When I think about pea gravel in the garden, my mind immediately pictures a pristine English garden with meticulously manicured plants. However, there are countless other pea gravel garden ideas out there which are equally delightful, budget-friendly, and ultra-functional! In this article, I’ll show some of the best ways you can use it for your next garden project. Whether you’re imagining a formal, rustic, or modern garden, you can incorporate pea gravel to elevate your outdoor design.
15 IDEAS and USES
1. Between Raised Beds
Raised beds are ideal when creating a large, edible garden. They allow you to create walkways between different sections so you can easily get to every plant for harvesting veggies without walking on and compacting the soil. Pea gravel is the perfect filler for these walkways since it provides good drainage and won’t need to be replaced very often. It will also help keep weeds at bay.
2. Garden Walkways
Whether it’s a walkway through the garden or out to the garden, pea gravel is well-suited for garden paths. It’s low-cost and doesn’t require much maintenance. It also creates a more natural look unlike some pavers and poured concrete. Whether you let your flowers spill over the walkway or keep the edges clean-cut, your pea-pebble path is sure to look fantastic!
3. Garden Bench On Pea Gravel
Nothing is better than a garden bench for letting you relax and smell the roses! A gravel base works great underneath a bench by providing a stable, well-draining surface. It will also help you define the space, making the placement of the bench look more intentional than simply sitting it on the grass.
4. Garden Shed On Pea Gravel
If you’re getting serious about your gardening hobby you’ll probably get to the point where you need a shed to house all of your tools. Placing your garden shed on a pea gravel base will help you create a solid flat surface that will hold up for years to come. You also won’t have to worry about soil erosion and weeds when you use a gravel base.
5. Greenhouse Floor
Pea gravel is an ideal greenhouse flooring material. It allows for easy drainage and can be hosed down when a good cleaning is in order. Create a fun and whimsical greenhouse space by using colorful gravel such as red or blue.
6. Flower Bed Ideas
Most people use mulch in their flower beds but pea gravel is a much better option. Though it costs a few dollars more initially, you’ll save money in the long run because it doesn’t have to be replaced annually. Pebbles work well with flower gardens or you can add some grasses and larger rocks to give it more of a desert feel.
You can get creative by using a variety of gravel colors in different areas. This will add extra visual interest and help it look more vibrant when plants are dormant in the winter.
7. Around Trees
You can also use pea gravel around trees to reduce overall maintenance by reducing weeds. Mix in a few annual flowers like marigolds in summer or pansies in winter. The added color from the flowers will make your tree stand out even more in the landscape.
8. Around Shrubs
If you like low-maintenance landscaping, combining pea gravel with evergreen shrubs is the best recipe for your flowerbed. After you’ve installed them, you won’t have to do anything other than light pruning once or twice a year. If you decide you want to get a little fancier with it, consider adding some topiaries to the mix!
9. Pea Gravel With Succulents
The key to success with succulents is starting with well-draining soil. That makes pea gravel the perfect addition to a succulent garden. It will help keep water from pooling around plants and it dries out quicker than mulch.
10. Pea Gravel With Cacti
Just like succulents, cacti prefer low moisture and well-drained soils. Adding pea gravel around them is ideal and it goes well with the desert vibe cacti exude. This is another super low-maintenance flower bed combo. You won’t have to replace the gravel for years and cacti don’t require pruning.
11. Pea Gravel With Potted Plants
Placing flower pots in a flower bed allows you to add colors and patterns that last throughout the year. Flower pots also allow you to bring any plants that can survive the cold winters in your area indoors. Using pea gravel underneath them gives you a sturdy flat surface to work with and will allow the pots to drain nicely.
12. Zen Garden
If you like to meditate, or just need a way to destress from time to time, a Zen garden might be right for you. Studies have shown that the process of raking a Zen garden to create flowing patterns can be a great stress reliever. Pea gravel is the best choice for a Zen garden because it’s easy to rake and rain won’t wash away your designs.
13. Under Bird Bath
If you enjoy having birds visit your garden as I do, you should consider adding a bird bath to attract them. Bird baths are commonly made from concrete and need a sturdy base to sit on. Pea gravel works beautifully as a base for them and will help them blend into the surrounding space seamlessly.
14. Garden Terraces
If you have a significant slope in your yard, adding terraced flower beds works great and can help your garden stand out. The perfectly level flower beds it forms will keep heavy downpours from causing soil erosion. Filling the terraces with pea gravel not only looks fantastic but also allows water to drain while maintaining enough soil moisture for plants.
15. Pea Gravel Stairs
Another consideration if your yard isn’t flat is the addition of stairs. Wooden or stone stairways can be costly and difficult to install. Use pea gravel instead to create gorgeous risers that won’t break the bank. Keep in mind that you’ll still have to use a few pieces of wood or pavers at the front of each step to hold the gravel in place.
