Many nurseryman do not think of crushed rock as a landscape gardening tool , just a “ filler ” to take up the spaces where grass wo n’t grow or to help drainage at the bottom of a trench . It can be much more than that , however , and can even be one of the most decorative percentage of your garden ’s spirit .
Gravel in Gardens
The most vulgar use of crushed rock in garden is as a walk . It ’s an ideal material for this , lending both texture and simpleness of maintenance . Its greatest attribute , however , is its combination of intemperate surface and softness . It ’s easy to walk upon , giving a little cushion , but is voiceless enough that a garden cart , cart , or other political machine can be rolled over it in even the most inclement weather .
out of doors of walkways , though , gravel can also make a keen base in position of mulch in a xeriscape or low - water apparatus . It ’s also an excellent option to concrete or bare earth in shady areas where turf does n’t easy set .
Gravel Patios
For a patio , crushed rock can be a nice alternative to concrete or wood . It can be filled in thickly at relatively low cost per foot , hold on most widow’s weeds at bay and providing a impersonal backdrop for planter , furniture and fountain .
Around the patio , it can also make a great edge in which bloom and other plants can well be planted without worrying about weeds .
Gravel can also be used to replete in things , like an idle firebox , a shallow well , or to make the grunge surface of a flower box wait more lively .
CC flickr photo by bixentro
Gravel Walkways
Discussed above , walkways in any part of your yard can be enhanced with crushed rock . Even driveways can be lie with crushed rock , making them easier to sustain than bare terra firma and simpler to care for in bad weather than concrete . In fact , a gravel private road will commonly shed its snow and crank covering long before a concrete one will .
Another ornamental idea for walkways is to lay a groundwork of crushed rock and then set stepping stones into it . Compared to using George Sand as a base , this is easier , more maintenance - gratuitous , and can look arresting .
Benefits and Drawbacks of Landscaping With Gravel
The large benefit to vex is that it is cleaner and easier to act with than bare land . It also costs less than half the amount of concrete to establish . It ’s very do - it - yourself friendly , allowing most masses to make their own gravel enhancements without require special tools or skills . Since it ’s not lasting , it can be deepen or eliminated without overweight equipment or cost .
Some drawbacks to gravel are that it does not block weeds on its own unless it ’s laid very thickheaded . It also can be kicked or strew around , so you end up with rocks where you do n’t desire them . Heavy equipment or thin - wheeled go-cart will bring down through the crushed rock and be gruelling to move or ruin its look . Gravel also requires periodic raking to keep it looking smooth , and fresh crushed rock will probably need to be added every few old age or so .
Overall , give these restriction , crushed rock is still often a much good option than bare dirt or concrete . It ’s also available in a variety of gloss and mix , so it can be easily matched to any look .
Want to learn more about landscaping with gravel?
mulch with Wood / Bark Chips , Grass Clippings , and Rockfrom Colorado State University ExtensionGravel Garden Picture and Tipsfrom Purdue University Extension
