Decorative Stone Aggregates: 9 Ways to Use Gravel in Landscaping
18/4/2023
18/4/2023
January 19, 2022
Garden gravels comprise a collection of loose rock fragments primarily consisting of basalt, limestone, and sandstone. The unspoiled beauty and versatility of these stone aggregates offer a range of practical and decorative uses.
They designate focal points, improve drainages, protect against soil erosion, and can transform a dull backyard into a great outdoor space you love spending time in. Here are nine ways gravel spruces up and improves your garden and outdoor areas.
Landscapers and architects have used garden gravels for decades due to their versatility and minimal maintenance requirements.
As a landscape aggregate, gravel and pebbles can remedy acute water accumulation. Digging gravel-filled trenches (called a French drain) can redirect water and disperse it somewhere more appropriate. The gravel in the trench prevents debris from collecting and impeding the flow of water.
Sometimes, a perforated pipe is placed at the bottom of the trench to better channel the water, and gravel is strewn over the pipes to keep debris away from the drain. The recommended size for a gravel drain of the French variety without a pipe is roughly 1.5 inches.
Many advocate gravel as a better aesthetic choice for the bottom of ponds because it’s natural-looking and adequately conceals liners. More than that, it lightens the bottom of the pond, fostering a pleasant environment for fish.
Not only does gravel keep the water clean, but it also provides a surface area or biological environment beneficial for bacteria to break down organic sludge, as well as media for aquatic plants to attach to their roots, further bolstering a thriving underwater ecosystem.
Gravel stone chippings are one of the most affordable surface options available, especially for homes with long driveways. It doesn’t age or cracks, and when installed with gravel grids, the stone chippings won’t migrate as easily. If your property is prone to movement, or if you have large tree roots, gravel driveways will provide you with greater flexibility than pavers.
Colored gravel for driveways adds ochre and red-brown hues to an otherwise traditional gray aggregate, which most associate with this landscaping material. Maintaining gravel periodically with herbicides (to halt weed growth) and adding a new lawyer every two to four years is much quicker than re-laying or replacing pavers.
Alpine, rockeries, and gravel gardens are an excellent choice if you require a low-maintenance outdoor area or have poor soil and unstable weather patterns. Unlike organic mulching materials, gravel doesn't decay or deteriorate over time, so there’s no need for replacement year after year.
The lack of decay keeps unhealthy pests at bay, while its permeability keeps the soil moist for longer. Suitable types of gravel for gardens include loose gravel mixed with pebbles or colored pea gravel. Lastly, because gravel isn’t as unstable as soil, flowerbeds keep shape for longer and don’t have to be edged as frequently.
Gravel paths are easy and affordable to install. Decorative aggregates and stone chips for the garden add a pop of color to outdoor spaces. A gravel pathway can complement an existing landscape design scheme and highlight rocks, plants, and other garden features.
Strategic garden paths and walkways also give landscapes structure and delineation. They may follow a grand pattern, allow for the ease of pruning and weeding, and protect the grass and tender plants from being trampled upon.
Gravel and pebbles are the perfect material to put around patio edges, fill small or irregular paving gaps and even cover the surface of indoor flowerbeds. These small stone aggregates’ unique texture and aesthetic can easily enhance a room or external area through strategic design.
Garden gravels are a low-maintenance and neat substitute for a lawn. Gravel eliminates the need for constant watering, mowing, and fertilizing. Reducing water and chemical use in the yard benefits the environment, especially during dry months. Plus, your landscape will always appear manicured.
Consider this: If 60% to 70% of household water is used outdoor, particularly for watering grass, then gravel can significantly reduce water utility bills, and it is suitable for both traditional and contemporary garden designs.
Natural stone pebbles for landscaping borders give a flowerbed a finished look and keep plants contained. The best gravel for a border is one that complements other garden elements like planting and patios.
Colored pea gravel comes in a range of colors, including neutral tones like gray and brown and vibrant hues of pink and blue, adding a decorative element to beautiful gardens. Lastly, rock borders can also slow flower bed soil erosion.
Landscapers cover flower beds with gravel because these garden chippings last really long, sometimes up to 100 years! As mentioned earlier, gravel helps preserve soil moisture and possesses fire-proof properties. For this reason, it is sometimes useful to have a band of gravel around a building.
Gravel mulches reduce weed infestation, evaporation and enhance the percolation and retention of soil. It shields the soil from wind and water erosion and helps anchor plants while maintaining consistent temperatures that nurture growth.
Beyond a decorative flourish, stone aggregates assist with landscape drainage as their size and shape allow water to run through to the ground and prevent it from pooling on the surface, reducing the risk of flooding. Overall, Its functional and ornamental appeal offers great landscaping possibilities.
At Stone Center, we have a fantastic selection of utilitarian and ornamental aggregates of the highest quality. We can supply customers with a range of stone aggregates and garden gravels that accommodate their construction and landscaping needs. Take a look at our natural stone aggregates for sale!