Gone are the days when the word 'gravel' made people think of little more than driveways. Today, this versatile and varied material has a multitude of different uses and can really come into its own when transforming small backyards.
There is a myriad of garden gravel ideas available if you want to spice up a small yard, as this natural and simple material is available in an array of forms to perfectly complement all sorts of planting, paving and water features. If, however, you want some garden gravel ideas to narrow down your choices, here are some pointers.
Choose a variety of features and textures
Just because you are working with a small space that may not rely on a lorry load of garden gravel bulk bags, it doesn’t mean you have to stick to little choices. Do not feel constrained and don’t be afraid to mix it up with a variety of garden features.
Gravel works well with so many different elements, and so consider including shrubs, small trees, flowers, larger rocks, ground cover or other hardscape details into your plans. If you want some ideas for garden plants that go with gravel, you can’t go far wrong with herbs or ornamental grasses.
Create a sunshine space
Garden gravels really lend themselves to Mediterranean-inspired spaces and these garden gravel ideas can work well whatever the size of your outside space. Even if you don’t need a gravel garden to cope with excessively sunny weather conditions, you can still benefit from a garden design with sleepers and gravel that can look gorgeous in sunshine and rain.
This type of backyard can become a hugely tranquil space, which feels, smells and looks amazing. Team your choice of gravel with plants such as lavender, rosemary, juniper, cistus and thyme for an authentic effect.
Go to town with planting
If you live in the centre of a city and only have a small backyard to play with, there is no reason that you can’t create your own oasis of calm with plenty of plants to offset an urban environment. Choose a bright gravel for a sunny spot, such as Italian Rose or French Pearl, and team with some stunning blooms. There are also some bulbs, such as crocus, that can break through gravel and cluster together, creating a striking effect.
Another option is to make full use of Xeriscape or drought-tolerant plants for an exotic effect that is as low maintenance as it is beautiful. Plants that work well as part of garden design with sleepers and gravel include yucca, Miscanthus, and Pennisetum.
Make a child-friendly space
If you have a small backyard and children, it is likely that you will want to make the most of every inch available. Gravel can help you do this, offering a safe environment that won’t take up too much of a busy parent’s time to maintain.
Choose pea gravel such as Premium Quartzite Pea Gravel 10mm, which is softer underfoot compared to crushed stone, and is great for areas where there are children or pets. Just remember to edge your pea gravel area to help keep it in place and keep maintenance to a minimum. Pea gravel can also give a more interesting appearance in small spaces thanks to the subtle colour differences it includes.
Go natural
A small backyard is an ideal location to create a natural haven. One of the best garden gravel ideas to achieve this is to combine natural-looking gravel, such as Cottage Cream Gravel 10-20mm or Cornish Stone 8-25mm, with self-seeding plants. These sorts of plants thrive in gravel gardens because the gravel provides such great drainage.
Avoid the moss
Shady backyards can have problems with moss, but pea gravel can be a great solution to this. This is thanks to the way in which it moves freely and allows water to drain through. It is also incredibly easy to rake and refresh the look or top up with garden gravel bulk bags.
Take a seat
Finely crushed gravel is great for creating a seating area in a small backyard, forming a base that feels firm underfoot whilst still being permeable to let water drain away. Gravel choices at Decorative Gardens could include Classic White Chippings 8-12mm or Deco-Pak Golden Gravel.
Be inspired by the Orient
Small backyards lend themselves perfectly to the creation of Asian-inspired gardens. Combine water features with clean gravel, larger rocks and stones, and evergreens for a tranquil Japanese-influenced space.
Accommodate existing plants
If you want to transform your small backyard without moving established plants and shrubs then garden gravels are a great solution. They can help to really revamp an area whilst still catering for the needs of existing features.
Gravel will allow both air and water to reach the roots of your plants and its free-draining qualities will create the perfect environment to allow them to thrive. At the same time, garden gravel ideas can really add the wow factor to what might otherwise be a fairly ordinary outside space.
