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Charlie creates a gorgeous side garden

From a dull and unloved side passage to a green and beautiful side oasis.
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That narrow passage that runs along the side of your home serves its purpose by taking you from A to B – perhaps from the kitchen to the fuse box or bins. There can be up to 40sqm of pavers and a bit of dirt on the side here, but not much else. Wasted space!

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WATCH: Charlie shows you how to landscape a narrow passage

So turn it into a destination where you can stop, take time out from life’s hassles, be alone with your thoughts and even create a private book nook if there’s room. Then look around at other unused spaces and see what you can reclaim! Be inspired by Charlie’s stunning garden ideas in this clever makeover.

Before

Side path before
Unloved and unused

After

Side garden makeover complete
A gorgeous and green spot to relax (Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)

Step-by-step: how to lay a garden path

Gather your supplies

You’ll also need

  • Shovel
  • Stringline
  • Tape measure
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Brickie’s sand
  • Cement
  • Spirit level
  • Rubber mallet
  • Trowel
  • Drop cloth

Step 1

Charlie Albone removing old pavers in garden
Step 1 (Credit: Greg Fahey) (Credit: Greg Fahey)
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Remove the existing stepping stones and any garden edging. 

Step 2

How to landscape a narrow passage down the side of a house
Step 2 (Credit: Greg Fahey) (Credit: Greg Fahey)

Set up stringline which will mark the outside line and level of your path. Measure off an existing feature, such as the fence, so the path seems straight in relation to it.

Step 3

Using the stringline as a guide, excavate to suit the level of the new stepping stones. Make the ground the thickness of a paver plus 40mm below the stringline.

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Step 4

Mixing cement in a wheelbarrow
Step 4 (Credit: Greg Fahey) (Credit: Greg Fahey)

In a wheelbarrow, mix up brickie’s sand and cement in a ratio of 6:1. Add water to make a mortar mix. Make the mix on the stiff side rather than runny so the mortar will hold the weight of the pavers.

Step 5

Level the paver
Step 5 (Credit: Greg Fahey) (Credit: Greg Fahey)

Lay a bed of mortar about 50mm thick for a pair of pavers. Lay your first paver in the bed so the top corner meets the stringline. Use a spirit level and rubber mallet to make sure the paver is level. Lay a second paver next to the first, using spirit level to check they’re level with each other.

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Step 6

Measuring distance between pavers
Step 6 (Credit: Greg Fahey) (Credit: Greg Fahey)

Lay another bed of mortar for the next row of pavers, then lay the first paver. Measure the distance so second row is 200mm from the first. Lay second paver next to this, maintaining the distance.

Step 7

Haunch around the pavers
Step 7 (Credit: Greg Fahey) (Credit: Greg Fahey)

Use a trowel to haunch around the pavers, splaying the mortar on an angle away from the pavers.

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Step 8

Lay the row of pavers
Step 8 (Credit: Greg Fahey) (Credit: Greg Fahey)

Continue laying rows of pavers to create your stepping stone path. If space permits, extend the rows of pavers to create room for a bench seat. Leave for at least 24 hours for mortar to set.

Step 9

Charlie planting plants
Step 9 (Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)

Cover path with a drop cloth to protect it while you put plants in garden in garden beds.

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Step 10

Charlie Albone filling the gaps with stones
Step 10 (Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)

Fill the gaps between stepping stones with river pebbles.

Step 11

Charlie installing garden lights
Step 11 (Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)

Install garden lighting according to the instructions or employ an electrician.

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Step 12

Charlie Albone spreading mulch
Step 12 (Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)

Spread mulch on soil around plants. 

Plants for your side garden

Plants for your side garden
(Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)

Make the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Senkai’) your centrepiece and delight in its seasonal changes.

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Garden light on pavers
(Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)

Shine a light on the pebbles to highlight their colour and texture. Pretty!

Dusky Fountain
(Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)

Contrast the textures of Carex ‘Dusky Fountain’ and the dwarf Tibouchina ‘Jules’.

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Garden seat in side garden
(Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)

Vary the height and textures of your plants, but keep them low around your reading nook. The two-seater Keta Jute lounge is from Inartisan.

Cousin It plant
(Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)

The fascinating Casurina glauca ‘Cousin It’ adds personality plus to your garden. 

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Jade plant
(Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)

The rich, glossy leaves of the jade plant (Crassula ovata) are versatile and no-fuss!

Lilipilies in side garden
(Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)
Lily pilly
(Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)
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Plant a row of weeping lily pillies (Waterhousea floribunda) to create a soft, gentle screen). 

Salvia
(Credit: Brent Wilson) (Credit: Brent Wilson)

The vibrant purple flowers of Salvia ‘Amistad’ emerge from black bracts from January to April. Dramatic but easy-care and a good grower, it’s an ideal edging plant for your path.

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