Having a gorgeous yard to come home to is both rewarding and relaxing, yet making time in your schedule for extensive yard care responsibilities is not. If you’re looking for low-maintenance landscaping that’s both practical and beautiful, incorporating gravel into your garden design might be the solution you’re looking for. Gravel can add texture, interest, and functionality to your garden while minimizing the amount of upkeep required to keep your garden looking its best. Today, we’ll discuss some tips and ideas for designing a stunning gravel garden that’s easy to maintain. If these ideas pique your interest, stop by Hilton Landscape Supply to see all the options available to turn your backyard into a beautiful relaxation zone.
Advantages of Using Gravel in Garden Design
You may not have considered gravel as a solution to a low-maintenance and beautiful front or back yard. Before we delve into the specifics of using gravel in garden design, let’s first look at some of the benefits of this material. One of the most significant advantages of using gravel is its excellent drainage properties. Unlike other materials like soil, gravel allows water to seep through quickly, reducing the risk of waterlogged plants and soil erosion. Many homes in the Pacific Northwest are sitting on soil with a high composition of clay, so gravel can be a great way to increase drainage while adding aesthetics to the landscape.
Gravel also helps suppress weed growth, reducing the time and effort needed to maintain a weed-free garden. Imagine not spending your weekends pulling weeds from your flower beds! You’ll also find many opportunities to customize the look of your yard since gravel comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. It’s a versatile material that can add visual interest to any yard and garden.
Types of Gravel for Garden Design
When thinking about gravel, don’t limit yourself to the harsh, gray rock that driveways are often built with. There are many types of gravel to consider when it comes to using gravel in garden design. Crushed rock, pea gravel, and river rock are three of the most common types of gravel used in landscaping. Crushed rock is typically the most cost-effective option and creates a sturdy foundation for pathways or driveways. Pea gravel is a smaller, rounder type of gravel that’s great for use in gardens to create a softer look. River rock is larger and more irregularly shaped, making it perfect for use in rock gardens or as a decorative element in the landscape. At Hilton Landscape Supply, we have many different types of rock and gravel that will work well in your landscaping.
How to Incorporate Gravel into Low-Maintenance Landscaping
There are many ways to incorporate gravel into your garden design, and the possibilities are nearly endless. One of the most popular uses for gravel is creating pathways. Gravel paths are easy to install and can be a great way to guide visitors through your garden. It’s important to create a good base for your gravel to keep it from eroding and prevent weeds from growing. Take a look at our previous blog post to learn tips for installing gravel. For example, before adding gravel to your garden, it’s important to prepare the soil properly. First, remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the area where you’ll be adding the gravel. Next, use a rake to level the soil, removing any high or low spots. If the soil is too compacted, you may need to use a tiller to loosen it up. Finally, be sure to use a weed barrier to prevent weeds from sprouting up through the gravel.
Another way to use gravel in your garden design is by using it as a decorative feature. Consider creating a rock garden with a variety of sizes and colors of gravel. You can also use gravel to create a dry creek bed or as a border for garden beds. If you’re not sure where to start, our team can help you locate pictures of rock gardens to help you brainstorm ideas and give you construction tips.
Maintenance of Gravel Gardens
Even though gravel is a low-maintenance solution, it is not a no-maintenance solution. Some basic upkeep is still necessary to keep your garden looking its best. Be sure to regularly weed your garden to prevent weed growth from taking over. Additionally, it’s essential to maintain proper drainage to prevent water from pooling in your garden. Finally, topping up the gravel as needed will help maintain your garden’s visual appeal. Be prepared to do a little maintenance once or twice a year to keep it in perfect shape.
Creative Ideas for Using Gravel in Garden Design
If you’re looking for creative ways to use gravel in your garden design, here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Incorporate boulders: Large boulders can add a dramatic focal point to your garden and contrast beautifully with the texture of the gravel.
- Create a zen garden: Use a combination of different-sized gravel to create patterns and textures reminiscent of a traditional Japanese zen garden.
- Use gravel as a base for containers: Adding gravel to the bottom of containers can help with drainage and prevent soil from becoming too compact.
- Build a fire pit: Create a cozy outdoor space with a fire pit surrounded by gravel. This adds a rustic charm and warmth to your garden design.
- Create a seating area: Create a low-maintenance seating area by adding a layer of gravel and placing outdoor furniture on top. This is perfect for those who want to enjoy their garden without the need for extensive upkeep.
Hilton Landscape Supply has everything you need for low-maintenance landscaping.
Gravel can be a versatile and cost-effective material to incorporate into your garden design. From pathways to decorative features, it can add both functionality and visual interest to your outdoor space. By following the tips and ideas discussed in this article, you can create a stunning, practical, beautiful, low-maintenance gravel garden. Move your landscape plans from dream to reality.
Hilton Landscape Supply can help you with everything you need to create perfect stepping-stone walkways and patio areas! Whether your garden needs fresh soil, a new layer of mulch, or the best fertilizers and nutrients for your area, Hilton Landscape Supply is the place to go. We’ve been serving Southern Oregon and Northern California since 1956, so we know what works best for growing healthy plants and vegetation in our regions. Stop by our retail store in Central Point or contact us for more information about all the products we carry to enhance your garden and outdoor living areas.