Using Sand And Gravel As Landscaping Alternatives
There are several commonly-known landscaping elements that can transform a yard into something beautiful and unique. To create the landscape of your dreams, you may be interested in investing in several different types of materials and foliage to complete a lush, sprawling yard.
Basic elements, like grass, gardens, and planters, are obvious features that are incorporated into many landscape designs. But what about some lesser-known landscaping elements?
Sand and gravel are often used as excellent landscaping alternatives to create something different while still maintaining a balance of beauty and sophistication. From rock gardens to gravel-based walkways, there are plenty of creative ideas that can come from gravel and sand. Our Pioneer Landscape Centers experts want to give you some tips on how you can use sand and gravel as elegant landscaping alternatives.
UNIQUE JAPANESE ROCK GARDENS
The art of Japanese rock garden design is an ancient practice, one that can bring harmony and balance to your backyard. The beauty of creating Japanese rock gardens is that they are not only beauties to look at, but part of the experience comes in their creation as well. Planning and designing a Japanese rock garden can help to bring a sense of inner peace, which will make your yard a place of tranquility.
The basic concept of a Japanese rock garden dictates that you use “large”, “medium”, and “small” rocks in the most balanced way possible. These rocks typically represent miniature versions of a larger landscape. For example, you can assort the rocks to look like a miniature mountain range, reflecting the beauty of nature’s wonders.
Other Japanese rock garden designs are built to represent stepping stones, fountains, or exotic landscapes. You can really get creative with this one!
XERISCAPE EDGING TECHNIQUES
Xeriscape edging is a form of edging that keeps water conservation in mind. Typically, xeriscaping involves the use of drought-friendly plants, such as succulents and shrubs, to edge gardens and walkways. With this practice, you are adding much-needed texture and diversity to your yard without having to worry about the cost of extra irrigation.
The use of gravel and mulch is heavily encouraged with xeriscaping. You can use different types of gravel to line the edging in your backyard for added depth and value, without having to worry about watering your lawn more often.
You can use xeriscape edging techniques on pathways, steps, stepping stones, and much more. This is a great idea for parts of your yard that are in transition from foliage to man-made areas, such as gardens that end in a walkway.
PEA GRAVEL WALKWAYS
Pea gravel is a small type of ground gravel that adds a variety of colors and textures to any part of your yard. This is one of the most popular types of gravel that is useful for a variety of landscaping projects. It’s inexpensive, diverse, and great for flat and textured areas. You can use pea gravel in exchange for more expensive materials in order to create a vibrant walkway.
Pea gravel can also be used to create flat surfaces to set yard furniture upon. You can use it to line small gardens and edging around trees or other foliage. Visit our pea gravel selection for more inspiration and ideas!
PERSONAL BEACH RETREAT
Do you love sand? Do you want to be able to relax on the sandy beach without having to actually travel there? Now you can transform your yard into a beautiful sunny resort with a place to relax. You can create your own beach in your outdoor space with sand and gravel.
You’ll first need to clear the desired area of grass, weeds, and other dirt. Put a layer of gravel down first, then lay some soft sand options on top. You’ll need quite a bit of sand to create your own beach, but it is still an affordable and luxurious option to afford if you’re interested in something unique.
LET US HELP YOU MEET YOUR LANDSCAPING GOALS!
At Pioneer Landscape Centers, we are dedicated to helping your yard become not only attractive, but environmentally friendly as well. We have all the materials and resources necessary to create a unique experience. Whether you’re interested in traditional yard work, or you want to add drought-saving techniques with sand and gravel, our experts have got you covered. To plan your yard today, you can contact us online or give us a call at (866) 525-4079 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to speaking with you!