How to Use Decorative Stone and Gravel in Landscape Design

Many of us are spending a lot more time at home these days, and now that the weather is warming up, you may be starting to think about what you want to change in your outdoor space.

Do-it-yourself outdoor upgrades don’t have to cost big bucks. Using materials like decorative stone or gravel in the right places will easily add a look of elegance to your landscape, at an affordable price. Not sure how you would use stone in your outdoor landscape? Here are eight ways to use decorative stone and gravel to get a wow factor.

1)      A walkway that is timeless

There are many benefits to using decorative stone or gravel in your walkway. The stones are versatile, easy to install and can be purchased at an affordable price. Gravel walkways add complementary texture to your outdoor space. For an added touch, stone pathways pair beautifully when lined with hardscape products like pavers.

2)      Around vegetable garden beds

Vegetable gardens have soared in popularity in recent years and for good reasons. Not only will adding some decorative stone around your garden beds add some personality, but it will also help to minimize weed growth around the area. It’s also low maintenance, so you won’t have to do more than occasionally rake the aggregate.

3)      A base for trees and shrubs

Decorative stone adds a pop of colour around trees and shrubs. This is an easy way to spruce up your landscape with only a few bags of decorative stone. Whether you choose white, red or a natural stone, you can’t go wrong by adding decorative stone around your greenery.

4)      In the garden

Did you know that decorative stone acts as a permanent mulch? It will not rot, attract insects, blow away or burn. They will also maintain their original beauty.

5)      Pairs perfectly with a garden bench

Garden benches are a wonderful place to enjoy nature at any time of year. Decorative stone or gravel can add visual interest to the area surrounding the garden bench, as well as help with potential drainage issues. Our favorite choices for this type of space would be pea stone, but any stone would work.

6)      Gravel patio

If you’re looking for an economical and timeless material for a new patio, decorative stone or gravel is an ideal solution. This low maintenance project requires a level area, a space to contain the material, a weed barrier and a rake to smooth out the decorative stone or gravel. Big or small, gravel patios are a wonderful extension of your outdoor living space.

7)      Under your deck

If you’re building a new deck, putting gravel as a base will provide good drainage for the area. It will also help minimize weed growth. ¾” Clear Stone, which is natural grey in color, or river stone are great choices to put under the deck.

8)      Bring on the fire pit

Fire pits are a great place for gatherings. Whether with family, friends or for solo time, there is nothing quite like hanging out by a fire at the end of the day. If you’re building a fire pit, check out these dos and don’ts.

Decorative stones add a look of elegance to any landscape. Many homeowners don’t realize that they’re also very convenient to purchase. Shaw Resources decorative stones and gravel are sold in 20 kg bags, so you don’t need to worry about finding a truck to haul the material. They’re available for purchase at your local building supply store. Many are offering contactless pick-up or delivery options so we recommend calling ahead.