When seeking the perfect garden design, the majority of people will focus primarily on the greenery. They will think about creating the perfect lawn, finding trees to line the perimeter of the space, and the vegetables and fruits they may wish to grow. These elements are all undeniably important, but the greenery is not the only area that requires focus.

Gravel and stones may not sound like the most essential elements of a good garden, but they can be crucial when considering the overall design. These elements are incredibly versatile, and offer the opportunity to take your garden to the next level of style when they are incorporated into the design. Below, we’ll look deeper into how gravel and stones can be used to transform your garden and turn it into an outdoor space you’ll love.

Create a gravel path

Paving slabs and bricks are arguably the most common choices for garden walkways, but gravel paths are a very worthwhile alternative. Arguably the most significant benefit of gravel paths is that they can be custom-designed to suit your space; all you need is a spade and a few pieces of string, and you can mark out a path that is completely of your own making. This flexibility means that gravel can be used to achieve highly intricate or curved pathway designs that would be nigh-on impossible to achieve with the more standard, pre-cut paving options.

Add more colour to your garden

Gravel comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and - most importantly - colours. This variety allows you to bring more colour to your space without needing to add extra plants; you could, for example, opt for a light-coloured Italian rose, or use Highland marble in order to achieve a more dynamic, multicoloured look.

Reduce garden maintenance with gravel beds

If you dislike weeding your flower or shrub beds, switching to gravel is a great choice that can save you a huge amount of time. You can cut holes in weed-proof landscaping fabric for the plants themselves, spread the fabric on the existing bed, and then add gravel for a simple, low-maintenance choice that reduces weeding time and adds an extra contemporary element to your garden.

Use gravel to add texture to hard landscaping

Hard landscaping is a popular choice for those looking for a low-maintenance garden, but the issues it can cause aesthetically are actually included in the name: hard. Brick walls, paving, and decking constructions can greatly reduce the amount of time you have to spend tending to your garden, but they can look a little clinical and tough. Plants are often used to combat this issue, but gravel is a preferable choice, as it adds an extra layer of texture but requires no further maintenance after it has been laid in place.

In conclusion

For the reasons outlined above, gravel and stones should be considered an absolute essential for any domestic garden. We carry a wide variety of options for these materials here at Decorative Gardens, so why not browse our range today.