Brighten your garden this spring with stepping stones

Creating a walkway in your garden or lawn with stepping stones is a great idea for several reasons.

It is a fun way to add a decorative element, other than with plants, in your garden and they prevent your plants from being stepped on and crushed.

The stones also stop you from walking on the soil, which would be pressed down and hinder a plant’s growth.

Plus your shoes won’t become so messy.

Follow these simple steps to give your garden a fresh new look.

Step one. Construct 13ins square wood frames out of pieces of 2x4.

If you are have the skills you could construct different shapes for your stones.

Step two. Purchase concrete mix  — ask at the Gorham’s lumber shed about the different types of concrete, such as smooth or rough finish.

Mix it according to directions and pour it into the frames. The frames should be laid on a flat surface with plastic under them.

Step three. Here is the fun and creative part — drawing designs into the concrete.

Think back when you were a child or have your child help you.

You can add your handprints or draw flowers, vines, rainbows, animals or even your family.

You could also write words such as ‘Kim’s garden’, ‘welcome’, ‘I love gardening’ and so on into the stones.

Step four. Remove the frame and allow the concrete to dry overnight.

Step five. Set the stones into the garden and enjoy walking in your newly decorated outdoor haven.

Henry Durham is the assistant general manager at Gorham’s, St. John’s Road, Pembroke. Ask him or any of the staff in-store for further advice about DIY projects and the necessary tools and materials. You can also log on to www.gorhams-ltd.com.