Design concrete path with stairs and wall area

I think a coat of paint would visually make a big difference.

It's too dark for me. I believe the problem will be exactly the same even after painting, that sooner or later moss and lichens will settle because due to the low position and narrow strip the moisture has no other way out. As a result, it will probably look scummy again. Personally, I like the weathered concrete in the garden. The staircase also has charm with the curved corner. Concrete is the mirror of transience. I think I would focus more on planting, for example also in tall slender containers in the corridor, with downward trailing and evergreen ground cover on, that is behind the wall.

I actually didn't find it so bad either.. ;) In summer, with many plants, it surely looks quite different.

I also find the weathered concrete more beautiful than any paints or coatings. Actually, I find the upper slab path much more disturbing and would replace it with natural or suitable concrete stones. The small wall would get a wooden trellis that extends up to the top step of the lower stairs. I would probably plant wild grapevine or something similarly low-maintenance on it. I would permanently sacrifice the flower bed above the wall for this. Should sudden wealth occur, I would tear everything down and completely pave it. :cool:

Since I have an idea of what is possible with concrete nowadays, I am becoming more and more fond of the material. One idea that comes to mind regarding your concrete path would be to try sanding it: Terrazzo is made that way and often looks great (also in front of my door). You only need to sand off a few millimeters, which would change the heights very little. I would test it with an angle grinder in an "unimportant" spot and – if I like it – either do it myself (tedious) or hire a professional company (probably not cheap). By the way, I also think: the path already has a certain charm as it is. It’s not "stunning," but it is there – and I also like the suggestion with the plants ... :)

Thank you very much for your ideas. I will have a look at how I will implement everything in the spring. Probably not much will happen. I still quite like the idea with the [Verblender] and maybe painting the stairs in the upper area. I will probably spruce up the rest a bit with a few flowers.