Why use pebbles in your garden?
Pebbles are not only visually appealing, but they also come with a lot of practical benefits. They can be used for pathways, mulching, drainage, and more. Aggregate also helps to reduce weed growth, keep the soil moist, and prevent erosion. Plus, they don’t break down like organic mulch, so you don’t need to replace them as often.
Gravel is also really easy to use. You can simply lay them down in your garden without needing a lot of tools or expertise. This makes them a great option for anyone looking to do a simple garden upgrade.
Types of stones
There are many different types of gravel available, so you can choose the right kind to suit your garden style. Here are a few options:
River gravel – This is smooth, rounded rocks that come in various colours like brown, grey, and white. They’re great for creating natural-looking pathways or borders around garden beds.
Quartz rocks – These are light-coloured, often white or cream, and add a bright, clean look to any garden. They’re ideal for modern gardens or as a contrast against darker plants and mulch.
Red jasper pebbles – This aggregate have a rich, reddish colour and work well in both traditional and contemporary gardens. They can add a pop of colour to your garden beds or pathways.
Gabion rock pebbles – These are larger ones often used for stabilising areas like retaining walls or large garden beds. They also work well as a base for water features.
Using gravel for pathways
One of the most popular uses for gravel in the garden is to create pathways. Rocks are a great material for pathways because they are easy to walk on and allow water to drain through, which prevents puddles from forming. Plus, they give your garden a more natural, organic look.
To create a pebble pathway, you’ll need to mark out the path area, clear away any grass or weeds, and lay down a layer of landscape fabric to prevent weeds from growing through. Then, simply spread your chosen aggregate over the path area. River stones or quartz aggregate work really well for pathways.
Gravel for garden bed borders
Pebbles can also be used as borders around garden beds to define the area and keep mulch or soil from spilling over. They add a neat, clean finish to your garden and can make the plants in your garden bed really stand out. Smaller gravel like quartz or river stones are perfect for creating borders.
Using pebbles for mulching
Pebbles are a great alternative to traditional mulch. Unlike organic mulch, aggregate don’t break down, so you don’t need to replace them as often. They also help to keep the soil moist by reducing evaporation, and they can prevent weeds from growing.
To use pebbles as mulch, spread them evenly over the soil in your garden beds. Make sure you don’t pile the gravel up too high around the base of your plants, as this can trap moisture and cause rot. Aggregate like white scoria or quartz work well as mulch, adding a clean, polished look to your garden.
Using gravel for drainage
If you have areas in your garden that tend to get waterlogged, pebbles can help with drainage. Stones allow water to flow through them, which can help to prevent water from pooling around the roots of your plants. You can use gravel like Bago gravel or Valla granite to improve drainage in areas where water tends to collect.
Decorating with pebbles
Pebbles can also be used as a decorative feature in your garden. You can create a pebble mosaic or use gravel to fill in gaps between stepping stones. Pebbles like Nambucca gold or red jasper can add a pop of colour to your garden, while gravel like river pebbles or quartz can create a more natural, neutral look.
Aggregate is also great for water features. You can use larger pebbles like Gabion blue or river stones around ponds, fountains, or waterfalls to create a natural look that blends in with the landscape.
Using pebbles in potted plants
Pebbles aren’t just for garden beds and pathways; they can also be used in potted plants. Placing a layer of aggregate at the bottom of a pot can help with drainage, preventing the soil from becoming too soggy. You can also use gravel as a decorative top layer in your pots, adding a finished look to your indoor or outdoor plants. Off white quartz or small river stones work well for this.
Low-maintenance landscaping with pebbles
One of the best things about using pebbles in your garden is that they are incredibly low-maintenance. Once you’ve laid down pebbles, you won’t need to worry about replacing them or doing much upkeep. They don’t attract pests, and they don’t break down over time like organic mulch. All you need to do is occasionally rake them to keep them looking tidy.
Choosing the right aggregate for your garden
When choosing pebbles for your garden, consider the look you’re going for and the practical benefits you need. For example, if you’re looking for a natural, earthy look, river pebbles or sandstone gravel might be the best option. If you want something bright and modern, quartz pebbles or white scoria could be a better fit.
Also, consider the size of the pebbles. Smaller stones are better for pathways or as a top layer in potted plants, while larger pebbles are ideal for drainage or as a base for water features.
Visit MI Organics to explore our range of pebbles
Using aggregate in your garden is an easy and effective way to add both style and function to your outdoors. Whether you’re creating a pathway, mulching your garden beds, or improving drainage, aggregate can do the job while giving your garden a beautiful, natural look. And best of all, stones are low-maintenance and long-lasting, making them a smart choice for any gardener. Whether you choose river pebbles, quartz, or something else, aggregate can help you create a garden that’s both practical and visually stunning.