Take a step back in time and consider gravel

ShareThis

The sound of tires on gravel always brings to mind English manor houses on "Masterpiece Theater." You expect a Rolls Royce to deliver over-dressed nobility into the hands of waiting domestic staff. And in Jane Austen novels, young ladies in their elaborate Victorian dress stroll along gravel lined flowerbeds. We tend to overlook the beauty of fine gravel in favor of hard paving. But paving is expensive, and the skill required to do it yourself can be considerable. So we simply don't attempt the improvement project at all. As our landscaping dollars grow fewer each day, maybe it's time to go back to the tried and true surface to somehow tame the mud.Gravel is simply a million little pieces of rock known collectively as aggregate. It is the size, shape and color of the pieces that defines their application in gardens. The most popular of all forms is pea gravel, which is created out of naturally rounded pea-sized pebbles. Known as "river run," pea gravel has rounded edges that make it much easier on bare feet because there are no sharp points. It is mined by passing river gravel through giant sieves that allow only the tiniest stones to pass through. Pea gravel is easy to shovel and rake because the rounded pebbles roll with your tools. It's also very clean and low in dust content. Most pea gravel is light gray in color because it originates from granite parent material. It's laid in layers about two inches deep and requires edging to ensure it doesn't travel into adjacent beds or lawn under pressure. It is exceptional for mud free paths and walkways.Mined gravel is also crushed to size. This rock is not river run but actual stone pulverized into tiny pieces and then passed through a sieve. This is the aggregate most valuable for concrete mixes because it has sharp edges as a result of the crushing process. Sharp edges are much more effective at bonding concrete. However, sharp edges are much more difficult to rake because they don't roll as readily as river run pea gravel. But then again, they'll stay put better. This form is therefore better for driveways where it is less likely to move under vehicular traffic. Crushed gravel can, over time, pack down very tightly, providing a well-drained, surface for vehicles. It is ideal for overflow parking spaces that are rarely used or for surfacing sideyards where mud free access is important. The beauty of pea gravel is that it adapts to virtually any shaped space. All that is required is a solid edging that holds the gravel in place, and heavy tumbled concrete pavers are perfect for this. They are available in larger sizes that aren't easily kicked out of place. Another trick for reducing long-term maintenance is installing weed barrier fabric under the gravel. This fabric allows water to flow down into the soil beneath but cuts off light. With no light, weeds won't sprout up through the gravel. You won't get creeping grasses and other pernicious weeds that so typically become a problem. What weeds do manage to germinate in the gravel will pull right out because the roots cannot reach soil to grab hold.Crushed or river run gravel are vital to concrete construction so they are available everywhere. Simply contact a masonry supply, rock yard or bulk landscape supplier to find the best price. You can buy it by the ton, or by the cubic yard. Calculate the number of square feet of coverage you need times two inches deep to find the correct quantity.Gravel is an age-old solution for outdoor living, walking and driving surfaces that anyone can lay. So whether you live in a small house in the city or a rambling English manor house, there is no reason you can't stroll in true Old World style.(Maureen Gilmer is a horticulturist and host of "Weekend Gardening" on DIY Network. Contact her at her Web site www.moplants.com or visit www.diynetwork.com.)