Many people are opting for low-maintenance lawns and landscaping and this is where gravel can be a homeowner’s best friend. Gravel is an excellent alternative to turf, is no fuss or muss and doesn’t need to be watered, mowed or fertilized. In a nutshell, what could be simpler?

Here are some types of material in the gravel family with ideas on how they can make your outdoor living space the talk of the neighbourhood:

  1. Pea GravelThis affordable gravel, with its beautiful, natural colouring and smooth texture is a favourite for any area around the house, as garden gravel suppliers can attest. It can be used in driveways, patios and planting beds. It matches well with other landscape décor and makes spaces visually appealing.
  2. River RockAs its name implies, these stones come from rivers so they come in all shapes, sizes and colours. They look particularly nice for edging and for pathways. Larger river rocks bode well as decorative enhancements, rather than for path stones, since they’re harder to walk on. More ambitious and creative types could even use these rocks to make a streambed with a pond for their backyards.
  3. SlateIn chipped form, slate looks lovely on paths, as edging or as mulch to keep weeds at bay. It comes in all kinds of colours, including blue, red, purple and of course, grey. Another bonus, it won’t attract pesky bugs.
  4. PatiosIncorporating gravel into your patio area will give the space a pulled-together look; and since it’s a natural product, it will also create a sense of peace and tranquility. Gravel is an unobtrusive addition to your patio space, allowing guests to relax.
  5. Mix And MatchGravel rocks of different sizes and colours could be mixed together to add an interesting look. Not only do they look nice, but they can also be practical by helping to divert runoff water into a pond.
  6. Rock It With A BorderA border of gravel makes a garden look professionally pulled together, especially when flowers have been freshly planted. Larger stones can define paths so that as plants thrive, the rocks will support them. A garden gravel supplier will be able to give you further information on which type of gravel would work best for your gardening needs.

Essential Garden Supplies is your go-to garden gravel supplier. Whatever your garden projects may be — pea gravel, clear limestone gravel, high-performance bedding and even river rock — call Essential Garden Supplies for information on their gravel, soil and mulch choices.