Front Walk Construction: Gravel In Place

– Posted in: Front Walk, Hardscaping and Projects
15 comments

gravel in trench for stone walkwayWork continues on the front walkway as the menfolk have time, ambition, and supplies ready to hand. Yes, you need all three to get anything done. I suppose it helps to know what you’re doing, too. Here’s what happened May 18th while I was at the Ithaca Plant Sale. First, the mailbox was moved out of the way, but no one took a picture of that.

excavation for stone walk

The last little bits of dirt were removed and the edges were squared off. Photo by Rundy Purdy

measure to ensure the proper depth of excavation

Rundy checked to make sure the trench was excavated to the proper depth. Photo by Rundy Purdy

shoveling stone into a wheelbarrow

Time to move that crushed stone out of the driveway and into the trench. Fun, fun, fun. Photo by Rundy Purdy

crushed stone sub-base added to trench

This looks like three wheelbarrows worth of crushed stone. Photo by Rundy Purdy

crushed stone sub-base in excavated front walk

About halfway there! I’m back from the plant sale and chatting with my mom. Photo by Rundy Purdy

All the crushed stone for the sub-base has been added.

All the crushed stone for the sub-base has been added. Photo by Rundy Purdy

The crushed stone sub-base has been raked smooth.

The crushed stone has been raked smooth. Photo by Rundy Purdy

tamping crushed stone by hand

Rundy tamps down the crushed stone. Note that the mailbox is no longer in the center of the walk.

crushed stone sub-base tamped down

The crushed stone sub-base has been tamped, and now awaits a bed of sand and the irregularly shaped Pennsylvania bluestone pavers. Photo by Rundy Purdy

The Front Walk Story

If you are just joining us, the rest of the front walk posts can be found here:

And Rundy’s take on things: Earth Hugger and Photos: Walk Construction 1st Day

About the Author

Kathy Purdy is a colchicum evangelist, converting unsuspecting gardeners into colchicophiles. She gardens in rural upstate NY, which used to be USDA Hardiness Zone 4 but is now Zone 5. Kathy’s been writing since 4th grade, gardening since high school, and blogging since 2002. Find her on Instagram as kopurdy.

If winter is slumber and spring is birth, and summer is life, then autumn rounds out to be reflection. It’s a time of year when the leaves are down and the harvest is in and the perennials are gone. Mother Earth just closed up the drapes on another year and it’s time to reflect on what’s come before.

~Mitchell Burgess in Northern Exposure

Comments on this entry are closed.

Phillip Murray June 11, 2013, 10:19 pm

A great labor of LOVE!, Canโ€™t wait to see the final result..

Gail June 7, 2013, 8:47 am

I bet it’s almost completed now!

Jenny June 3, 2013, 6:43 am

Now the fun stuff begins.

????? ????? June 2, 2013, 10:00 am

And you’re not using geotextile?

Diane C June 1, 2013, 11:09 pm

I’m impressed with the depth of digging to put in the walkway. I cringe at loosening 2″ of soil!

Jacqui May 31, 2013, 12:24 pm

I can’t wait to see the final result. I also want a front walk but it is very hard to decide what materials and style I want. Now I am excited to see yours because I am really looking for an inspiration.

Aaron May 31, 2013, 12:14 pm

This is great labor of love, I am sure Rundy must have been tired, exhausted and yet happy after looking at the end result.

Sam Peri May 30, 2013, 9:55 pm

This looks like a great project, Kathy. I’m also planning to do the same thing but we will hire professionals. Definitely, I will join the front walk story. Thanks for sharing. ๐Ÿ™‚

Jane Abston May 29, 2013, 6:14 am

Hi Kathy,

I did a similar project years ago but it’s shorter compared to the length of your front walk. Our front walk is made up of adobe and lime stones. Until now, it looks great. ๐Ÿ˜€

Carol - May Dreams Gardens May 27, 2013, 1:36 pm

Looks great! I need a Rundy around my place to dig, haul rocks, tamp down stuff.

Cindy, MCOK May 27, 2013, 1:21 pm

It’s going to look great when it’s done, Kathy!

Donalyn May 27, 2013, 1:08 pm

I will have to come and see this masterpiece in person!

Frances May 27, 2013, 1:08 pm

Excellent!

Layanee May 27, 2013, 12:13 pm

From dreams to reality. Looking good.

Donna@Gardens Eye View May 27, 2013, 11:23 am

Wow Kathy it is certainly coming along and just think soon it will be done and look fabulous!