2 Tips for Choosing the Right Pebble for Your Garden

Pebbles are one of the most versatile and attractive natural elements you can add to your garden. They are simply beautiful, affordable and very earthy. They add motif, colour and appeal to various garden scapes.

Garden pebbles are best used as pavers and plant accompaniment. In some cases, they are used as a standalone garden element that helps draw attraction.

But you may be asking, how do I know if I’m choosing the right pebble for my garden?

2 Tips for Choosing the Right Pebble for Your Garden

You may want to consider two important factors when choosing the right pebble for your garden – purpose and amount.

Before we discuss these factors further, here’s a quick tip – try using a combination of pebbles for a more enhanced texture.

1. What are you using the pebbles for?

The most important thing to know when choosing the right pebble for your garden is its purpose. Whether for your pathway or succulent pots, knowing the purpose can help determine what type and sizes of pebbles you need.

Here are some possible uses of garden pebbles:

*Driveways and Path walks

Pebbles are a great choice for driveways and path walks because they are easier to drive through and more comfortable to walk on. Yellow polished pebbles are a good option for pathways. It brings neutrality and a feeling of warmth to many exterior paths scaping.

Typically, homeowners use 5cm-sized pebbles for driveways. The smaller yellow polished pebbles sized between 2cm to 3cm are recommended for path walks.

*Water Feature

If you are thinking of adding a focal point to your garden, a water feature can be a great idea. The good thing about using pebbles for your water feature is it blends and complement well with water.

One of the best choices for water feature pebbles is the river pebble. They typically come in pink, cream, grey or a combination of these 3 colours. And they are sized between 4 to 10 cm in diameter, which is perfect for any type of water feature.

*Decorative Mulch

an excellent alternative to organic mulch is the use of pebbles. Comparatively, pebbles are more beneficial to use as decorative mulch because they do not alter the characteristics of the soil. They are also durable and do not break as mulch does. And pebbles help maintain the moisture in the soil, which makes it a healthier option for mulching.

You can choose between black quartzite pebbles and smooth, bright river stones. Use smaller pebbles for plant beds and a combination of medium to large pebbles for tree base covering.

*Terraced Steps

Pebbles are a good element to accentuate terraced steps. Whether you use the pebbles as stand-alone or mix and match them with concrete slabs for the steps, they will surely create a good focal point for a sloping garden.

Sino black pebbles sized 3-5 cm are a good border match for most concrete slabs while medium-sized pea gravel is a good choice for stand-alone options.

*Succulent Garden

Succulent gardens have become popular in the past couple of years. Succulents are known to thrive in tropical or drought-prevalent places, hence, many find them easy to grow and maintain. Many succulent lovers use pebbles to increase their garden’s appeal.

Some good options to complement the beauty of succulents are white marble pebbles, Mexican beach pebbles and other rainbow stones. Make sure to get small to medium-sized pebbles. This is to ensure that the succulents remain the focus of your garden.

*Zen Space

Pebbles offer a refreshing ambience to some types of landscape, like a zen garden. Most traditional zen spaces use stones, moss, water, sand and other natural elements to create a tranquil meditative environment.

The most common type of pebbles used for zen gardens is the white Himalaya pebbles. You can choose between natural and polished pebbles or perhaps both.

*Groundworks

Another good purpose for pebbles is for groundwork such as patios and other outdoor living spaces. Pebbles help protect the soil underneath that wide space and also prevent unwarranted weed growth and bug infestation.

You can choose from a wide variety of pebbles and mix different sizes for an added texture. Whether you want to go monochromatic or add contrast to your landscape, pebbles are a sure way to go.

*Gap Fillers

If you are wondering how to eliminate those gaps between your garden beds and pathways, pebbles are a good option. When you need something to define the border of your pool or create a pretty outline to emphasise a landscape shape, using pebbles is the answer you are looking for.

In most cases, small-sized river pebbles are a good option for landscape outlines and medium-sized pebbles for pathway or pool borders.

2. How much pebbles do you need?

Now that you know what you are using pebbles for, let’s discuss how much you would need. Typically, 40 kilograms of pebbles can cover a square meter area with a 5-cm depth.

Let’s say you’re thinking of using pebbles for your outdoor art corner that measures 1.5×1.5 metres, you would then need about 90 kilograms of pebbles.

Indeed, pebbles are a good way to liven up your garden. So, head out to your favourite landscaping supplies store and spruce up your garden today.

Contact Mazzega’s Landscaping Services to learn more!