How to Build a Simple Garden Path From Start to Finish

Kevin brings in his old friend and landscape contractor @sarabendrick1828 to help design and install a simple decomposed granite garden path. You can do this at home for minimal cost, equipment, and time if you plan it out well!
IN THIS VIDEO
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
00:39 - Planning
01:38 - Prepping
03:31 - Trenching
05:01 - Edging
05:17 - Flagstone
06:09 - Decomposed Granite
08:38 - Grading & Screeding
09:25 - Results
DISCLAIMER
Epic Gardening occasionally links to goods or services offered by vendors to help you find the best products to care for plants. Some of these may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if items are purchased. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. More info on our process: www.epicgardening.com/disclai...

[@italiana626sc]

That looks pretty doable by just about anyone. The clear instruction in the captions was really helpful. It looks so good! Also, Sara seems really cool and very knowledgeable - she's a great addition to the 'Epic Gardening Universe'!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Awhhh thank you!! It was a really fun project 🎉

[@KatesGarden]

Sara did a great job explaining 👍 she’s a keeper

[@sarabendrick1828]

Awh thx!!

[@TuttleScott]

I'm always envious of people with easy to dig dirt. Its about 50% rock here.

[@sarabendrick1828]

I’m not gonna lie this dirt was very soft! And sorry you have so many rocks, but on the plus side that’s a much more stable base than soft soil :)

[@BigboiiTone]

Hey buddy try having the ground be FROZEN SOLID half a meter down, year round😂

[@sarabendrick1828]

@@BigboiiTonewow! Where do you live!

[@lyndshurt]

This was very timely for me! Thanks Kevin. I enjoyed hearing your friend teaching about landscaping. Would love to see more of her!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Awh thanks!! Appreciate the kind words :)

[@TavernCrawler]

This looks aces Kevo. You need to get this lady on more often!

[@epicgardening]

Expect more soon!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Awh thank you for the support!! 😊

[@sarahleber676]

Agreed! Very charismatic ❤ hope to see more of her soon!

[@MyFocusVaries]

That's a beautiful path. Thanks for the heads up that decomposed granite isn't the ideal choice for a rainy climate.

[@sarabendrick1828]

Yes agreed, too mushy too often, gravel would be a better choice for rainy climates :)

[@aytviewer2421]

Bummer for me here in Florida

[@jessicapacella2937]

Same​@@aytviewer2421

[@susanlarsen9261]

I really like how she explained what is ideal and what she doesn't recommend. Very insightful.

[@sarabendrick1828]

Thanks! I figured we be chatting with more than just southern california folks! Looking forward to sharing more in the future!

[@greglambert3555]

Good timing, I am planning a pathway through my fruit trees, one tip if you live in an area with Gophers like where I live, Lakeside CA, put down Gopher wire mesh along the path

[@epicgardening]

Yep - gophers can be gnarly!

[@Wellbaby94]

Oh, I need a Sara to come do a design for our yard. Lovely!

[@canorth]

I’m liking my heavily mulched paths inoculated with wine caps but I’m not rolling heavy stuff over mine

[@shadyman6346]

Great idea! I like Rosemary, so that just walking by it, the smell is so nice.

[@epicgardening]

I'm going to test this soon, too! - Kevin

[@iartistdotme]

Oh man, wish you were located in Florida so I could learn how to make a path with all our rain. It looks wonderful and bigger!

[@plant-a-holic]

Yes!!! Please get some information for us Floridians for a economical natural garden path? Rocks for us are extremely expensive here… Love the look, but not doable unless we win the lottery.!lol!!

[@epicgardening]

Some kind of larger particle gravel might make sense!

[@Braddy_Daddy]

I love this! Would’ve never have thought to make a path this way but looks great!!

[@MadMusic26]

I've decided to turn my little 5 by 10 side yard into a little garden space for my raised beds. Nothing over there has been maintained in over a decade, the ground isn't level, and it just has some basic rock tossed on. I'm a desert dweller and excited to try leveling things out with decomposed granite. Wish me luck on my little DIY project! Thanks Kevin and Sara!

[@cduarte411]

Love the video and love her. Her instructions are super easy to follow and the end result looks fantastic!!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Thank you 😊😊

[@constanceferguson7930]

Two knowledgeable peas in a pod!! Can't wait to see the other pros in action!! Thanks from the bottom of my roots!!!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Awh! thanks! lol roots!

[@grisespino5342]

This was great. Adding a "sleeve" tip for future electrical access 👌🏻

[@sarabendrick1828]

Sleeves are my favorite, except when you forget where you put them ;)

[@wellersonoliveira5334]

Looove you guys, thank ya'll for inspiring me to grow my pumpkin/watermelon vines this season. Greetings from Brazil 💚 💛

[@shadyman6346]

In my Tennessee home, I plant my pumpkins directly atop my compost heap. You will be amazed at the growth. Best of luck!

[@epicgardening]

Love Brazil! Spent some amazing weeks in Rio

[@wellersonoliveira5334]

​@@shadyman6346 Oh thanks for the tips brotha, good luck to you too ❤

[@wellersonoliveira5334]

​@@epicgardening Nice to hear, come to Tocantins next tima haha ❤😂

[@robertjames2762]

Was a fan of Sara Bendrick's HGTV show and I follow her on social media. love seeing this collab.

[@sarabendrick1828]

Thanks for following and supporting :D

[@FruitofSilence]

She really is excellent - a natural! Love to see additional DIY projects!

[@carolynk5316]

This was a perfect topic since I’m planning a pathway in my gardens/ thanks. This was awesome.

[@epicgardening]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Glad to hear it!

[@ltlbnsgarden]

It looks amazing already

[@sarabendrick1828]

Thanks !😊

[@johndesrocher4289]

I've been knocking around some ideas lately to make my garden area more presentable and - more importantly - functional. This video packed a bunch of fantastic ideas in a quick, concise format. LOVE IT! Wasn't even aware of DG, but now that I know, I'm going to see what I can get locally. Thanks so much, Sara rocks!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Awesome! Depending on where you live you might have a lot of options :) if they dont sell DG in your area, you can always try a garden path with gravel and a polymer to lock it in that way too :)

[@suesweetpea7]

LOOKS AMAZING KEVIN!!!

[@debalarsen1]

What a great idea and Sara explained/ executed the path very well!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Thanks! Loved working with Kevin and the Team, they really know how to streamline information :D

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

I love Sara! Does she have a channel Kevin? This was such an informative and fun video. Paths are my next big project in the garden and this was right on time! Thank you

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Nevermind, I am now subscribed!!!😆

[@sarabendrick1828]

Thanks for your positive support :D

[@janaconrow5708]

Great to see Sara! We watched every episode of I Hate My Yard, and every time we wish she was in Arizona so we could hire her! ❤

[@sarabendrick1828]

Awh thanks! miss shooting that show! it was really fun :D

[@DeomeYT]

Watching Kevin feels like playing Gardenscapes. Every day something new is unlocked in the homestead. Love from the Philippines ❤

[@sarabendrick1828]

yes its true! :D

[@asylumjk]

Literally just talking to my wife about this last night & we didn’t know where to start! Boom!!! Thanks y’all!

[@sarabendrick1828]

thats awesome! so glad the timing worked out! :D

[@valeriecoleman3588]

Kevin wishing all is well with you in San Diego after the flooding.

[@izzyi1221]

She’s awesome!! Love her energy! Sarah 🪨🤘🏼

[@sarabendrick1828]

Thanks! :D appreciate it!

[@sherylchapman4168]

I like Sarah Bendrick. I want her to redesign my patio! I need a professional plan.

[@user-mq8mr4vg9v]

Sara is so into it, I love it.

[@ramonajolley1966]

Wow! I use to watch her on HGTV back in the day!! She needs to come to my yard!! lol!! Thank you both! That would take this old lady a year to do. LOL! Take care!

[@erdysoliman816]

I am very thankful for the kzbin.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO that has been a tremendous help to me in building a perfect outdoor shed. I have been facing many challenges and difficulties for a long time, but this plan has guided me to correct the mistakes during the process. I am impressed by the projects and I express my gratitude to the creator of this collection of plans.

[@jeev4divine]

Thanks! Decomposed granite, okay! I was just today wanting to design a walkpath. This video was right on time and spot on! WOW🌼🌺🌴🌸🌴🌾🌻🌹🦋

[@sarabendrick1828]

Thats awesome! glad the timing worked out :D

[@daneflanigan]

2 of my favorite Garden KZbinrs!!!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Awhhh thanks!!!

[@rosehill1595]

Thank you for all the tips, Sara, very helpful. We will need to use gravel which I'm perfectly happy with. I only recently found out that large gravel is soo uncomfortable to walk on and not a good idea for paths for that reason alone. Our climate does get super wet so gravel it is. We have a big garden so the old world stone and bricks I like are not in the budget but this we can do - THANKS!

[@matthysloedolff]

Every time I watch one of your videos the garden just gets more epic. That pathway looks really nice, Eric... I mean Kevin. 😉

[@sarabendrick1828]

Just wait! We have so many ideas for this space 😊

[@matthysloedolff]

@@sarabendrick1828 looking forward to it!

[@Sparklfoot]

What a great episode as I am designing a path to my front door.

[@sarabendrick1828]

Nice! One thing, I dont usually see many people use DG as a front door material, unless you have a matt to knock off the dg particles, usually 5-10' hardscape (concrete, pavers, deck etc) between the path and the entrance will knock off an particles as well. :)

[@Chunk_Kelly]

I love that you're coincidently doing all the same projects I am lately! As soon as the snow melts I'm putting a new path in my garden so this was really helpful. Props tp Sara for all the great advice. I was thinking about using decomposed granite but after hearing is not the best for rainy climates I'll probably go with gravel over a base of course sand. We get 13 feet of rain a year on average here in our section of the Tongass National Forest.

[@sarabendrick1828]

wooo thats a lot of rain, I'd definitely go with Gravel ! :D

[@carotrike]

Lovely to see you again Kate!My plans for this year are 1)to knit a Harmonia Cowl and 2) possibly make slip-over/vest with a rollover neck for myself and possibly for my granddaughter.

[@nicolephillips4320]

Beautiful results. I love seeing your landscaping projects, too.

[@ShereesAlchemy]

This is in my to do list for this year. I expanded my garden enormously. I got some estimates from landscapers and their prices are outrageous! So it’s DIY time! I took some notes-thanks!

[@kcconynemtmior]

Appreciate the tip about decomposed granite not being the best choice for wetter climates!

[@sarabendrick1828]

for sure, dont want to set up for disappointment!

[@user00616]

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEED!!!! 😻 LOVE SARA!

[@user00616]

Thanks for calling out wet climates like Oregon aren’t the best for decomp granite. 🙏🏻

[@sonyahogan5673]

I love it!!❤❤❤

[@juliehorney995]

Loved this video! A curved path from our driveway to our shed is on my project list for spring! I'd like to hear more about applications in the north where the ground freezes.

[@sarabendrick1828]

If possible try to add more base material, Ideally to the frost line... on this one, I just did the soft areas, but I'd recommend 6" min of base, but ask around locally for advise. Try calling a local landscape material yard, They usually can tell you standards or find someone who can help you.

[@StillOnTrack]

Wow, beautiful finished result!

[@carolfaberpeake857]

Looks great!! 🎉

[@PleasantPrickles]

It looks fantastic!🌱

[@SimplyCanningSharon]

I love it when you pulled out that tape! If I remember right, you like orderly. I think she would have just went with her sweeping sprays and gut instinct on how it looked. (and it probably would be great either way!) 😉

[@bartwilloughby2909]

If it’s not the Rats 🐀 it’s the squirrels 🐿️ if it’s not the skunks 🦨 it’s the gophers , if it’s not the Birds 🦅 it’s the Raccoons 🦝. Oye Vey . 😩

[@smas3256]

Chipmunks, get in. I love birds in my garden. They eat slugs, snails, insects, worms too though. We put a low voltage surround the garden to keep out the ground hog. Spring onion surround deters a lot of animals. But those moles and voles, not seeing evidence last summer but I'll plant smallest garlic cloves around garden edge any way. Skunks love grubs. A skunk got a little zap. CLOSED ALL THE WINDOWS. LOL. I also spread used coffee grounds. Save some to use all season.

[@RobbieAndGaryGardeningEasy]

We use Tulle and Garden with nature, it works

[@moonafarms1621]

A fixed barn cat friend keeps a lot of those pests away! Work smarter, not harder, cheers gardeners

[@MyFocusVaries]

Or all of the above. :) Wait. I don't have gophers

[@bartwilloughby2909]

@@moonafarms1621 we have one of the Best mousers 🐭 and Gopher hunters in the world 🌍, but the Dog 🐶 owns the Backyard. 👍🏿

[@1Aroe1]

It's beautiful! Looks like a lot of hard work, and I'm sure the planning is immense if you were DIYing, but the result is awesome.

[@sarabendrick1828]

Thanks! It took us about 1.5 days for this size path with 1-3 people working on an off throughout the day :D

[@ezyrhino]

Good job, looks great!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Glad you like it!

[@cptnd3851]

just did 100ft of pavers, it's such a pain in the ass but so worth it

[@epicgardening]

Looks so good

[@sarabendrick1828]

Haaa! It is worth it lol

[@UrbanFarmingOperation]

It reminds me of the intricate stone work of Saqsaywaman. Looks absolutely stunning finished. Good job guys.

[@queueeeee9000]

Awesome video! Getting ready to try to make a simple path for the purpose of leveling the garden area. Mother can't walk on the sloped side, so we have to do something like this. You guys should start uploading in 60frames/sec. It would look so much better!

[@epicgardening]

Might try it!

[@user-mk3nu3hd4o]

This is great for my Sims gameplay too, thank you!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Hehe! awesome :D

[@Cynthia-zz1vi]

Looks great, I like having different product through out area to not look too formal

[@naturegirl8944]

Wow. Looks nice..

[@umaumalei14]

Nice video. What's missing is how you cut the flagstone, which is probably the most technical part IMO. Thanks.

[@apike_72]

Kinda wish the pathway tied into the other path Jacques helped make while you were away. Otherwise it looks really nice!! Can't wait to see how it progresses

[@dianecuthbertson2686]

Love it, it looks great!

[@ruthannecoro6198]

Looks epic!❤😊

[@barbaraimwold4352]

Thanks for the video, I made some paths last year with wet cardboard and mulch. I see I needed the edging to define the paths( early spring project 😅)

[@MrYatesj1]

Great content

[@haleya9526]

The biggest pest in my garden is myself. I just cant help it! Its so yummy when fresh!

[@SarahS1214]

Great video, thank you!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Thanks for liking and supporting it :D

[@rawrisiloveuindinify]

Cries in southern clay soil. God I wish it was this easy to dig in Texas

[@Flinn-rx8tq]

0:03 lol I actually said "WOAH" out loud

[@Frog13799]

That will last about 2 weeks in my area, the Kikuyu grass will be growing through it, over it, under it, it will be a lawn in a month max

[@Steve55555]

This was awesome

[@faresmmoharam6794]

that is cool as loved it

[@sarabendrick1828]

Thank you! :D

[@MsArtistwannabe]

The size of the rocks used in the border would keep me from doing this myself. But it looks fabulous. I’ve always been a fan of how the dg looks installed.

[@sarabendrick1828]

Yes, you can post Granite is such a clean look especially when maintained well. Those rocks were a little heavy but you can always use a composite edge or a metal edge that goes in a lot quicker and not nearly as heavy. 😊

[@roserainy7586]

Hey just saw that there's a bunch of flooding there and you guys were my first thought. Hope everyone (including the chickens) are ok.

[@herbwitch5681]

I’m repurposing an old caliche driveway, using it as the base layer for a flagstone patio. There’s a thin layer of leaf mold on top that the stones settle into, then I plan to use decomposed granite between the stones.

[@sarabendrick1828]

DG and flagstone is such a good look!

[@marlelarmarlelar9547]

I'm reading about all the flooding in San Diego, (1/22-23/2024). Hope you are safe and sound.

[@vsznry]

Awesome.

[@vsznry]

Yo Kevin the weight loss is dramatic. Can you do a video on your diet & exercises? @KevinMEspiritu Santi, amen. lol

[@RobbieAndGaryGardeningEasy]

Gardens here grow so massive we grow food, so we really have no paths 😊

[@epicgardening]

Love it guys

[@sarabendrick1828]

Sounds like a good problem to have ;)

[@RichardColwell1]

A-mazing!

[@annakissed3226]

What engine is this built in? It looks like an advanced Unreal 5.2 type of thing. Swapping to CGI makes sense, given it that in time the cost will become less & less. But very, very good render. Where the voices an overdub or generated as well?

[@savvysteaks]

I live in the Northeast, if we have to go with a gravel instead of decomposed granite due to the humidity and rain, is it still possible to use the same material for the base and infill for the pathway?

[@jennyhdez13]

It's going to look beautiful. Pitty I don't got the money!!!

[@epicgardening]

DG is one of the less expensive stone-based options!

[@ericfrancis7816]

Wondering if this method will work on a slope, and up to what grade. Our property is notably bereft of flat space between the house and where we plan to garden. Any insights would be welcome, thanks!

[@mooveegal]

Looks great and doable. Question for Sarah on installing natural DG directly on soil (with no landscape fabric), any concerns with weeds?

[@sarabendrick1828]

Hello! Some installers always add landscape fabric, we rarely do as weeds can come front the top over time as well. We usually recommend being vigiant on any weeds in the first few months to keep them from throwing seeds. Some clients never have a weed problem, some occasionally have a weed problem. If you have nut sedge... that goes through everything including landscape fabric. If you have a heavy weed area, try adding 3-4" of compacted class 2 base and 3-4" of DG.. this will make a very undesirable area for weeds. Hopefully that helps!

[@mooveegal]

@@sarabendrick1828 so incredibly helpful info Sara, and greatly appreciate your prompt and thorough reply! 👍🥰 another question is if DG path is ok to install on a slight grade. I’m assuming ok, since you were adjusting DG path to meet slightly higher landing parts in video but double checking.

[@estoniangardeneer]

It's always a weird feeling when people show you something absolutely beautiful and say "this is not aesthetically pleasing" :)

[@mayurdpd]

Sure add the stabilizer. Nice add.

[@lawrenberghanson4401]

Pretty cool! I like the little top-down view. It was very helpful. How come no transition was added going to the wood path to the decomposed granite paver? Could have started as a wood path granite that then fades into the wood and soil path.

[@sarabendrick1828]

maybe someday they will connect! :D

[@lilyredcloud]

Greetings from Texas. I really hope you are all ok there in San Diego.

[@senjugoku]

Can you share how you prevent weeds in your backyard?

[@zerconiamacklin]

Can you use stabilized decomposed granite for paths on a hillside? I’m struggling finding something for a path 😢

[@sarabendrick1828]

It’s not recommended for slopes, unless you create a retaining wall that would level the path. But still it would not be my preferred choice. I think gravel would make more sense.

[@patti5874]

I’ve been wanting to build a path in my backyard as well as adding boulders to our school landscape, but the cost of the boulders are too expensive near San Gabriel. Do you have a boulder vendor that you’d recommend?

[@scoobydoo5447]

“Build a simple garden path, it’s not that hard, just bring in a professional landscape designer and contractor.” 😂 Looks good though.

[@Chet_Thornbushel]

Other than manual labor all she did was provide the information, which he then shared with his audience. Now everyone benefits from it and can try it on their own.

[@epicgardening]

Respectfully, she helped us understand HOW to do it, but as you can see by the effort required it's not that hard to DIY at all!

[@sarabendrick1828]

@@Chet_Thornbushel😊

[@farrajj3288]

Can you please make a video about protecting corn from common diseases and pests

[@greenlizardballs]

You got the paths down. Know what you need now? String lights. Lots of strings lights.

[@eviltomthai]

Kevin does the snap like JerryRigEverything 😭

[@heidicole2296]

I have a decomposed granite pathway through my garden and i cannot get it clear. Weeds, etc are constantly popping up in it. Id love tips to stop that from happening!

[@sarabendrick1828]

Do you know how thick the layer of decomposed granite was when you started? It’s recommended minimum three, but ideally 4 inches.. also, if seeds and Dirt are allowed to sit in and not maintained for long periods of time, it’s a little bit harder to get it back. But it is totally possible. if you are having seeds come up from under the decomposed granite, you might consider landscape fabric most likely, however, seeds are being dropped on top of them, and they are setting in the top of the decomposed granite, or creeping in from the sides of the path. That takes, good old manual labor to clean up… some yards just tend to have more weeds than others so don’t beat yourself up 😊

[@heidicole2296]

@sarabendrick1828 Yws we have landscape fabric beneath 3 inches of granite that was fully compacted. :/

[@sarabendrick1828]

@@heidicole2296 cool thanks for sharing. Does it seem like most of the weeds are coming in from the side or from the top?

[@heidicole2296]

Probably the top I'd guess

[@benheaver4332]

What fire pit do u have ?

[@EsparzaA5]

works great, btw

[@epicgardening]

It's a Breeo

[@ChilSc]

What about the pathways you made from bricks?

[@epicgardening]

Check Epic Homesteading for that video!

[@Mondo_0ne]

Sara's badass