EASY step-by-steps TO REVAMP A GARDEN SIDE PATH

Build retaining steps with sleepers to landscape a sloping side passage, then finish with rustic edging, pebbles and plants.

Gather your supplies

• 3m treated pine sleepers 150 x 50mm

• Garden soil

• 1180 x 200mm steel edging strips and interlocking corners • Assorted plants

• Large and 30-40mm pebbles

You’ll also need

Tape measure; set-out paint; circular saw; spirit level; drill; bugle and hex head timber screws; shovel; wheelbarrow; pliers; high-strength construction adhesive; caulking gun; trowel

FOR YOU TO NOTE

• The edging used here has a decorative rust look but is made from steel that won’t corrode.

• It is illegal to remove pebbles from nature, but you can buy them from landscape suppliers.

Here’s how

STEP 1 Clear the area, then use a tape measure and paint to mark sleeper locations for retaining steps and garden beds. STEP 2 Cut sleepers to length for risers using a circular saw. Position first riser against 2 sleepers for step sides, securing with bugle screws.

STEP 3 Position remaining step sides, excavating so they sit at different heights, checking for level. Cut a 50mm notch at each end of 2 risers. Slot risers into place where 2 side sleepers meet.

STEP 4 Screw through risers into step sides to secure and skew-screw through riser ends.

STEP 5 Position last riser against step sides and secure with screws. (TIP: add posts to reinforce sides.)

STEP 6 Fill each step tread area with soil and level it.

STEP 7 Join edging strips and interlocking corners using pliers.

STEP 8 Position edging on riser faces and apply adhesive. Edging will sit 50mm proud of sleepers.

STEP 9 Secure edging to risers and sides with hex head screws.

STEP 10 Arrange plants in beds. Make planting holes with a trowel, position plants, backfill and firm down soil, then water in well. Mulch beds with pebbles.

STEP 11 Position large pebbles where they will be seen.

STEP 12 Fill retaining steps with 30-40mm pebbles, spreading with a shovel.