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Your flower garden can be a colorful showcase of many varieties of plants and vines. One of the most important things you will need in your garden, though, is a pathway for walking through so the garden itself remains undisturbed and not treaded on. A dirt path is not only plain, but it can become muddy, rutty, and messy.
A great way to jazz up your garden as well as make a clean, neat, easy-to-navigate pathway, is to make and add stepping stones to your garden. These are easy to make and are relatively inexpensive as well.
You can make your garden stepping stones one of two ways. Either you can purchase molds at your local garden store, or you can make your own type of molds by cutting two by four wood pieces and then nailing them together into the shapes you desire. You can make squares, diamonds, etc. One of the drawbacks of purchased molds is that you can usually only make one or two garden stepping stones at a time. One of the advantages of them is that you can purchase molds in a variety of shapes.
No matter how you choose to make your desired shapes, you will need to purchase several bags of mortar from your local home supply store. Be sure to purchase enough mortar to make as many garden stepping stones as you will need to complete your project.
The first thing to do,after you have obtained your supplies, is to get your mold ready. Then, follow the directions on the mortar bag and mix your first batch up. Be careful with handling the mortar as it is a caustic substance. Wear gloves and take care not to splash the mortar on your bare arms, face, etc. Pour or scoop the mortar into your mold, tapping it down firmly to make sure the mold is completely filled with the mortar. Smooth the mortar top with a trowel. Let the stone cure for several days until they are completely hardened. Remove the stone from the mold and place it in your garden path.
The fastest way to make your garden stepping stones all at once is to make several molds. Then, decide the exact locations of where the stones will be set in your garden. Next, dig shallow holes at each location, and then place a mold over each hole. Make sure to press down firmly on each mold. Then, mix your mortar and pour it into each mold. Let the molds set undisturbed for several days so they can thoroughly dry. Finally, remove each mold.
You can personalize each one of your garden stepping stones in a variety of ways. You can, while the mortar is still wet, use a pencil or other small object, to write your name, the date, or other sentiment in your stepping stones. You might choose to write something like "Susan's Garden", or let your kids write their names and birthdates on each stone. Youcould also choose to place a handprint of each child in your garden stepping stones. Be sure they wash their hands immediately as the mortar mix is caustic.
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