When it comes to landscaping materials, versatile, durable, and affordable are just some of the words that best describe gravel. It’s not surprising that many homeowners now go for this material when enhancing their outdoor space and leveling up the gardens’ aesthetics. Here’s how you can use it as a landscaping tool and decorative element.

How to Use Gravel for Your Garden

1. Select the Right Type

Gravel is composed of rock fragments that come in different sizes, textures, and colors, and your local hardware store can show you a good selection. For high-traffic areas, consider using decomposed granite or man-made crushed rock. This will provide you with a stable walkway since the rocks bind well together, giving you a more compact surface than looser aggregate. Smooth river rocks are better for minimal traffic because they offer a less stable underfoot but more attractive appearance.

2. Level Your Walkway

Gravel is excellent for walkways because it can be durable enough to withstand traffic and soft enough to give you a slight cushion. It is also easy to maintain and presents a range of options for designing a path. Try setting stepping stones into a gravel base to add an attractive, functional feature to your yard. 

If you want a more stylish layout, get stones of varying sizes. With a gravel path laid out, your guests will know where to walk as they enjoy your garden or proceed to seating areas.

3. Build a Patio

You can transform a corner of your yard into a patio by filling it with gravel. Pea gravel, or something similar, is an ideal material you can use, since its small size makes it easy to fill in almost any border or edging shape, while its natural color exudes that classic yet appealing look. Additionally, it’s economical and doesn't crack easily from temperature changes. Although gravel is low-maintenance, you would still need to regularly rake your patio to make the surface even.

4. Think About Your Edging

An edging helps keep your gravel in place and prevents it from mixing in with your grass or soil. You can choose between plastic, metal, stone, or other materials that would suit your needs. However, you may opt to do away with these materials and use plants to cover the edges instead. This can be a more visually interesting alternative, especially when delicate plants spill onto your gravel.  

For your next landscaping project, trust Ideal Supplies Ludlow, KY, to provide you with an extensive selection of quality home and garden supplies. This local hardware store has everything you need whether you are looking for gravel, sand, ready-mix concrete, and other landscape supplies. Call (859) 491-6666 today to speak to a friendly team member who will be more than happy to fulfill your needs, and visit their website to send a message online.