Brick pathways have an uncanny ability to transform even the simplest garden into a destination. Over the years designing gardens in Portland and beyond, I’ve learned that the right pathway isn’t just a way through your yard—it’s an experience in itself.
Create Timeless Appeal with a Herringbone Brick Path
I’ll never forget laying my first herringbone brick pathway for a client’s historic bungalow—the interlocking angles instantly made the walkway feel established, as if it had always been there. This classic pattern not only adds visual energy but also resists shifting over time, making it a go-to in my own backyard as well.
What you might need:
- Clay garden pathway bricks: Create a classic herringbone pattern in your garden with durable clay bricks for lasting beauty.
- Polymeric sand for brick joints: Lock your bricks in place and minimize weed growth by using easy-to-apply polymeric joint sand.
- Landscape edging for pathways: Keep your herringbone brick path looking neat with sturdy, easy-to-install landscape pathway edging.
Why Not Try a Winding Brick Walkway?
One lesson I learned early: a gently curving brick path draws visitors into the landscape, encouraging them to slow down and notice the plantings along the way. In my own garden, curves transformed a utilitarian shortcut into a meandering stroll lined with lavender and soft grasses.
Get the gear:
- Interlocking Brick Paver Kit: Create a stunning winding pathway in your garden with durable, easy-to-install interlocking brick pavers.
- Flexible Landscape Edging: Define the gentle curves of your brick walkway and keep borders neat with bendable landscape edging.
- Decorative Outdoor Pathway Lighting: Illuminate your walkway and highlight your garden’s best features with easy-to-install path lighting fixtures.
Turn Heads with a Basketweave Brick Pattern
One client in Portland wanted something playful for their cottage garden, so we used a basketweave pattern—the crisscrossing bricks created a lively rhythm against a sea of daisies. The texture underfoot is as delightful as it is eye-catching, perfect for anyone who loves a touch of whimsy.
Options that might work:
- Clay Garden Pathway Bricks: Lay vibrant, classic bricks for a charming basketweave pattern that complements your cottage garden walkway.
- Landscape Edging Stones: Keep your pathway tidy—use edging stones to create a clean transition from brick to garden bed.
- Weed Barrier Fabric for Walkways: Install weed barrier fabric under your bricks to help maintain a low-maintenance, picturesque garden path.
Feel the Warmth: Red Brick with Lush Green Borders
Stepping onto a red brick pathway bordered by thick, emerald hostas, you can almost smell the earth after a summer rain. The contrast between the warm bricks and cool green foliage always reminds me how much color and texture matter in pathway design.
These products might be useful:
- Red Brick Pavers for Pathways: Create a charming, durable walkway by installing classic red brick pavers in your garden path.
- Hosta Perennial Plants: Line your walkway with lush green hostas for an inviting, vibrant border that thrives in shaded gardens.
- Garden Edging Tools: Keep your brick path borders neat with handy garden edging tools designed for easy maintenance and shaping.
Go Bold: Mix-and-Match Brick Colors for Personality
Once, a daring client asked me to use salvaged bricks in a patchwork of reds, browns, and creams—the result was a colorful brick pathway that felt like a piece of garden art. Mixing brick colors gives your path its own personality and tells the story of your space.
Grab the essentials:
- Assorted Color Garden Pathway Bricks: Transform your garden with a mix of brick colors for a unique and vibrant pathway design.
- Brick Paver Jointing Sand: Secure your colorful pathway with jointing sand for a stable, durable, and finished look.
- Landscape Edging Bricks: Frame your creative walkway with decorative edging bricks for a neat and polished appearance.
Discover the Beauty of Curved Brick Edging
During a recent project, I discovered that using curved brick edging alongside a straight path softens the look and keeps mulch in check. It’s a small detail, but one that makes the whole walkway pop, especially when paired with gravel or low plantings.
To help you get the job done:
- Flexible landscape edging for curved brick paths: Effortlessly create smooth, curved edges for your brick walkway and keep gravel and mulch in place.
- Clay or concrete garden border bricks: Enhance your pathway with durable edging bricks, perfect for defining curves in any garden design.
- Pea gravel for landscaping: Finish the look with attractive pea gravel, ideal for filling spaces around your brick pathway edges.
Ever Thought of a Brick Path with Moss in the Joints?
I once let moss fill the gaps of a brick walkway in my shade garden, and the soft, green carpet underfoot completely changed the feeling of the space. It’s a gentle touch that connects the hardscape to the living landscape in a way that’s pure magic.
Useful items to consider:
- Moss starter kit for pathways: Give your brick path a lush, soft look by adding a moss starter kit to the joints.
- Brick pathway edging tool: Keep your mossy brick path looking tidy with a reliable tool for crisp pathway edges.
- Compact garden sprayer: Maintain healthy, vibrant moss between your bricks by misting regularly with a convenient garden sprayer.
Lead Guests with a Brick Pathway to a Hidden Garden Nook
In one of my favorite backyard projects, a narrow brick path curved behind hydrangeas and led to a secret bench under a maple tree—the client’s favorite reading spot. A pathway can be an invitation to discover the unexpected if you let it twist and turn.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Decorative garden bench: Create a cozy reading nook by adding a classic garden bench for comfortable outdoor relaxation and charm.
- Outdoor hydrangea plant set: Enhance your garden path with vibrant hydrangea plants that bring lush color to shady spaces.
- Curved brick edging kit: Define your winding pathway easily with flexible brick edging kits designed for smooth, natural curves.
Add Instant Age with Reclaimed Brick
I’m always amazed how using reclaimed brick makes a newly installed pathway look like it’s been there for generations. The chips, color variation, and weathered surfaces create instant character—perfect for cottage gardens or homes with history.
Essentials for this look:
- Reclaimed Brick Pavers: Transform your pathway with authentic reclaimed brick pavers for instant historic charm and vintage character.
- Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric: Lay down weed barrier fabric beneath your bricks to help reduce maintenance and keep pathways looking tidy.
- Polymeric Sand for Brick Joints: Secure your reclaimed bricks and minimize weeds by filling joints with durable polymeric sand for pathways.
Surprise with a Zigzag Brick Pathway
A client once asked for a zigzag layout instead of the usual sweep—what a conversation starter! Laying bricks in a sharp, angular pattern made the entire backyard feel dynamic and modern, truly an unexpected brick pathway idea.
Possibly handy products:
- Interlocking Garden Bricks: Design your own zigzag path with easy-to-install interlocking bricks perfect for any garden shape or size.
- Brick Paver Edging Kit: Enhance pathway borders with sturdy brick paver edging, making your zigzag design crisp and clean.
- Heavy Duty Landscape Fabric: Lay landscape fabric beneath your brick pathway to help deter weeds and maintain a neat look year-round.
Can You Blend Brick and Gravel for a Laid-Back Look?
For clients who love a relaxed, natural style, I sometimes alternate brick pavers with gravel—the loose stones soften the edges and let rainwater drain easily. It’s a low-key, easy-to-maintain path that still feels thoughtfully designed.
You might like:
- Garden pathway edging kit: Create defined lines between your brick and gravel to maintain a clean, professional look in your pathway.
- Decorative pea gravel for landscaping: Choose natural decorative pea gravel to soften your brick pathway and enhance drainage around your garden.
- Interlocking garden brick pavers: Add charm to your walkway with interlocking brick pavers designed for easy installation and long-lasting appeal.
Embrace Modern Lines with a Straight Brick Walkway
Sometimes, nothing beats a straight, modern brick path—I used one recently with crisp, clean edges to complement a mid-century home’s minimalist vibe. The simplicity sets off the surrounding landscape and makes every plant pop.
May just do the trick:
- Rectangular Brick Pavers: Create a sleek, modern pathway by installing uniform rectangular brick pavers for crisp and clean lines.
- Landscape Edging for Walkways: Define your modern walkway and keep edges sharp with durable landscape edging along both sides.
- Weed Barrier Fabric: Prevent weed growth under your path by installing a tough weed barrier fabric before laying the bricks.
Illuminate Your Path: In-Pathway Lighting for Nighttime Drama
In my own garden, I embedded LED lights between bricks for a subtle glow at dusk—suddenly, the path felt magical and safe to navigate after dark. It’s a small upgrade that makes a huge difference for evening gatherings.
Products that may fit:
- Outdoor LED Pathway Lights: Enhance your walkway with easy-to-install LED pathway lights for added safety and stunning evening ambiance.
- Waterproof Solar Garden Lights: Brighten your garden path sustainably with solar-powered lights that automatically turn on at dusk, no wiring needed.
- Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Kit: Install a complete low voltage lighting system for consistent light along your brick pathway all evening long.
Dare to Border with Contrasting Stone
One lesson I learned working with bold clients: bordering a brick pathway with contrasting stone—like slate or granite—creates a striking frame that instantly elevates the design. It’s especially effective if you want the path to really stand out from the lawn or beds.
Consider these options:
- Slate Garden Pathway Stones: Transform your walkways with durable slate stones for a classic, eye-catching contrasting design.
- Brick Edging Pavers: Create crisp, professional pathway borders by adding brick pavers for a traditional accent look.
- Granite Landscape Edging Stones: Highlight your path with weather-resistant granite edging stones for a bold, polished border.
Unexpected: Floating Brick Stepping Stones in Grass
For a playful twist, I once set individual bricks as stepping stones directly in a grassy lawn, spacing them widely for a floating effect. It’s a quirky look that surprises visitors and works beautifully in informal garden spaces.
These products might help:
- Red Clay Bricks for Garden Paths: Create charming floating stepping stones by adding classic red clay bricks directly into your green lawn.
- Lawn Edging Tool: Make neat spaces for every brick stepping stone using a simple lawn edging tool for easy installation.
- Leveling Sand for Hardscapes: Ensure your brick stepping stones stay flat by leveling each spot with easy-to-use hardscape sand.
