Decorative gravel is a versatile and sustainable alternative to grass. The low-maintenance material can also solve many of your landscaping problems. In Calgary, gravel has long been used as a popular landscape supply to add aesthetic appeal to open areas and gardens with little plants. With some creative ideas and gravel, you too can lift your landscape’s appearance to the next level.
Decorating your garden with gravel comes with many benefits. It can be a beautiful addition to your garden, making your landscape look visually appealing, welcoming, and artistic. And the best thing about gravel is that unlike grass, you don’t need to water it or use fertilizer for its maintenance. Moreover, the durable material provides drainage, and it takes a little effort to create unique landscape designs with it.
There’re many different ways to use gravel to create unique designs in your garden. Below are some unique and innovative gravel landscaping ideas for you to implement in your garden.
Gravel Walkway
Creating a pathway across your garden with carefully chosen gravel can remodel the entire appearance of your landscape. A gravel color that complements the other features of your garden is sure to draw eyeballs. Add some river rocks on the sides of your garden path to boost its visual appeal. The rocks will also prevent the decorative pea gravel from moving sideways. To make the garden path always look fresh, add some new gravel every now and then.
You can either use 100 percent gravel or mix it with crushed granite or larger stones to add an artistic touch to your walkway. It is also a practical method to drive foot traffic away from the grass and across the garden. Remember that decorating your walkway with gravel requires some planning, but once complete, it can serve you for as long as you want. You can also easily upgrade your walkway’s appearance and feel by changing the gravel or the design.
Garden Bed
Most people in Calgary use humus or mulch as a landscape material around plants. You can use gravel for the same purpose. And by choosing a color combination that accentuates your garden’s aesthetic quality, gravel is sure to make your garden look stunning. On top of that, it can stop weed growth and enhance the appearance of your plants.
It is a good idea to use pea gravel for your garden bed, as it has unique features that can complement your overall landscape. This functional gravel has an ornamental feel and is available in many different organic colors.
Rock Garden
A rock garden is a best and creative alternative to the traditional flower garden. A garden built with the right combo of gravel and stones is sure to look stunning. The key here is to choose your gravel’s color scheme, features, and shapes carefully. But you’re free to use gravel of any size. It is good to use large ones around boulders and small ones as a blanket across your yard.
Driveway
Gravel is also a great alternative to asphalt and concrete when it comes to building a driveway. This material is long-lasting, low maintenance, and less expensive, besides having valuable aesthetic features. A driveway made with gravel will add rugged beauty to your home. Moreover, the driveway will not become dirty on rainy days as the gravel will provide water drainage. But remember that you’ve got to lay multiple gravel blankets to hold up the weight of cars. A useful rule of thumb is to put large stones first, followed by two layers of medium gravel and finally a surface layer of small gravel.
Pet Area
If you have a furry companion in your home, think about using gravel to build a fun space for her. Your pet will not only be safe but also roam and play openly within the designated territory. However, be sure to choose gravel with smooth edges, so it doesn’t hurt your dog or cat’s paws.
Final Thoughts
A landscape that includes designs made with gravel looks more attractive; after all, the key to a picturesque garden is to build it with landscape supplies that are the closest to nature. Gravel is a natural material that can add a natural attraction to your home. Implement the gravel landscape ideas discussed above or experiment with your own ideas and designs. Either way, landscaping with gravel is going to add aesthetic and economic value to your home.
Head over to our online store if you’re looking for gravel supply in Calgary and the surrounding areas.