Top 5 Landscaping Projects with Pea Gravel from Kilgore Landscape Center

Pea gravel is one of the most versatile and visually appealing materials you can use in your landscaping projects. These small, smooth stones come in a variety of colors, adding texture and interest to any outdoor space. At Kilgore Landscape Center, we offer high-quality pea gravel that can enhance the beauty and functionality of your yard. Whether you're looking to create a charming pathway, a serene water feature, or a robust driveway, pea gravel offers the perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality. Here are the top five landscaping projects you can undertake using pea gravel from Kilgore Landscape Center, a Salt Lake landscape center.

1. Creating Stunning Pathways and Walkways

One of the most popular uses for pea gravel is creating pathways and walkways. Its small, rounded stones are comfortable to walk on, making it an excellent choice for garden paths and walkways around your home. Here’s how you can create a stunning pathway with pea gravel:

Materials Needed:

- Pea gravel

- Landscape fabric

- Edging material (e.g., metal, plastic, or wood)

- Shovel and rake

Steps:

1. Design Your Pathway: Start by planning the route of your pathway. Use stakes and string to outline the desired path.
2. Prepare the Ground: Remove any grass, weeds, or debris from the pathway area. Dig to a depth of about 4-6 inches.
3. Install Edging: Place edging material along the sides of the pathway to keep the gravel contained.
4. Lay Landscape Fabric: Spread landscape fabric over the dug-out pathway to prevent weeds from growing through the gravel.
5. Add Pea Gravel: Pour the pea gravel over the fabric, spreading it evenly with a rake. Aim for a depth of about 2-3 inches.
6. Level and Compact: Use a rake to level the gravel, and compact it by walking over it or using a tamper.

The result is a beautiful, low-maintenance pathway that enhances the aesthetic of your garden.

2. Enhancing Garden Beds and Borders

Pea gravel can be used to enhance garden beds and borders, providing a clean, polished look while helping to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. Here’s how to use pea gravel in your garden beds:

Materials Needed:

- Pea gravel

- Decorative landscaping rock

- Landscape fabric

- Plants and flowers

Steps:

1. Prepare the Area: Clear the garden bed of any existing weeds, rocks, or debris.
2. Lay Landscape Fabric: Cover the garden bed with landscape fabric to prevent weed growth.
3. Plant Your Garden: Cut holes in the fabric where you want to place your plants. Dig holes through the fabric and plant your flowers, shrubs, or vegetables.
4. Add Pea Gravel: Spread pea gravel over the fabric, around the plants. Ensure the gravel layer is about 2-3 inches deep.

The pea gravel not only looks attractive but also provides excellent drainage and helps maintain soil temperature.

3. Designing a Pea Gravel Patio

A pea gravel patio is a cost-effective and visually appealing option for creating an outdoor living space. It offers a rustic charm and can be easily customized to fit any design aesthetic. Here’s how to design a pea gravel patio:

Materials Needed:

- Pea gravel

- Landscape fabric

- Edging material

- Sand

- Pavers (optional)

Steps:

1. Plan Your Patio: Determine the size and shape of your patio. Mark the area with stakes and string.
2. Prepare the Ground: Remove any grass or debris and dig to a depth of about 6-8 inches.
3. Install Edging: Place edging material around the perimeter of the patio area.
4. Add a Sand Base: Spread a layer of sand about 2 inches deep across the patio area and level it with a rake.
5. Lay Landscape Fabric: Cover the sand base with landscape fabric.
6. Add Pea Gravel: Pour pea gravel over the fabric, aiming for a depth of about 2-3 inches.
7. Optional Pavers: For added stability and design, you can place pavers in the gravel to create a stepping-stone effect.

Your new patio will be a charming and functional space for relaxing and entertaining.

4. Creating a Tranquil Water Feature

Pea gravel is an excellent material for use in water features, such as ponds, fountains, or dry riverbeds. Its natural appearance complements the water and helps with drainage. Here’s how to create a tranquil water feature using pea gravel using materials from a Salt Lake landscape center:

Materials Needed:

- Pea gravel

- Pond liner or pre-formed pond

- Water pump (for fountains)

- Rocks and boulders

- Plants (optional)

Steps:

1. Design Your Water Feature: Decide on the type and location of your water feature. If creating a pond, determine its shape and size.
2. Prepare the Area: Dig out the area for the pond or fountain, ensuring it’s deep enough to accommodate the pond liner or pre-formed pond.
3. Install the Liner: Place the pond liner in the hole, making sure it fits snugly. Trim any excess liner.
4. Add Rocks and Boulders: Arrange rocks and boulders around the edge of the pond to hide the liner and create a natural look.
5. Place the Water Pump: If creating a fountain, place the water pump in the pond and connect it to the power source.
6. Add Pea Gravel: Spread pea gravel at the bottom of the pond or around the fountain base. It helps with drainage and enhances the aesthetic.
7. Optional Plants: Add aquatic plants or marginal plants around the water feature for added beauty.

A water feature with pea gravel can become a peaceful retreat in your garden, offering the soothing sound of flowing water.

5. Constructing a Low-Maintenance Driveway

Pea gravel driveways are an attractive and low-maintenance alternative to traditional asphalt or concrete driveways. They provide good drainage and a rustic appeal. Here’s how to construct a pea gravel driveway:

Materials Needed:

- Pea gravel

- Landscape fabric

- Decorative landscaping rock

- Edging material

- Crushed stone base

Steps:

1. Design Your Driveway: Plan the layout of your driveway and mark it with stakes and string.
2. Prepare the Ground: Excavate the driveway area to a depth of about 8-12 inches.
3. Install Edging: Place edging material along the sides of the driveway to contain the gravel.
4. Add a Crushed Stone Base: Spread a layer of crushed stone about 4-6 inches deep across the excavated area. Compact it with a tamper.
5. Lay Landscape Fabric: Cover the crushed stone base with landscape fabric to prevent weed growth.
6. Add Pea Gravel: Pour pea gravel over the fabric, spreading it evenly with a rake. Aim for a depth of about 4-6 inches.
7. Level and Compact: Use a rake to level the gravel and compact it by driving over it several times.

A pea gravel driveway is durable, easy to maintain, and enhances the curb appeal of your home.

Conclusion

Pea gravel is a versatile and cost-effective material that can be used in a variety of landscaping projects. Whether you’re creating pathways, enhancing garden beds, designing a patio, constructing a water feature, or building a driveway, pea gravel from Kilgore Landscape Center can help you achieve beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. 

By investing in quality pea gravel and following the project guidelines, you can transform your yard into a stunning and practical area that enhances your home's overall aesthetic and functionality. Visit Kilgore Landscape Center, a Salt Lake landscape center, today to explore our selection of high-quality pea gravel and other landscaping materials. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to provide expert advice and help you select the best products for your projects. Let's transform your yard into a stunning landscape that you'll enjoy for years to come.