Four Ways to Use Gravel in Your Garden

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.