around, floating away. Soil is highly compacted so some of the rendition’s plant choices will struggle.
Not enough spacing. Plants grow and the ones shown would get huge over time.
Love it.
Looks beautiful. I wouldn’t do the gravel though. It will get mixed with the mulch.
I would do mulch and low growing plants in between stepping stones. Put a couple stepping stones to the car as well.
Focus on soil quality. I would loosen up the compacted soil and then use sheet mulch/lasagna gardening techniques to improve soil health.
Looks nice but it’s a future headache for sure.
The answer is yes.
Anything can work.
And of course it’ll be a headache. Just a matter of how much migraine pain you can handle, and how much Tylenol you have on hand (hope you’re not pregnant! /s)
Yeah, definitely doable though. Shop around for decorative rocks though, don’t be surprised to find a place down the road that would be hundreds cheaper than the next guy
Do you live where you’ll have to shovel snow?