As river rock naturally weathers, it turns into smaller rounded stones known as pea gravel. This material has a variety of applications in outdoor areas and can enhance the appearance and function of your lawn and gardens. Here are a handful of ways to incorporate it into your yard. 

4 Uses for Pea Gravel in Landscapes

1. Mulch

Though often made from organic materials such as wood chips and shredded bark, pea gravel makes an excellent inorganic mulch. When spread in landscaping beds, these rocks prevent weed seeds from germinating and erupting, which can keep this errant foliage from stealing water and nutrients from shrubs, herbs, and flowers. Additionally, this gravel retains moisture and slowly delivers it to root systems, keeping your plants hydrated and healthy. 

2. Paths 

Paths make it easier to get from exterior doors to patios, pergolas, and gazebos in your yard. They can also meander through gardens, allowing you to take scenic strolls through the landscape. 

Pea gravel provides a stable walking surface that harmonizes with surrounding natural elements and lends rustic charm to your lawn and landscaping. Paths made from this gravel are also easy to maintain by raking the stones in place and adding more landscape rock if any bare patches develop due to erosion. 

3. Dry Creek Bed

A dry creek bed is a gully or trench lined with landscape rock and edged with plants. Creek beds can create attractive focal points in yards while collecting and diverting excess moisture, preventing water from pooling onto your lawn or inundating your landscaping. Pea gravel is an excellent option for lining dry creek beds, as it is heavy enough to stay in place and readily absorbs moisture to promote drainage. 

4. Zen Garden 

A zen garden is a Japanese landscaping feature that typically features a base of sand with a handful of large rocks or boulders, surrounded by lush plants and flowers. In lieu of sand, you can use pea gravel, which makes these gardens easier to maintain while offering a stunning visual texture. Raking the gravel creates undulations that resemble calming ocean waves, providing a meditative activity that will help you relax while spending time outdoors. 

When you need pea gravel for outdoor projects, get in touch with Rim Country's Rock N Yard. Based in Bullhead City, AZ, they provide bulk landscape gravel along with sand, dirt, and artificial turf to clients throughout Mohave County. Call (928) 704-7625 to place a delivery order for decorative rock, and visit the website to learn more about how they can help you improve your outdoor areas.