Carried Away Making New Garden Pathways

I’ve been wanting to create a walkway around the side of the garage to the back deck for the last couple of years. I’m tired of tracking sand in the house whenever I go out that way, plus it’d make the beauty in my yard more complete. My goal was to use the leftover stones from the front walkway to continue the look.

I got a quote last year and there was a discussion on drainage and … it just sounded so complicated … not to mention horribly costly. Talking it over with Andy, to spend that much money for a fancy walkway and patio, didn’t make sense and would be a waste of money.

We talked about simply spreading mulch and getting 16 x 16-inch stepping-stones. I realized he was right, but it was so hard to let go of that vision I had of the fancy patio. He assured me we could make it look beautiful. He was right. Plus, a fancy patio would not go with this house. It’s not like I entertain or would sit out there – the only thing I use that space for is to set up a spray-painting place to refresh my outside things. 

A few weeks went by. I’d done some online searching but hadn’t made a decision. It’s funny how it takes forever for me to make up my mind on some things, then other times (especially lately) I seem to impulse shop.

We looked at stepping-stones at Agway when I stopped to get gardening soil. Hmm, they had possibilities. Another week went by and I decided to order the stones. Andy had figured a little over 30 to do the walkway and with 40, I’d have a few extra for other projects.

I found ones I liked at Home Depot, but they charge $80 delivery. I called Agway and the ones there were the same price with only a $50 delivery charge. I ordered. Then in later conversation and to save on delivery charge, I decided to ask Spencer if he’d pick them up. He said he would, and he delivered late afternoon on May 14.

The next morning, I placed four stones to give me steps going down instead of a slope. My goal is to make level, stable surfaces for me to step and stand. Most of my gardens are on slopes. The angles of the slopes create pain in my ankles and feet and throws off my balance.

I loved how they looked, and the size was perfect for me. I can easily go up and down and if I have to stop to week (or later deadhead), I have a flat surface for stability. I did one more stone, this one leading in another direction.

By then, my back, legs, and feet were screaming. I went out and did two more after resting a bit. I found two at a time were all my body can take. The weight of these things must be around 25 pounds. (At one time that would’ve been a piece of cake.)

It’s frustrating to only be able to be out there 30-45 minutes, but I have to accept how I am. There’s no feeling “I wish I were young again” because I don’t. If I have to work in short intervals, so be it! I’m still getting out there.

By Saturday afternoon, I had 15 set. I did five early Sunday and did one out front. I’ve used 21 of the 40 stones. Ooops, looks like I need more.