Our yard has a huge area around the swing set that goes the length of the yard. We have tried pine needles, mulch (many, many times), and no amount of work we seem to do provides a lasting solution. The area has a slight slope to one side, which causes erosion and our mulch to wash away faster. Plants have helped, but we have been racking our brain for a different solution.
One day, we sat at a local brewery and I was admiring the landscape. That is when it clicked-pea gravel. There were kids all around playing in it, we were comfortably walking on it, yet it looked so clean and simple. I then began to scour some of the landscape photos I had previously been attracted to: ironically, most of them used pea gravel, I just hadn’t noticed.
I did some homework and this spring we will be putting it down. It requires us to dig the area 6″ deep, first putting 3″ of “rock gravel” down, then 3″ of pea gravel on top. I am on the hunt for predominantly white or light gray pea gravel in bulk. (If you have any suggestions as to where I may find some for the best deal, please let me know!) These are some of my favorite photos that show how lovely pea gravel is.
Aren’t these amazing? Pea gravel is inexpensive and lasts for a long time. It is also resistant to erosion when installed properly (over a layer of rock gravel.) I will need to first map out the area that I would like to create beds of bushes and trees, as it is important to soften a gravel landscape visually with greenery.
I am also on the hunt for hardy boxwoods to plant. I made the mistake years ago of choosing English Dwarf Boxwoods. They are very susceptible to disease and extremely high maintenance, so I learned my lesson quickly after that. I am getting so excited to plan this. It feels like a blank canvas ready to create our own paradise in.
Last but not least, I am a solid believer in the power positive thinking. I am going to end each post with something that I hope will brighten your day.
