Cotoneaster softens the edge of this crushed gravel path.
Gravel is a versatile, affordable, permeable and durable garden landscape resource. We love that it offers a hardscape solution that has a softer, organic and natural feel than pavers and concrete. It is easily adaptable to any shape making it the perfect material to transition from the house to the garden.
Our favorite is local Chester, Nova Scotia granite gravel with its flecks of black, grey, white and silver. It is a more attractive option for the residential garden landscape than the more commonly seen blue stone gravel.
Gravel Fundamentals
Gravel can be nature- or man-made and ranges in size from 1/8 inch to 1 1/2 inches.
Nature-made gravel is commonly called pebbles while larger natural grades are referred to as river rock stones or boulders. Fine 1/4 inch natural pebbles are softer under foot in low traffic areas where bikes and compost bins won’t wheeled. Generally, if the area is kept tidy, weeds do not become a challenge in this application. While larger river rock stones are trendy as a form of mulch and can offer more presence in the right application, they are less stable underfoot. We recommend caution in using larger beach or river stone because it is difficult to prevent soil, leaves and weeds from being captured. The result is often an uneven, loose surface that makes it easy to turn ankles and without regular weeding, can become a high maintenance eyesore in a few years. In shady gardens, larger stone often become mossy with a dirty appearance as well.
A gravel base is installed on commercial grade landscape fabric and then tamped with a compactor. A hand tamper is used for smaller areas.
Man-made gravel is crushed rock and has sharp, irregular edges. Smaller grades are referred to as crusher dust (from 1/8 inch in size down to dust particles). Locally, man-made gravel tends to be crushed from blue Lake Echo stone or south shore granite. For high traffic areas in paths, patios and courtyards, we use man-made crushed rock because when compacted, the pieces fit together into a more stable walking surface. Typically, we use a mix of crusher dust and 1/2 inch gravel for the upper visible layer of these applications.
Installing gravel typically involves excavating to a depth of about 6 inches and then layering in crushed rock, sand and gravel with a tamper used each time a 2 inch layer is added.
We use heavy geotextile under the stone in most applications although sometimes, the gravel can be installed directly on well compacted, bare and weed-free ground.
Path Perfect
A stone border defines the lawn, path and smaller interior garden beds in the design above. The border makes the transition from garden and lawn to gravel more attractive and provides a finished appearance.
Below, a thoughtfully designed, raised bed solution with gravel paths was created to effectively eliminate the need to deal with invasive goutweed. Chester granite gravel was installed and compacted to a hard finish for a smooth surface, perfect for walking and rolling the green bin, bikes and wheelbarrows. Gravel is used here in geometric shapes to create a crisp and inviting garden that complements the mid-century style of the home. The raised beds are planted with flowering evergreens, standard hydrangea, Japanese forest grass and peony for season-long blooms and texture.
Design Options
Mix gravel with rocks of varying sizes to add interest in larger gardens like this waterfront property. Pretty allium blooms cast shadows on granite boulders surrounded by beach stone in one corner, while stands of iris in varying sizes of pea gravel and stones add complementary interest nearby. While the grades vary, the stone colors are repeated for a harmonious effect.
Pea gravel, river rock and granite boulders add interest to this garden landscape.
Lady’s-mantle with chartreuse blooms define the edge of this mixed garden planting on the right. Allowing plants to spill onto gravel paths creates a visually soft appearance. Fall maintenance in this garden will include cutting back the perennial border and clean up of deciduous spiriea and hydrangea. The use of this technique is made easier and tidier when the planting includes an abundance of evergreens.
As noted above, larger stone mulch applications can be hazardous to walk on and can act as a trap for leaf and other debris which decomposes into weeds over time. Using pea stone or compacted man-made gravel is a better, easier-to-keep-tidy option that will add interest and beauty to your garden landscape.
Maintenance on finer gravel grades and tightly compacted gravel surfaces can be done readily with a blower. Keep these areas clean from debris…if a weed appears it will be easily removed.
Easy peasy!