Decorative aggregates are versatile materials used for landscaping and construction projects, including pathways, driveways, rockeries, and plant beds.
Decorative stones for gardens in the UK effectively control weed growth, protect against frost, and improve drainage. For these reasons, choosing the right aggregate for gardens also helps reduce your maintenance needs and elevates your project.
From size and colour to texture and quantity, there are many factors to consider when you’re choosing decorative aggregates for gardens. You also need to think about the budget for the project, as well as environmental factors like the climate, your desired aesthetics, and the preferred level of maintenance.
Want to know more about the different types of aggregates for gardens? Or are you looking to find the ideal decorative stones for your landscaping project? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of decorative aggregates for gardens and help you choose the right aggregates for your project.
1) Gravel
Gravel is a popular and versatile decorative aggregate that’s well-suited for various outdoor projects. It’s often used in driveways alongside other road aggregates due to its stability, excellent drainage qualities, and ability to suppress weed growth.
With decorative aggregates for gardens, gravel can be used in pathways, plant beds, borders, and areas prone to waterlogging. Use suitable weed membranes or gravel stabilisation with gravel to avoid the growth of unwanted weeds or potholes later on.
Gravel, whether natural or crushed gravel, is available in many sizes and colours. Whether you want a decorative aggregate that blends in with the garden or a beautiful centrepiece, you have plenty of options. Loose decorative stones in gardens like gravel also offer additional garden security.
Gravel is a durable and low-maintenance option that’s easy to install, making it a fantastic choice for any project.
2) Pebbles & Cobbles
Pebbles and cobbles have a uniquely smooth and rounded surface shaped by wind, water, and other natural elements. Their striking appearance makes them ideal for enhancing the aesthetics of a garden.
Pebbles and cobbles come in many different colours and textures. This variety makes them well-suited for decorative uses in borders, rockeries, flower beds, and water features.
Pebbles and cobbles are an excellent choice of decorative aggregates for gardens. However, they also have a few disadvantages. If you’re using them on a walking surface, pebbles and cobbles offer limited stability compared to other aggregates, like gravel. They also require more cleaning to prevent algae growth.
Even so, their natural beauty and versatility make them a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance to many outdoor landscaping projects and gardens.
3) Chippings
Chippings are decorative aggregates for gardens formed from crushed stones in different colours, textures, and sizes. The angular shape of chippings provides excellent interlocking and stability, making them well-suited for driveways and pathways.
Each type of chipping has its own unique properties and colours depending on where it’s quarried.
These aggregates for gardens offer great ground cover in bare garden areas, helping cover weeds, soil, and uneven ground. However, due to their irregular shapes, chippings may not always be comfortable to walk on.
The durability and practicality of chippings make them a great choice for areas where functionality and aesthetics are essential.
4) Slate, Granite and Limestone
Slate, Granite and Limestone aggregates have a unique colour and texture and are often used for pathways, flower beds, and ground cover. They’re durable and sturdy and come in various sizes and quantities.
These are available in various colours from pale natural to darker grey. These decorative aggregates for gardens can be slippery when wet, but they also offer excellent moisture retention and help keep the soil hydrated.
These aggregates’ striking appearance and practical benefits make them an excellent choice that will add style to any garden.
5) Gabion and Rockery Stone
Gabion and rockery stones are a great decorative stone that adds structure and character to any garden. Typically, these decorative aggregates for gardens are used in retaining walls, raised flower beds, or perimeter fences, or adding unique focal points in outdoor spaces.
Gabion stones are placed in metal cages, to create a strong and rustic-looking wall or barrier. Rockery stones are well-suited for natural-looking garden elements, like rock gardens or water features.
Both of these decorative aggregates offer stability in sloped areas and reduce soil erosion, with a bold and striking appearance.
Contact Middleton Aggregates for High-Quality Aggregates
Decorative aggregates are versatile materials that can help you transform your outdoor spaces. With an abundance of decorative aggregates for gardens available, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting the ideal aggregates.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy aggregate supplier for your next landscaping or construction project, we can help.
At Middleton Aggregates, we bring you a wide selection of aggregates and fill materials for various purposes. We also offer plant hire services to meet your construction and landscaping needs and ensure the job gets done efficiently.
Located in Blackborough End, King’s Lynn, our team of professionals serves the Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk areas. We value your satisfaction and provide you with a friendly and reliable service throughout your purchase journey.
When you choose us as your aggregate supplier, you can rest assured you’re investing in the success of your project.
For more information on our products and services, visit our website or contact us to find out more.
