Paths and squares made of natural stone and gravel are all the rage.
Not least, because gravel is reminiscent of castle gardens. We will show you the applications and diversity of natural materials.
Just a few years ago exposed aggregate concrete slabs were number one among the way- and terrace coverings. The trend, however, is towards natural stones, and so Kies is experiencing a real renaissance. A gravel place or path, however, must be set up professionally, so that it dries quickly after a downpour and, if possible, no weeds grow between the small stones. Belong to a decent subsurface, especially if you want to drive on the paths by car, a compacted slag substructure and several firmly rolled gravel layers. An underlying film is sufficient for footpaths, which also prevents weed growth. The biggest problem, however, is the choice, because it is huge! Take a look for yourself.
1 Gravel as a nice transition from a paved natural stone path to the pond.
2 A shady gravel place under plane trees: Many a summer day can be enjoyed here on romantic iron furniture (Garpa) spend.
3 Gravel between plants: Even in heavy rain, the water only gently seeps into the ground.
4 Paths made of gravel: The wonderful crunching noises when entering are reminiscent of palace gardens and large parks.
5 Fascination of the Japanese garden: Holes filled with water in a gravel garden with stone setting.
6 Planted marble gravel surface as a design element.
7 Gutter zone: Necessary for a green roof.
8 House adjoining with larger granite stones.
AT THE WATER
Whether as a real pond or as a Japanese garden (picture 5, page 87) with water hollows, Under the gravel surface, there is only a large area of fleece on the modeled floor (geofleece) and then pond liner (both from the garden shop) designed. Another layer of fleece on the foil protects it and gives the stones a hold, especially in steeper places. The gravel layer is 5 to 10 cm thick. Flat river pebbles are very nice for streams, for noble ponds the white gravel from Carrara marble.
ON THE ROOF
Anyone planning a green roof, needs gravel. The water drainage zone on the lower edge of the roof is about 20 cm wide and high, replacing the rain gutter. The water, that flows off through the greened area, is collected here and guided to the ground through roof gullies via chains or downpipes. More information on the structure of the green roof and the nature of the gravel is available from Re-natur.
BETWEEN PLANTS
Gravel between plants doesn't just look great, it also protects the ground. The soil remains nice and loose underneath and when it rains, the water is gently guided through the gravel layer, without the soil silting up. The stones also store heat on sunny days and gradually release it to the plants.
ON THE ROAD
Who wants to use gravel on a car driveway, has big plans. The floor has to be excavated, filled with slag and compacted, before you can then layer several firmly rolled gravel layers over it. To do this, you should definitely create an enclosure for the gravel, otherwise the small stones will be kicked or pushed apart by walking or driving on. It's pretty easy to do with a solid one, weatherproof wooden board 1, a wooden palisade, a lawn edge made of plastic or with concrete slabs. It is recommended for footpaths, another sub-floor fabric (for example “Co-verSol” from Ubbink in the specialist store) to put under the stone layer. This highly water-permeable fabric 2 then take care of it, that the stones do not step into the ground and that weeds have no chance.
Chunks of glass for the garden
With these small chunks of glass, you can really bring color to your garden. The chunks of glass have a diameter of about 1 to 2,5 cm, are not sharp-edged and are available in red, yellow, green, lilac, blue, Orange and in clear, but also colored in silver and gold. In addition to the chunks made of real glass, you can also get those made of acrylic glass, that look smoother and shinier. The colorful chunks are available from Masa Natursteine, Price on request.