Pea Gravel

 Pea Gravel patios are an economical and environmentally-friendly way to create space in a garden.  The gravel is small, usually 3/8 – 1/2 inch, which makes it easy to walk on.  Rainwater runs through, making it a better option for small properties with limited impervious covering allowance.

The best part is that a pea gravel patio can be installed for a fraction of the cost of a paver, brick or bluestone patio. They can be formal or informal in design, and lend a ‘natural’ look to a garden.  Edging can be made of natural stone, brick, concrete pavers or Belgian block, or it can be a simple aluminum edging such as that used for walkways.

Maintenance is easy, simply blow leaves and debris off, and, if necessary, spread a fresh layer of stone every few years.  As long as a proper base is installed, the gravel should not sink into the underlying earth, but it does tend to scatter a bit.