One of my goals for this upcoming gardening season is to improve my paths. Below are before and after pictures of last year’s path makeover in the Egg Garden.
Previously, the path was 18-24 inches wide and was made primarily of twelve inch square terra cotta stepping stones. This didn’t work because the path was too narrow and the stepping stones were sinking into the earth. To create the new path, I first moved some plants (mainly self-seeders) to widen the path to 24-36 inches. Second, I simply added pebbles over the old terra cotta stepping stones. In order to cover the entire area, I probably used 10-12 fifty pound bags of pebbles and will need to add 2-3 bags to refresh the path this spring. The new path is now more functional, as well as more attractive.
For more ideas on gardening paths, there is a great Gardening Gone Wild Garden Design Workshop on paths here: http://www.gardeninggonewild.com/?p=457
For more on the Egg Garden, click here: http://heirloomgardener.blogspot.com/2008/01/egg-garden-in-summer.html
Heirloom Gardener 
I like the look of stepping stones in a pathway but if you use the path a lot I too have found that the stones sink. A lot of work to keep them level etc. I like the pebbled pathway. I think you will really enjoy the widened path. I have a couple of paths that are narrow but most are 3′ wide or wider. It is easier to get around especially when you have friends over.
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The new path looks super! Leaving the old stepping stones in place was a good idea; that should help to keep the gravel from sinking in. I must ask: Have you already explained the story of the “Egg Garden”?
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Oops – I see you did already explain the story of the Egg Garden in a post just a few days ago. Sorry about that!
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Lisa, I wish all of my paths were 3-4 feet wide. As you said, it would definitely make getting around the garden easier. Part of my goal for this year is to widen those paths.
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Nan, yes, keeping the stepping stones underneath the pebbles has been helpful, though they do still sink in–thus, the need to refresh the path with more pebbles in the spring.
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I, too, love garden paths. Last summer I decided to dig up a lot of the lawn out back, and ended up transforming most of the backyard into flowerbeds connected by meandering paths. I’ve never had so much fun, and I used my patio twice as much, just because it was such a peaceful setting. I’ll never settle for lawn again.You must be so eager for spring!
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Bonnie,I just checked out your blog–it’s inspirational and I love your photography. Do you have any pictures or posts about your paths?-Heirloom Gardener
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Great article, I have a number of paths (dog short cuts) that I want to remain narrow but passible (for humans running after said dog) that pebbles rather than larger stones might be perfect for. Thanks
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A small path through a garden adds such a nice touch…mysterious and magical, yours looks great!Geraldinehttp://www.veggiesyarnsandtails.wordpress.com
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I didn't click on the link to your egg garden in the post, but did it from your links bar. I enjoyed the different posts about your egg bed. I wish I had room for decent paths, but my beds are limited by the size of our yard, and what goes next to them, like the sidewalk space, even though there is no sidewalk. Everything is open and visible from the street, except for parts of the back yard.
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Cool story you got here. It would be great to read more concerning that matter. Thnx for sharing that info.
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Thank you for this article, really useful material.
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