Your Guide To Using Decorative Aggregate In Your Garden
Posted on: 7 December 2020
There are several benefits of using decorative aggregate in your garden, and with so many types and colours of stones available, you'll easily find aggregate that suits your style. Decorative aggregate is very low maintenance, suppresses weed growth and can transform the appearance of your garden. It can also help improve drainage and protect plant roots from frost.
3 Popular Types Of Decorative Aggregate
There are lots of options available when it comes to choosing decorative aggregate, and the best type for your garden really comes down to personal preference. Consider whether you want large pieces or small pieces and whether you want brightly coloured aggregate or something more muted that blends in with the natural landscape of your garden. Here are three popular types for you to consider:
Slate
Slate is a good all-rounder that comes in a variety of sizes and a few colours including blue, pale green and plum. It's ideal for use around water features and ponds, as it doesn't alter the pH of the water and is not harmful to fish. Additionally, moss and algae don't form on the slate as quickly as they do on paving stones.
Flint
Flint has shades of gold and cream engrained through it, and as a form of quartz, it's a particularly durable type of aggregate. It's a good choice for areas that will be walked on, such as pathways, and choosing flint aggregate that has a minimum piece size of at least 2cm will ensure you don't get any stuck in your shoe tread.
Pebbles
Pebbles are a good choice for those who want their aggregate to have a smooth, uniform appearance, as all the stones are of a similar size. Made from quartz or dolomite, pebbles can be used to add contrast to flowerbeds and borders. They come in a range of colours including polished black, bright white, cream, duck egg blue and grey.
Laying Decorative Aggregate
Before laying your decorative aggregate, you will need to clear the area of vegetation and debris. If you have deep-rooted weeds or shrubs, you will benefit from using a tiller or rotavator to loosen the soil and ensure no large roots are left behind. Once the soil is clear, you will need to level the area with a rake. To prevent weeds growing through the aggregate, you will need to lay landscaping membrane on top of the soil. Opt for a semi-permeable membrane to allow drainage down through the aggregate and into the soil.
Before topping the landscaping membrane with your chosen aggregate, create a barrier around the perimeter of the membrane to prevent aggregate scattering onto the surrounding area or weeds growing up around the edge. You can use large rocks, stone edging or wooden planks to create a barrier, but keep the style of your garden and your chosen aggregate in mind when choosing a barrier. Lastly, lay the decorative aggregate to a depth of at least 5cm and rake over it to create an even finish.
If you're considering using decorative aggregate stones to enhance the appearance of your garden, visit a local landscape supplies provider to browse the range of aggregates available.
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