How I fixed my garden path & how to design yours

I love a garden path. In this video I'm sharing some options for creating your own path, how to nail the design, how to not make the same mistakes I did, and how to accent them with gorgeous lighting ... easily!
A huge thank you to Hoselink for sponsoring this video. Check out their great selection of high-quality solar lighting at: bit.ly/TIGhoselink
--------- L I N K S ----------
Hoselink light: bit.ly/TIGhoselink
Cobrahead weeder: www.cobrahead.com
Metal edging: straightcurve.com/us/
--------- A B O U T -----------
My name is Erin and I love sharing inspiration and information with real-life gardeners. I live and garden in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5b/6a.
If you liked this video give it a thumbs up and if you loved it, please subscribe and click the bell so you never miss a new video! Thank you for your support.
🌿Blog: www.theimpatientgardener.com
🌿Facebook: / impatientgardener
🌿Instagram: / impatientgardener
📩 [e-mail]
Some affiliate links may appear. I may make a small commission if you purchase through these links. Thanks for your support. You can see all my favorite products on my Amazon storefront at www.amazon.com/shop/impatient...
----------- FAVORITES -------------
🌿 My favorite potting soil (Organic Mechanics peat-free Container blend): bit.ly/containerblend
🌿 My favorite soil amendment: bit.ly/biocharblend
🌿 Hose reel (Hoselink): bit.ly/TIGhoselink
🌿 Current favorite garden gloves: amzn.to/3C29D9Z
🌿 Garden products I buy on repeat: liketk.it/3FIyl
Music in my videos from: bit.ly/39wBm5f
Mail to:
USPS: The Impatient Gardener
P.O. Box 99
Belgium, WI 53004
UPS/FedEx: The Impatient Gardener
125 E. Main St.
Port Washington, WI 53074

[@TheImpatientGardener]

This weekend (through July 7, 2024), everything at Hoselink (including my new solar lights) is 10% off! If you shop at my affiliate link you will make me smile. 😀 bit.ly/TIGhoselink

[@nancydoyle7389]

I LOVE your lights and I think I need these 🤔 If I order them I will make you smile 😉😁

[@maryb6065]

I have a tiny garden and use their small path lights and jar lights on table. We've been well satisfied with them for a couple season. How they manage to charge in our partial shade and under an umbrella is a mystery.

[@laurakuhn8682]

Funny as I just ordered a Hoselink hose. I saw the lights and was tempted. You put me over the edge, I got three sets of the garden path light. I wish those had the same features of the ones you like but the stainless steel look just doesn’t go in my yard so I got the black ones. Looking forward to them. And I already know to expect quality from Hoselink. They are the best!! Thanks for the video, I think my hubby is getting too agressive with our Weed Dragon! He burns my plants and doesn’t always kill the weeds, I think ours are too big😢. We must have to keep doing it to be effective! Thank you!

[@debs-more-plants]

I shipped your link and got some lights I need for my new garden. We just moved and your info on garden paths was great! Thank you!!!

[@loopm.366]

“I’m not the safety police , don’t be stupid “- well said ! 😂😂.

[@brittanyjoancogginsdepablo7311]

That was perfect!!

[@JacquiQ]

😂

[@irinarebello3080]

The best😂

[@eileenchang2173]

Erin, I think this is the first time I’ve ever heard someone speak in depth about garden paths; thank you ! 🥰🇨🇦

[@maryshea9720]

"Safety tip: Don't be stupid." 😂

[@aussiebushgirl1829]

I have been searching all over for a comprehensive guideline on creating paths, and a big shout out to Erin for sharing her knowledge and tips with us. Thank you so much!🙏💐

[@jjjohnston545]

Your garden is beautiful. It’s the first time I am getting a view of the layout of your garden. I know it’s a channel about plants but seeing the design of a space is so important for viewers to see

[@marybeth4002]

Great topic for a video - lots of great information I never would have considered regarding putting a path in. "Don't be stupid" goes a long way, not just gardening. Thanks for your gardening knowledge and your humor 🤣❤

[@doctim53]

lol. Back in my college days a new parking lot was installed. The sidewall leading to the classrooms was VERY curvy to say the least. Students late for class are going to walk the straight line you spoke of. The powers that be thought they could fix the problem with signs saying “do not walk on grass”. I posted a sign saying “put sidewalks where they will be walked on!”.

[@titosrevenger]

Those trails where the grass has died from too much traffic are called "desire paths" and once you learn about them you can't stop seeing them everywhere

[@snu3877]

@@titosrevenger Oh, I love that there is a word for it! I can't recall where I read it, but decades ago I remember reading about the wisdom of businesses, college campuses, etc., watching where people walk, and THAT is where you build your paths.

[@Tinyteacher1111]

That’s such a great idea!

[@StatingTheObvious.]

I love it! “I’m not the safety police.” Imagine actually treating and expecting adults to actually be adults. What a concept! Worth a subscribe for that alone.

[@jimlang801]

I rarely comment on KZbin's though I always watch yours. This one impressed me so much, I just had to say thank you Erin. Such a brilliant video.❤

[@snu3877]

"Don't try to burn things that light on fire, wear some shoes." 😆

[@lindarinner2972]

Thank you! You gave me one of those DUH moments that fixed my dilemma. My long narrow garden, inherited from Mom, has a straight path that goes to the end, makes a u-turn and comes up the other side making 3 long narrow beds. I haven’t been able to figure out how or where to make curves. Thanks for the answer, I need to put something in the way where I want a curve, duh! Also, I liked your don’t be stupid safety tip. I used to tell my son, if you’re going to be stupid, you’d better be tough, lol. Love hanging out with you, have a great day!

[@thecakepopsistars]

THIS is exactly what I'm trying to figure out for our backyard. Thank you!

[@bethlynch1909]

Don't be stupid is the best advice ever.

[@paulacothren3591]

Erin, you briefly touched on ponding in a masonry path. It's very important to have some slope to shed the rainwater. This video is great! Thank you.

[@bonniejackson7476]

Erin I always appreciate how real you keep it. Your path is lovely. The lights are definitely on my wish list. Amazing how your garden has grown over the years. Thanks

[@jennifertucker107]

Love the safety lecture! Lol!

[@carmenbailey1560]

So happy to hear that you agree with my thoughts about landscaping fabric. We had our street and boulevard replaced, I chose to have black woodchips along with others. On reason was a busy street with lots of dogs, love dogs but to clean up after responsible dog owners not so much. So I had to argue with the city planner No landscape fabric I said if you put it down, I will take it up, so I won others on either side of me have the fabric and have the weeds I do not. Love your pathways, 👍❤️🙂

[@victoria-louisevalois1323]

Hi Erin! Thanks for doing this video! I put in a gravel path in the side & back of my house. I have an adopted whippet who loves to course and hunt. She goes flying off the steps and hits the gravel which then becomes shrapnel on her tiny legs. I have had to leave landing spots in the paths so that I'm not constantly having to bandage her legs. It's not a good look for sure! I am thinking about alternatives for the path and this has come at just the right time, I just wanted to make the point about considering pets when making a path. Thanks again. Victoria🙂

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Thank you! I was thinking about a gravel path that my dog would use behind the backyard bushes. I decided against it because of your comment!

[@joannlyons9639]

Love the path to the garage, it’s really developed beautifully. Every turn has a great mix of textures. Also love the smoke wafting in the background at the end!

[@2prettyfunnythings736]

Safety police comments cracked me up. Wear shoes, don’t burn things that light on fire 😂

[@LifeHomeandGardenwithAnaRica]

The garden path looks really nice!

[@angelwolfe6728]

Love all the pathway tips. I have a rectangle of a backyard.? I’m stumped! Love those hoselink lights!

[@gardeninggrandma5247]

Hi, Erin - We just bought a smaller version of a propane weeder and it's been raining so we haven't used it yet. It will save us a lot of time with weeds on our brick patio. As far as stone paths, we have five very large stones set in grass, leading from our brick patio to the fence gate. We choose stones that are not user-friendly. They get a terrible black soot appearance to the top and their beautiful natural finish is ruined. We've tried everything on them to clean them, including a power washer. Not the prettiest, but they are too massive to move and switch out. You should have seen me and my husband getting them in! It was a challenge for sure. So, for viewers planning a path, be sure to know the type of stone you are getting and how it will mature in your garden.

[@dustyflats3832]

Try a cleaner for removing algae on houses.

[@gardeninggrandma5247]

@@dustyflats3832 Is there a brand that you use that works? There are SO MANY different brands out there, I don't know where to start!! Thanks!

[@jennifer-threedogsinagarde8265]

There is nothing I regret more than putting landscape fabric under my gravel pathways. As you said Erin, it’s great for 4-5 years and then falling debris builds into soil amongst the gravel. Eventually a mess of weeds make a home in the free-draining gravel.

[@dustyflats3832]

That’s what I’ve noticed for many using gravel. As I age it’s not something I want to maintenance.

[@ganymededarling]

How would a gravel path without landscape fabric under it be any different? That's what I'm confused about. You'll still get weeds growing from the debris in the path.

[@jennifer-threedogsinagarde8265]

@@ganymededarlingIn my experience, gravel is a happy home for so many weeds and I no longer use it on paths. Landscape fabric and gravel compound the problem. The landscape cloth under the gravel wears down over time (even the stuff guaranteed for years) and weed seeds find the tiniest holes. Then you have weeds growing up through the cloth barrier. Some weeds you can pull easy enough but deeply rooted plants, like dandelions, are difficult to remove. You can’t easily push your weeding tool through the landscape cloth to get hold of the dandelion without causing more damage to the landscape fabric.

[@ginnypie101]

I’ve watched your videos for years since we’re in the exact same zone. I am entertained and educated all at once with your communication style. This is one of your best videos!🎉

[@alw5101]

That’s some hard backbreaking work up in the garden-it turned out beautiful,Erin!👏🫶🪴

[@sallywoods7131]

Erin, I have enjoyed your videos for a couple years. Entertaining, informative, and real 👌 This season has been awesome! Your relaxed “ let’s enjoy the garden” strolls interspersed with the clear in-depth design posts are so good. I love both the non editing style and experienced tutorial style. I hope you don’t get burned out with posting both as you have spoiled me 😉

[@juliafiore120]

Good morning, Erin☕️ I love the metal edging and have been on the hunt for some products so, perfect timing for this video for me! I love Hoselink everything! That torch looks so fun! Have a Blessed Day😊

[@wehaveshortlegs6295]

Such a great video! Thanks for the tips on the edging. I live in Iowa and everything seems to have a short life with the weather extremes so I knew I would need to use a steel type but didn’t know which one. Your willingness to help others benefit from your experience- positive or otherwise- is what so often makes your channel unique and sought out. Oh, and the inclusion of the photo shots of your beautiful pups…those are always a welcome also. Thanks for all you share with us, Erin!

[@VelvetandToads]

So incredibly helpful, from the design considerations to lighting and maintenance, and just as I’m reflecting on how to add two garden paths! May thanks. 🙏🏻

[@shannonholmberg8835]

Another weed torch tip. Do not use use on a mulch path🔥😂

[@carolwarmoth8744]

As in don’t be stupid 😆

[@debbiew1384]

I use polymeric sand around my flagstones and love it. Usually comes in gray or tan. Water moves through, weeds and ants don’t come up. I freshen it up every few years where gaps have appeared with a pourable measuring cup and water spray bottle or mist setting on the hose. Yes you have to keep organic material off the path-blowing, sweeping so dirt is not created but that is easy to do.

[@angieburrdesign]

I love the Hoselink path lights, which are dimmed full-time and motion-activated for a brighter light around my stone patio. I've tested three solar lights; IMO none are great for a more sophisticated ambient light. They're dreamy! I'm testing metal flashing (made for construction uses) instead of metal landscaping edging. It has a dark brown side and a white side, so I definitely pile the wood chips to hide the white side. It's a cheaper solution, and I found the thinness and varying heights to work well to keep out Bermuda grass. I can't speak to how many years it will work, but mine is still working and looking good after a year. Love your videos, Erin!

[@cranerygardens]

Hi Erin. I am SO impressed by your knowledge and ability to elaborate so clearly about this. I was wondering for long time to there’s something about path that make an impact to our garden but I couldn’t explain. Thank you very much 🙏🏻🥰❤️ for laying this all out. By the way, years ago when I heard you said that you built that path to the shed yourself my jaw drop. Love everything you do ❤❤❤Crane

[@mycraftroom6872]

Another highly informative & super entertaining video, Erin!

[@pamderolf2883]

Great dive into paths and human behavior! People can be so lazy. When you talked about giving path takers a reason to curve, otherwise they'd just walk the shortest distance, it brought to mind the myriad of unsightly "user paths" I tend to see in public spaces and the designers who didn't think it through like you. I remembered how the quad at URI had so many paths but if they didnt make perfect tangents the students would find them (the perfect tangents!) It also brought to mind Walt Disney's study which determined that trash cans had to be no more than 30 feet apart or people would just throw their crap on the ground 😮. I really appreciated this content Erin!! ❤

[@elizabethhunt4185]

Thanks for so much info on path ways. I learned so much.

[@terrypauloregon]

Well this has been helpful. I used the torch then I poured vinegar on them. Seems to be 100% kill.

[@karencrane6325]

Very informative and timely! I’ve been planning paths for my back yard and gardens

[@1234yout-um8jf]

Thank you so much for explaining how the flame works to kill weeds. I have been doing it wrong and will certainly change my approach. I appreciate your knowledge and humor!

[@tinaclauson5238]

Gardens and pathways look gorgeous. Appreciate all the tips. 😊

[@jaqmackie]

I totally agree about weed mat. I also use flame weeder 💚

[@cynthiachronister4082]

Thank you Erin very helpful 😊

[@martinlugus5499]

Loved the burning - element of danger.

[@suefellows1392]

Great video. I love garden paths as well, o the allure and mystery ❤. The propane torch lesson at the end, the icing on the cake ❤. Loving your HUMOR AND candor❤

[@SunnyBlueSkyDay]

"Don't Be Stupid" 🤣😂🤣😳 Classic Erin✨

[@GardenEvolution]

Don’t be stupid 😂 we have one and Rob won’t do anything but burn them to a crisp! I’ll pass your tips along! Path looks great!

[@kevm1550]

This novice 🤪 is currently in the planning phase of building my first walkway. I appreciate the detail provided in the video, as well as the overall presentation. It has help me immensely - including being able to sell the idea to my significant other. Great job, Erin! I’ve subscribed and look forward to checking out your other videos. Thank you!

[@lisapearson78]

Never came across a video specific to paths/hardscape! So happy to have found this. 🙌🏼

[@chrisadkins749]

This is an exceptionally detailed explanation for pros and cons of each type of path Thank you for your time?!Oh I love the flame weeding process. Too fun

[@rickyt3961]

thanks Erin! happy gardening 🪴

[@darlenes1434]

I came for the path lights and stayed for the flame weeding 🤘😎

[@lindaburniac6183]

Love your dry humor! Your gardening is so practical. Thanks

[@lindis2660]

You are so fun to watch. Thank you for this video. Great overview for beginners wanting to do a path.

[@stephaniesharkey3538]

Great video today! Love the intro!!!

[@thefumblingcuisiniere]

Thank you Erin, enjoyed this video very much and found it incredibly helpful. 😊

[@joydavis4087]

I absolutely love this topic.❤ I’ve got plans to put in walkways. Great video. Saved, so I can rewatch. And TY, TY, TY for the solar light recommendation. I bought 8 of them. As soon as my paths are done, lights are a must have. I already have a flame weeder. My husband helped me learn how to use it. Been burning wood for raised beds. Honestly, I think I just made up my mind as to the style of pathway I’d like to put in. Getting excited now. 😊

[@janzatovich6677]

love those garden lights. especially how tall they are !

[@tinasalerno51]

Great video!!! Thanks for all the tips .🌸

[@theteamhawkins]

I bought some Hoselink lights from your previous recommendation. These are THE BEST solar lights!!! Thanks so much for sharing this info. I will definitely put it to use in my garden ❤.

[@JRP58]

Great video. Thank you for all the tips and tricks pertaining to paths. I’ve been debating a path change and this has been very helpful. PS, I love your sense of humor and the “safety police” disclaimer was no exception.😂

[@carriekutchins7188]

When I saw you using the a shop vac to clean out the dirt from the gravel, I thought: This is my kind of gardener! Because persistence pays off. Once you see what you're doing to keep the gravel and stone path up isn't working it makes sense to start over and learn from your mistakes. I've been struggling with this problem for years and your video was very helpful.

[@diannamueller9332]

Love those lights! Everything was beautiful. Torching!

[@maryjocarter668]

Love your no nonsense approach to everything! This video gave e exactly what I was looking for and then some! Been dreaming up a pathway and lights:) Thank you Erin:) Love your videos!

[@cathycraig1301]

Great video, just great. You are so down to earth and just plain old sensible.

[@conniemchugh34]

Another thing you can try for weeds if you don't want to use fire... I use a spray bottle of straight vinegar which works well on grass type weeds. I also use boiling water from a tea kettle and pour it on the more broad leaf weeds. Straight vinegar from the bottle and boiling water works well on the small ant volcano's I got in the sand between the bricks on my patio.

[@Sunnyblue-d6j]

I can not say enough good things about hoslink products. Got their retractable hose three years ago and love it, worth every penny. Every year for my birthday I am treating myself to some hoslink product and never regretted a buy!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

@@Sunnyblue-d6j That’s great to hear. I feel the same way.

[@terrypauloregon]

Erin, I wanted to mention your chive borders. I love the idea I’m collecting seeds from mine to do the same. Maybe you could do a short video on the pros and cons?

[@stephanieray6587]

Really informative, thank you. I've saved all the web links and will use them going forwards. The grounds of your house are looking stunning, I can't believe the before and after shots.

[@janaeshaffer266]

Thank you Hoselink😊😉

[@wildbirdfarm]

I just took screen snaps of you flame weeding - this is what we need for our round brick fireplace area we are re-doing bc of so many weeds in the cracks 😬😁 Also, I am upping my outdoor lighting and pathways game - thank you. Right now I have big overhead light and “midwestern” style aka grass paths, really it’s lawn. ….😅 Thanks for inspiring me!

[@LisatheDIYChick]

Great information in this video. Love everything about your gardens!

[@upnorth21]

Great info on paths and great product from Hoselink!

[@janedonahoe2728]

FABULOUS presentation! Thankyou thankyou thankyou 💚🌿

[@shirleynall9048]

The best video! Planning a path in my yard with the lights. Wish me luck 😂

[@Judsey52]

I purchased the hose link lights last year - they are great and still working- love them!

[@thegoldenbloomsfarm]

Please, Hoselink, please ship to Canada!

[@cherylt6888]

Such great information on garden paths ❤

[@michaeljonesdougherty.209]

Great video ❤I love gardens pathways it's like where do they go . I have mulch pathways trough my garden the turn so you have to keep going to see what's around the next part . I like that nature feel

[@MAPhotoSociety]

So full of great information!

[@jenjoy4353]

Totally agree about landscape fabric

[@user-dj8mo8ie2x]

I love my torch! Always keep a hose near by. So I have always burnt them beyond so will have to follow your advice. Really enjoyed the path info!!

[@kerryharvey6365]

I love this. I'm in the middle of designing some paths for my house. The only things I would add would be -- think about what/who will be travelling on the paths. Do you need to get equipment/ride-on mower etc., through there? Do you want it to be wide enough for two people to walk side by side or single file? Same with gates -- what needs to fit through them? I love the flame weeder. I definitely would like to get one of those. That's impressive that the hoselink solar lights have lasted many years. Most solar landscape lights I've tried usually die in under a year. Which type of the weathered steel edging did you use -- the flex?

[@beverlymartin179]

Such great information! Thanks.

[@franthomas5867]

TY for this video , Erin! So timely bc I was completely stumpted for ideas from a front yard agragate driveway, across grass and to a new royal Orangrie greenhouse!

[@janaeshaffer266]

And that torch looks fun...idk if my husband would allow me to have a fire tool before him though😂

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Thank you! Exactly what I needed to see today!

[@daiseegray9110]

Love your path! Great advice! 🌼🐝

[@fungrammacat]

Oh thank you so much. I’ve collected materials , etc but hss as be been timid to start the process. I needed this video. Thank you so much! Cathy, Salt Lake City

[@fleurjardin1012]

Great informative video, Erin. I learned a lot! Thank you.

[@dellablair5854]

I had to laugh watching you do that. We had a tallow tree. Do not ever plant one. They are terrible and invasive. My husband went out there and vacuumed up a bunch of the little seeds. It dropped. He got tired of bending over. So he went and got a large piece of PVC piping. And put it all over the nozzle. So he could stand up and vacuum. It was quite funny

[@matthewheeke4377]

I do have the smaller hand held weed torch. I have used it for a few years now. It is my favorite tool in the garden. Be careful because I have caught mulch on fire a time or two 😂😂😂😂. My husband worries about my toes because I’m always in flip flops.

[@sjchandra477]

Erin thank you very informative. I'll never look at a garden path the same way again.

[@moniquehamilton7391]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️

[@elizabethgilliam4156]

This video came at the perfect time! We are making plans to turn a mulch path into a stone/gravel path. Thanks for being so thorough!

[@gailbattaglia5800]

Ver helpful, Erin. Thank you!

[@betsymaltby6788]

Excellent safety tips.

[@cindysmith1830]

Your garden is beautiful! Thank you for this video, I found it very informative. I had to have 2 large trees cut down this spring and it really changed my backyard, and not in a good way. So now I am starting all over on thinking out some type of garden plan for next year, which I want to add paths to it. This season end I am working on researching some type of fast growing trees/large shrubs to help with view of yard and shade for future. Thanks again for this video. I live in Michigan so our zones are similar and what applies to your yard can apply to mine.

[@sunnydew18]

Very informative! You gave me multiple things to think about when designing a path, and I enjoy your sense of humor. Thank you!