How To Make A Free DIY Crazy Paving Path

This DIY Crazy Paving Path is brought to you by the kindness of neighbours! More accurately, Allotment neighbours. See how I turned a pile of Free Broken flags into a whimsical, cottage style Crazy Paving Grass path.

The Allotment

This Grass veined Path is on my Allotment Plot. If you are unfamiliar with what an Allotment Plot is, it is basically a rented patch of land, tended for the purpose of growing vegetables, herbs and whatever else makes you happy! See my Shed of the Year Post

Since I do not own this land but merely rent it, I dont throw a lot of money at it…everything is either, repurposed, recycled or free, See my Potting Shelter post. Now, does that mean it can’t be pretty? Hell No! I feel I have mastered the art of frugality! If there is a way to produce a high end look for a low end price, you can bet i’ll find a way!

That Pinterest Look

Ah Pinterest…love it dont we? It is equal amounts Inspiring and Jealousy inducing. Intricate expensive stone pathways, rose covered Oak verandas and white picket fences. I tell you now, I can’t afford that aesthetic! And most importantly, I wouldn’t spend it, even if I could. Why? Because I enjoy the labour of creating my own version of it. I get a huge amount of satisfaction from getting my hands dirty, making it happen myself, and saving a few quid too!

What You’ll need for a Crazy Paving Path

There is no secret to this path, it really is as simple as it looks! Here’s a few things you’ll need to create your own Crazy Paving Grass Path.

  • Broken Paving Flags
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Yard Brush
  • Lump Hammer
  • Chisel
  • Grass seed
  • Top Soil (Or any Old Soil you have to hand)

Crazy Paving Base

When Laying Crazy Paving, in most cases you need to lay a cement base, I didn’t do that! You could also, as a cheaper alternative, lay a sand base, I didn’t do that either! I’m all about the budget, especially at the Allotment, so I skipped the base and hoped it would be fine, as it turned out…it was!

Grass Lines

I wanted to grow grass between the cracks for a more naturally aged decayed look! I felt certain that any loose stones would be stabilised once the earth and grass between them was in place…I was right, 2 years on the path is as solid as a rock! There has also been no sinkage either. * Note – This is not a particularly high traffic path.

Laying The Crazy Paving

Before Laying The Broken Paving Stones, I cleared the area of any stones and weeds, then raked it over. I then laid the stones on top, making sure to leave small gaps in between. Some of the stones were too big for certain spaces-which is where the lump hammer and Chisel came in.

I simply placed the chisel on the stone I wanted to split, then whacked it with the hammer to break it in half (I found that part quite fun) What you are ultimately doing is creating a mosaic, a one of a kind creation, only you can make! An opportunity to be Creative!

Filling The Gaps

Fill a Wheelbarrow with some topsoil or dig up some dirt from your garden or allotment. Dump it on top of your Crazy paved path, then brush it into the gaps with a heavy garden brush or rake. Make sure every gap is filled and the stones are snug.

Let it Rest

Let the path rest overnight, allowing it a period of settling before you sow the grass seed

How to Sow Grass Seed

Affiliate Links

This is the Grass Seed I used- Buy GBW Grass Seed (GBW is a fast-growing grass seed. Hard-wearing and produces rapid germination with consistent growth)

With a hose lightly water the soil in the gaps (if it’s not already moist) Then sprinkle the Grass seeds evenly on top, make sure the soil always remains moist but not sodden. Leave to germinate, try not to step on it. (Around late April is a good time to sow Grass seed) You should begin to see grass shoots within 2 weeks.

New Life

In no time, little sprouts will begin to emerge. Look at those gorgeous little tufts of green! In a matter of weeks every little nook and cranny will be filled.

2 weeks later

Let it Grow

The picture below is around 8 weeks later and the grass is already becoming established.

Crazy Paving Grass
8 weeks later

Ongoing Care

Very Little care is needed for maintaining this Crazy Paving path apart from trimming. This can be done with either a strimmer or lawnmower to keep it looking tidy.

Crazy Paving with Grass

Looking For more DIY posts ?

DIY Shed from Old Doors

DIY Potting Shelter

DIY Greenhouse Makeover

Looking For More Growing Posts?

How to Grow Dahlias

How To Grow Sweet Pea

How To Grow Snapdragons

How to Grow Ranunculus

Edible Flowers

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2 Comments

  1. ray evans-nixon April 6, 2023
    • Kelly April 7, 2023

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