Where to use stepping stones
In a purely practical sense, stepping stones are great for creating a slightly more structured path to a highly frequented spot in the garden and saving the lawn from being worn through. Their more whimsical purpose is to, literally, lead you up the garden path; stepping stones can take you on a meandering journey, perhaps to a hidden nook, or else just an aimless wander – the point is the journey rather than the destination.
We’ll often use stepping stones to blur the boundaries between garden and hard surfaces; irregularly shaped pavers with greenery growing up through them are a great way to transition between patio and lawn, for example.
Unlike a traditional paved walkway, stepping stones are set apart, leaving gaps for grass, gravel or groundcovers to grow between them, which gives them a more natural, integrated look. They make it easier to move through areas prone to dampness or uneven ground, providing a stable surface while keeping the garden’s natural feel. They also need less maintenance than a fully paved path, and the gaps allow for better drainage, reducing the risk of pooling water or erosion.
Choosing the right size and shape
The modern trend is definitely towards larger format steppers. We’ll sometimes visit older gardens with smaller – perhaps 400mm x 400mm – pavers and the effect is fussy and often awkward to walk on, forcing you to check your stride to avoid walking between the steps. For a side passage or similar space where you’re just using the path to get from A to B, we’d normally choose a 650mm to 750mm paver, which is about the length of a normal stride. Our favourite size is larger still – 1.2 metres or greater – the antithesis of that old-fashioned fussy style.
Shapes depend very much on the garden they’re going into and the client’s own tastes. Irregularly shaped flagging scores high on whimsy and allow you to make a more meandering path, so the destination isn’t immediately obvious. On the other hand, geometric shapes – squares and rectangles – definitely have their place, particularly in a more formal garden, though we’ll often mix things up with different sized rectangles to keep it interesting.
Layout matters too. Laid out symmetrically, stepping stones introduce a sense of formality to a garden, while an asymmetrical arrangement suits more informal settings, creating a feeling of spontaneity and natural flow.
Which materials to use
The choice of potential materials for stepping stones is vast; sandstone or bluestone pavers, concrete (poured onsite or prefabricated), railway sleepers or tiled concrete pads. Every project calls for something a little different. Whatever you choose, pick materials and colours that harmonise with the garden’s overall design, such as sandstone in a native garden or sleek concrete in a modern courtyard.
In between the pavers, the options are almost as endless, though our default preference is usually for more greenery. Lawn can be a bit fiddly to mow, but makes sense if the path is running through turf, while groundcovers like dymondia are dense enough to completely fill the gaps between pavers and look incredible. If something other than greenery is required, perhaps to break up an already lush planting scheme, the options range from pebbles in all colours and sizes, to something fine and sandy looking, like decomposed granite, each of which will provide a different look and feel underfoot.
Gravel is a practical choice for low-maintenance gardens, filling the gaps and suppressing weeds while adding texture and contrast. Low-growing groundcovers such as creeping thyme, mondo grass or Dichondra repens soften the edges of each stone and give the path a lush, natural feel.
Spacing and installation
Space stepping stones to match a natural walking stride, typically 60–80 cm apart, and test the spacing before final placement to make sure the path is comfortable to use. Lay them on a firm base of sand and compacted roadbase to prevent shifting and ensure durability; heavier materials like stone need a concrete sub-base.
Position stepping stones to connect key areas of the garden, such as from a terrace to a seating area or through a vegetable patch, so they lead naturally to focal points or destinations. Stepping stones are more than just a functional element; they can be a statement piece in their own right, tailored to suit any garden style and creating pathways that are beautiful, functional and low maintenance.
Additional photography by Nicholas Watt
