There are many options for creating a pathway through your garden. While many choose to lay a path with pavers, pathways can also be made from cedar mulch, marble chips and pea pebbles. Cedar mulch is lightweight and fragrant, ideal for laying a woodland trail. Scotts Nature Scapes Color Enhanced Mulch will retain its color all year long. Stone can add rustic texture and color contrast to any garden. Vigoro Marble Chips and Pea Pebbles will stand up to the elements for years to come. Each package of mulch and rock states the amount of surface area it will cover in cubic feet. Use the following formula to determine the volume of path material required in cubic feet for a 3-inch-deep pathway: Multiply the length of the path (in feet) by the width (in feet) by .25 (.25 feet = 3 inches).

Step 1: Define the pathway

Use a garden hose to outline your projected route. After you’ve determined your desired shape and size, sprinkle powdered chalk along the length of the hose to create a template from which to work.

Step 2: Remove the turf

Use a hoe or square shovel to remove existing turf from beneath your pathway. When that’s done, remove 2–4 inches of soil to create a bed for the material of your choice.

Step 3: Plan for weed prevention

Spray the amended soil with a weed-and-grass killer such as Total Kill Concentrate to get rid of any remaining roots. To prevent future weed growth, cut landscape fabric such as Easy Gardener Weedblock to fit the pathway and lay it atop the prepared soil.

Step 4: Spread your path material

Put down an even layer of mulch, marble chips or pea pebbles in the space you’ve defined. It will settle naturally but you can use a rake to help evenly spread materials. Use a garden hose to rinse away any mulch or gravel dust and help the material settle.