How to Make Your Garden Glisten

If you are planting a vegetable garden in Nashville this year, you’re probably looking for ways to get the most out of it. In addition to visual appeal, getting a good amount of yield is important. How do you make your garden glisten? We want to share our secret! 

Our favorite way to set apart one garden from the next is with decorative gravel. If you’re in the Nashville area, fortunately natural stone like this is relatively easy to come by. Stone adds an element of ambiance to a vegetable garden- which is something most people don’t consider until after the garden is growing. While planting a vegetable garden typically is to make a productive garden rather than a pretty one, hear us out. Decorative gravel can turn a purely functional plot into a pleasant part of your property.

What is decorative gravel?

What exactly is decorative gravel? As you can see from these Houzz photos, it is primarily used to line pathways and offset other larger elements such as stepping-stones or planters. This type of gravel is usually sifted to ensure rocks are a certain size, such as no larger than 2 inches, so you’re guaranteed something closer to the likes of pea gravel. This article explains the ins and outs of decorative gravel, including how it is fast becoming the green alternative to lawns.

Choosing the Right Kind

When selecting gravel you should first consider what you will be using the decorative gravel for. Some options are: to line the grass between raised garden beds, to separate patches of vegetables in a traditional garden, or to line a path through a large garden. Knowing the function of your gravel should tell you the size you need. Most dealers will have you choose a size anywhere between ¾ of an inch to 6 inches. You can also choose between crushed stone and natural stone. Crushed stone will be jagged and similar in shape and size because it has been crushed by a machine, as is shown in this post. Natural stone, such as river rock, will be sifted for size, but the stones will be round and vary in color and size. When planning the decorative portion of your garden, consider whether you need angular or round stones.

Making It Work with a Vegetable Garden

We’ve talked a little bit about why you should integrate natural stone gravel with your veggie plot this year. Let’s look at a few more reasons your garden could be a new favorite spot. If you enjoy being outdoors in the evenings, the smell of your veggies being ripe, or admiring the sight of your hard work after a long day, chances are this will happen. Edible gardens are just as enjoyable to lounge in as flower gardens, especially close to harvest season.  This article has some great tips on what to do to ensure that your garden is a place where at the end of the day you can kick back in an Adirondack chair, have a drink, and relax.  

 

Does your garden glisten?

Do you have decorative gravel in your vegetable garden? Do you like the ideas we’ve presented here? Leave a comment below so we can hear about your  gardening adventure. Maybe even put in a link to pictures of your edible landscape!