Building a simple flagstone path can be a project accomplished in just a few hours and something that can last generations in your garden. By following just a few steps, your path to success will be off and running. First, excavate the path area to a depth of about nine inches, being sure to remove all unwanted grass, weeds, roots, and rocks. Next, use a garden rake to rake the newly excavated area of the path level. Then add a two inch layer of pea gravel or decomposed granite to the area and, using a tamper, tamp the gravel into the soil. Then add a two inch layer of topsoil and repeat the process with the gravel and dirt until the desired height is reached. Arrange the flagstone according to your design, fitting the pieces together in random order. Finally, fill in the cracks between the flagstone pieces with sand. Rinse the area with a fine mist of water and let dry. As a final touch, plant dwarf mondo grass or creeping herbs to complete the look. Enjoy!
John M. Woolverton, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
Miscellaneous Index
Gardening Tips For NorthEast Texas Index
East Texas Piney Woods Gardening Home Page