Before starting your project, you will need to assemble some basic tools: Rake, flat shovel; wheel barrow, tamper or lawn roller; and a walk behind rototiller. I like to use a rototiller to sink the path and materials level with the yard. The width on some tillers comes out to about 18 inches, just right for a small garden path.
Next you need to determine the amount of materials needed for your path. A four inch depth is ideal. The types of gravel available will vary from area to area. Crushed granite is popular if you have a supply close by. Visit local landscape or hardscape companies in your area to find something suitable. For large amounts you may even be able to arrange for delivery. To determine the amount needed use this formula: WxDxL For example 18"w x 4"d x 30′L Convert the inches into feet it’s easier, like this: 1.5′w x .25′d x 30′L = 11.25 cu. ft. or just order 1/2 yard and you will have plenty to work with. Adjust the length to your needs. (FYI - 27 cu. ft. = 1 cu. yd.)
Now simply set your tiller so that it digs up about a 4 inch depth. Follow a pre - determined layout. Next remove the tilled up material with your flat shovel and cart it off with your wheel barrow. Then simply place the gravel in your neatly excavated flat shallow trench. Rake in the gravel and then tamp it in or use a lawn roller to give it some compaction.
If you would like to install a more substantial garden path, you can follow all the above steps, only take the initial excavation down to a depth of six inches. Maintain your 4 inch depth of compacted gravel. The remaining 2 inches of depth will be used for placing flagstone in your path. (To determine the amount of flagstone needed simply figure the area in square feet. (L x W) Tell the supplier how much area you need to cover and they can figure out how much you will need.) While it is not totally necessary you may choose to install edging to help keep the path edge sharp and to keep materials from migrating into your yard. If you decide to do this, simply purchase some inexpensive paver type edging and install it with suitable staking. I like to place the lip to the inside on a narrow path like this. Now carefully place your flagstone and maintain a reasonable gap between each stone. Take your time. (You may need to use a hammer and chisel to help shape some of the stones. Wear goggles!) Now take the remaining gravel and fill in between the flagstones and the edging. You will now have a very unique feature added to your landscape that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
