Aquarium gravel works well as a decorative element in landscapes. Most aquarium gravel is pea gravel, which is exactly the identical kind of stone often used in landscaping. Aquarium gravel may work exactly the exact same way as landscaping gravel in borders, mulching, pathways and paving. Whether you have a little or a lot to work with, use aquarium gravel to brighten your outside space.
Garden Borders
Aquarium gravel may be used to delineate garden segments, in addition to mulched or paved areas. The gravel acts as a visual edge and may also discourage grass, flowers and other plants from growing beyond the obstacle. Dig a two- to 3-inch trench for the gravel edge, and line it with landscaping material for drainage. Avoid using gravel together a lawn since it makes mowing difficult, as the stones may be launched or damage the mower blades.
Soil Aeration and Mulching
Mix aquarium gravel with top soil to aerate it and offer a rockier substrate to plants such as rosemary (Rosmarinus spp.) or lavender (Lavandula spp.) bushes. You may also use aquarium gravel for a mulch as a top cover for plantings. Aquarium gravel mulch works well around shrubs and in rock gardens in cooler climates where it helps to retain daytime heat.
Pathways
In case you have a lot of aquarium gravel, you may use it to make a path. If you like this idea, but do not have enough aquarium gravel for the entire path, it is possible to mix it with sand or landscaping gravel. To earn a pathway, then dig the dirt a few inches deep. Depending on the kind of dirt in your area, you may need to lay down a layer of stone pack prior to the landscaping material that goes underneath the gravel to the pathway. Make sure to line the pathway with bricks, bigger stones or another edging to keep the gravel in place.
Paving
Aquarium gravel could be combined with mortar or used on its own as grout as soon as paving pathways or patios. The gravel could be tamped between pavers when used without mortar, or pressed to the spaces between pavers when the mortar is still wet.
Potted Plants
Aquarium gravel, particularly the colorful varieties, can brighten up container plants when sprinkled on the upper layer of dirt. In a more practical program, aquarium gravel may be used in the bottom of plant pots for drainage. Normally, 1 inch of gravel is everything you will need for appropriate drainage. Adding gravel into the bottom of pots also adds weight, which helps prevent lightweight plastic containers from tipping over.