How do I build a brick path in my kitchen garden?

[ale1981]

Hi everyone.

I have a kitchen garden, it's really great the way it is but I want to improve it. Mainly because I have learnt many things through British tv shows and books and one thing I'd like to start with is the look.

Has anyone seen the Edible Garden on BBC2? I suppose it's quite common in Britain to have a brick path like that of Alys Fowler so I thought I'd just ask you guys how to do it. Do you think the bricks are just laid down with no base? Is there a way not to have weeds growing through the bricks?

My main problem is bindweed, which is growing in that area.
Thanks in advance for any help!

[Tom J]

to make sure it stays level and to stop weeds, put a layer or hardcore down, then a layer of sand. you could line the sides of your trench with landscape fabric to stop weeds coming through

[bluebell]

well, I'm no landscaper but (of course depending on the soil) it shouldn't be necessary to create an extra-foundation as long as the bricks are level. to keep weeds away I'd also suggest putting some sand or possibly gravel between the bricks...

[Digindeep]

Dig out said path, at least 6" deep (150mm), edge the trench, add 2" (50mm) of hardcore and whaker it down. Add a further 2" (50mm ) sand whaker it down. Making sure its level and flat (ish) or gently follows the lay of the land..lay bricks...tip sand over the top and brush inbetween bricks. Job Done ....always better to have an edge or boarder to the path, while you are constructing it. Whacker/ compactor from a hire shop, between 15 and 20 quid a day....better the base the longer it will last...say every other year use weedkiller or what ever your choice and it should be fairly mantainance free...best of luck..

[EddieJ]

I haven't seen the paths in question that you are talkng about, but over the years have laid many myself.
Construction method is very dependent upon budget, intended use, and material.
My preferred method when laying for example stock bricks as shown below on some paving that I did in front of a garage, is to lay a concrete base first, then lay the bricks over a mortar bed. I would never use a compactor plate on stock bricks, as they are inherently weak when used in that way.



Digindeep has it pretty well covered though for when using purpose designed paving bricks, and possibly one of the only things that I would do differently is to use a Terram 1000 membrane underneath. It has the advantage of spreading load, and also in some respects it helps to act as a weed/root barrier. They will still find there way up the sides, but hopefully decent weed removal before starting the project should have eliminated them anyway.


I'll try and dig out some photos of brick pathways that I have constructed around and across gardens.

[rickskathy]

These all information can be depending on them these all things are great to know about i like it so much. It can be constructed around across the garden.

[albasnians]

I use this method to calculate the required number of bricks around the garden path, and for each internal path, and then a good way to add 100 more. I came to 800 the total number of bricks. To avoid shipping fees, I borrowed a truck transporting bricks.