For many
people, their gardens are their pride and joy, and while a lush lawn and
flowerbeds are often the staple, there are many other materials you can use to
enhance the look of your garden. Gravel is just one versatile material that you
can use in a number of ways, from forming a garden path to gravel flower beds.
Gravel
stones come in a number of colours and sizes and it’s low maintenance and
sustainable too. So, if you’re looking to makeover your garden, read on for
four of our favourite ways to use gravel.
Gravel paths
Gravel is an
excellent material for garden paths and walkways, offering a pleasing crunch
underfoot and visually breaking up large expanses of lawn. Some people might
worry that gravel is messy and prone to spreading, but stones will stay in
place if the gravel is laid properly. Lay down a layer of firm rock to act as a
base and choose a larger crushed gravel which is less likely to travel.
Water features
Gravel mixed
with stones makes a great material to use as part of water features and
fountains; either as a base for ponds or to cover the bottom of recirculating
fountains for a natural look. Water running off gravel stones looks very
aesthetically pleasing and you can create a striking contrast if you add green
foliage in between.
Mulch for flower beds
You might
not think of gravel as a mulch material, but it can be used as a top layer for
flower beds in the same way that bark mulch can. Spreading a one inch layer of
gravel over beds after planting to help prevent the growth of weeds; it also
prevents water loss so you end up with healthier plants overall!
Drainage systems
Gravel can
be used very effectively as a drainage solution by creating trenches or to
drain water away from areas where it’s not needed. Use gravel drains to redirect
rainwater away from your home or over saturated flower beds, or use gravel to
break up stretches of flat, solid stone to help with drainage.
If you’re
looking for natural stone or gravel products for your garden or next
construction project, get in touch with W M Thompson & Son. We’ve been the
proud suppliers of high quality stone products for almost 70 years and can
deliver a wide variety of gravel and stone materials from our Dumbarton quarry.
For more information about any of our products or services, give us a call
today or visit our website.
