EXTERIOR OF HOUSE
5. Mulch for beds. In garden beds, use gravel as a top-dressing as you would use a bark mulch. After planting, spread a 1-inch layer of gravel over the soil’s surface, keeping small circles around the bases of trees and shrubs gravel-free. Don’t pile on the gravel much thicker, or you can cause soil compaction. The result is a crisp and clean look that shows off plants and also helps suppress weeds and prevent water loss through evaporation.
3. Patios. In counties that regulate the amount of new impermeable hardscape added to a landscape, using gravel as a flooring material can expand your options for outdoor seating areas. Gravel acts as a permeable surface, since rainwater can drain through the stones. As a patio material, gravel makes a nice floor that adds texture but also visually reads as a unified surface. Choose a color that complements other hardscaping materials and is in keeping with the style of your garden. For example, dark gravel often works well with contemporary garden styles while warm-toned pea gravel looks good with English cottage and Mediterranean-style gardens.
2. Mixed with flagstone. Gravel can fill the gaps between stone slabs on flagstone or paver pathways. It’s an attractive combination that’s easier to maintain than paver pathways that feature ground covers between stone slabs. Select a color of gravel that matches the flagstone or pavers. To prevent gravel traveling up onto the flagstones, start by installing a layer of compacted base rock, then lay the flagstones – setting them in the base rock so they’re slightly above what will be the gravel level – and spread gravel in the gaps. Work with a landscape professional on Houzz
1. Walkways. Gravel is a great walkway material, offering quick drainage and that pleasing crunch underfoot. Some gravels “roll” more than others. Proper installation as well as the type of gravel you select can make a big difference in how much the gravel rolls. To reduce rolling, choose either a fine gravel, like decomposed granite, or a larger crushed gravel that is heavier and locks itself in place better. To install a gravel walkway, first lay down a layer of base rock to act as a firm foundation for the walkway. After compacting the base rock, spread a layer of gravel 2 to 4 inches deep over the top, and compact again. Binding products are also available that can be washed over the top to hold gravel in place.
7. Lay a proper foundation. A pea gravel patio can be extremely functional, but the right preparation is important. Landscape architect Troy Rhone says the key to successfully installing a gravel patio is to have a firm base, which is created by tamping the soil underneath. With a firm base, the gravel won’t sink in, allowing you to use a relatively thin layer (only half to 1 inch) of gravel. Should you do it yourself? A gravel patio is a DIY-friendly project, but it’s not for everyone. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine whether to hire help: • Are you comfortable doing heavy lifting? Gravel is heavy, and covering even a small patio will require some serious lifting. • What is your soil like? Dense clay soil will do well as an underlayer on its own, but loose or sandy soil will need an additional layer of crushed rock (also called base rock), making for a more labor-intensive project Dream Spaces: 10 Secluded Garden Nooks
5. Mix it up with patio pavers. The beauty of using gravel in the landscape is that it offers tremendous flexibility when it comes to changes in ground materials, blending with pavers and other materials. Use pavers to define the border of your outdoor dining area or to create a transition from home to garden. Here are some patio paver tips: • For a modern look, choose square or rectangular pavers. • For a more traditional or natural look, choose pavers with an irregular shape, like those in the photo above. • Consider adding a steppingstone path leading to your gravel dining area — your guests in heels will appreciate it! Patio Pavers Rock Out
Geometric shapes as well as concrete and gravel are hallmarks of contemporary design. These pavers, with their alternating lengths, create interesting movement within the space while still leading to the fire pit focal point at the end of the yard. Grasses soften the look without overpowering the space or looking too frilly. Dark furniture with a contemporary look is unobtrusive enough to almost recede into the fence line.
Y Geometric shapes as well as concrete and gravel are hallmarks of contemporary design. These pavers, with their alternating lengths, create interesting movement within the space while still leading to the fire pit focal point at the end of the yard. Grasses soften the look without overpowering the space or looking too frilly. Dark furniture with a contemporary look is unobtrusive enough to almost recede into the fence line.
Hardscapes play a major role in contemporary design. Here, mixing and matching materials — concrete, gravel and decking — works. While each material defines a specific space, whether it's the garden bed, entry area or pathway, keeping each area the same relative size and on the same horizontal plane means no single material overpowers the others.
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