COBBLES
Cobbled roads were once the only form of hard road surface, transforming muddy or impassable roads into decent thoroughfares for carts, animals and people. Nowadays, although many examples of cobbled streets are still around, tarmac and concrete are used for road surfacing and cobbles are mainly used as a decorative hard landscaping material.
Versatile
The irregular shape of the stones and range of colours makes them very versatile in a variety of areas in the garden: around ponds, as a base for a garden statue, cobbled pathways or to create a design feature within a patio or paved area.
Size grading
Cobbles are graded in size from 64mm to 256mm, with anything smaller than 64mm being classed as pebbles and larger than 256mm as boulders.
Cobbles
For paved areas, time needs to be taken when setting the cobbles out to ensure the correct effect will be achieved when they are laid.
Used around a garden pond or as part of a water feature, cobbles are an ideal choice with a smooth surface for the water to flow over and around, giving a natural look and pleasant sound.
Feature
Make a statement with a feature statue, sundial or other piece of artwork by setting it on an attractive cobbled surface. Create a design using two or more colours of cobbles which will draw the eye and enhance your feature.
Cottage Garden effect
Nothing says ‘cottage garden’ more than a cobbled pathway meandering around a herbaceous border, the irregular shape and sizes of the cobbles brings a bit of nostalgia to the garden, as does using cobbles to edge the border.
PEBBLES
Smaller than cobbles, pebbles have several similar decorative uses around the garden and can be a quick and easy way to transform an area. Pebbles are readily available from garden centres and pond specialistsand come in a wide range of attractive colours which will enhance the garden.
Peace and Tranquillity
The Japanese style of gardening uses pebbles to great effect, with the precise design and colour of stones creating a peaceful, tranquil area.
Highlight
Although a pebble garden doesn’t have to be oriental in design it can make a real transformation in a difficult part of the garden – maybe an area with a lot of tree roots or a very shaded site where it’s hard to grow plants. Cover the area with a weed suppressing membrane, spread your pebbles around, add some planted up containers and with a bench or deckchair you’ve created your own personal ‘beach’ hideaway within the garden.
Water Feature
As with cobbles, pebbles are perfect for water features, providing the tranquil sound of trickling water.
Containers
As a decorative addition to your containers the use of smooth pebbles not only looks attractive, but will help retain moisture and keep the weeds down. Choose a size and colour of pebbles which will enhance or blend well with your pot or container.
Get creative with cobbles and pebbles in YOUR garden…
