Gravel is a great idea for landscaping and more and more people are choosing it for their yards. Though it has a tough consistency, it offers a softer appeal to your space. Perhaps what attracts people the most is the fact that it has a more organic feel to it than brick or pavers. Moreover, it is quite durable and it suits driveways, paths, and terraces. But how many people have original landscaping ideas with gravel?
In this article, we are going to look first at what is the right type of gravel according to your landscape. Then, we will go through various landscape ideas with gravel for inspiration and how to achieve them. Finally, we included some maintenance tips to help you preserve the beautiful design you worked on.
How to Choose the Right Type of Gravel
It may sound complicated, but it isn’t that hard to choose the right type for your landscape. The best idea is to go to the local supply yard and to get the look and feel of various landscaping gravel types first-hand. Alternatively, you can use these two guidelines:
- For an area with high traffic
Angular crushed aggregate can interlock better than rounded stones, but a stable path also depends on its base, grading, compaction and edging. Ask the supplier for a material and construction specification suited to the intended traffic. Test a sample underfoot; a small stone size alone does not guarantee barefoot comfort or accessibility.
- For decorative areas with low traffic
Rounded pebbles or larger river stones can provide texture beside planting. They can shift underfoot and are not automatically a good walking or wheelchair surface. Keep them out of routes where a firm, even surface is needed.
Now that you know which type to choose for your yard, let’s see some landscaping ideas using gravel.
Landscaping Ideas with Gravel to Inspire You
1. Quartz Gravel Design
One of the most stylish landscaping ideas with gravel you can take advantage of is lining your garden paths with pearly quartz gravel. It looks more sophisticated and it lends your entire landscape a special feel. It also works as a transition space between the hardscaping you are using on the terrace and other softer garden plantings. Alternatively, you could use the pearly gravel all over the place, but this will take away the elegance.
2. Gravel around the Pavers
Another one of the great landscaping ideas with gravel is to place gravel around the pavers. This design is suitable for a hardscape since it has a rough aspect. The symmetry of the pavers will catch your eye and it will be a nice contrast with other greenery you have around. Moreover, the gravel also has a practical role: it can separate planting from paving, though it will not prevent all soil splash, weeds or debris.
3. Boxwood Balls and Gravel
Boxwood balls are a great component of garden designs using gravel. Being perfect for a patio, they are a good match for some extra bluestone pavers as well. It is easy to obtain some symmetry with a couple of boxwood balls if you plant them in a straight row, for example. If you want, you can keep the row as a fence for the outdoor space.
4. A Contained Gravel Feature
Create a small, edged gravel area as a visual feature or a base for suitable outdoor ornaments. Plan drainage and a stable base first rather than simply filling a hole that may collect water. Use edging that will not create a trip hazard.
Do not fill a decorative tray or a cutout in a deck with heavy aggregate without a suitable design. Gravel adds load; it does not strengthen a wooden deck. A ground-level feature is a different project from supporting stone on a structure.
5. Modern Gravel Aspect
Don’t be afraid to use your creativity and to make various combinations. One suggestion would be to combine some limestone pavers with gravel. The modern touch is given by the mix between the gravel and some crushed limestone dust. Complete the image with greenery or colorful flowers. Think about including ferns or, just like above, plant boxwood balls. The final look will be edgy and modern, softened by the green colors around.
6. Gravel Lawn
Tired of your old classic lawn? Try to revitalize the concept by replacing it with a gravel one. Prepare the area properly: remove competing vegetation, resolve drainage and select a suitable base and edging. Simply spreading gravel over grass does not create a finished, weed-free surface. You will notice that the final look is quite modern and airy. To complete the landscape, add some graceful plants on the edges, such as ferns. Plants with lots of leaves will fit in perfectly.
7. Gravel Patio
One of the best landscaping ideas with gravel is to design a gravel patio. This time you don’t need to line it up with plants at all unless you really want to. It’s an awesome idea because it will make a nice contrast with the patio furniture you choose. Before choosing a loose surface, check whether chairs sink or wobble in a sample area. Keep decorative contrasts outside the main route if they make the walking surface uneven.
8. Gravel and Grass
Imagine how pretty a combination of harsh gravel and plain soft grass would be. You can split the available space in your backyard and place the two surfaces next to each other. Of course, you are again free to use your imagination. Bonus: if you’re feeling creative and you have time and space for this, you can set up a checkered design. Long plants can be used for covering up the edges of the gravel since it might give an unfinished look in the end.
9. Gravel Fire Pit
As opposed to the gravel pit described above, for this one, you will need to allow more space. You need to take into account the size of the fire, as well as the size of the seating space. The gray area will fit in nicely with the seating. A gravel surround does not make a fire pit safe by itself. Follow the appliance instructions, local fire restrictions and required clearances from vegetation and structures. Use materials approved for the installation; do not assume any loose stone can be used inside a fire pit. Keep in mind that you can combine various landscaping ideas with gravel and obtain a unique result.
10. Gravel Squares
If you love geometry, you are certainly going to love the last entry on our list of landscaping ideas with gravel. The concept is simple: divide the space you have into squares, using a simple plan marked out on the ground. Then choose various designs for them: you can fill one with gravel, another one with grass and another one with your favorite flowers. There is no limit to what you can decorate the squares with, which is great.
Gravel Landscape Maintenance Tips
Now that you know how to choose the right type of gravel and you decided on a design, let’s have a look at some maintenance tips.
- Rake it regularly
Dead leaves, dirt and similar debris will appear on your gravel sooner than you think. If you don’t take care of it, you will soon have a pileup of dirt right on your gorgeous gravel design. Use a metal rake and clean the debris. Pay attention and choose the appropriate type of rake (thin tines set close for fine gravel, thick tines set widely for heavier one).
- Take out the weeds
Keep an eye out for the weeds that might grow on your gravel. The more you let them grow, the harder it is to deal with them later. Remove young weeds before they establish. Hot water can scald the user and damage nearby plants, and it does not reliably eliminate perennial roots. Identify persistent weeds before choosing a treatment; any herbicide must be labeled for that site and used according to its directions.
- Use a leaf blower
Leaves can be commonly found on your gravel if you have trees around. Try to remove them while they’re still dry since it’s easier that way. Remember that wet leaves can encourage water accumulation on the gravel you have. A leaf blower is a simple solution for clearing the leaves away when they’re dry.
- Watch out for holes
Holes can occur from time to time on your gravel. Investigate settlement, erosion or a failing base before topping up a depression. Repair with materials compatible with the original path specification, then restore the intended grade and compaction. Repeatedly filling a hole without addressing the cause can leave an uneven surface.
The RHS guide to permeable paving explains permeable surface options. Drainage depends on the whole construction and underlying ground, not merely on the presence of gravel. Use local requirements for your own site.
Conclusion
Having a gravel landscape is an idea that is catching up more and more. People love it for the flexibility it has, which means that they can use it for almost any type of design. As you have seen, the possible combinations are endless and there’s surely a design that suits each taste. Moreover, you can make sure your landscape is unique and original by adding your personal touch.
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