Designing with Pea Gravel

Photo: Photo by Roger Foley / Courtesy Arentz Landscape Architects

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Pea Gravel with Larger Stones

Pea gravel comes in a variety of natural colors, making it easy to pair with other types of stones, as in this design by Arentz Landscape Architects. Using larger stones helps keep the gravel in place in courtyards, walkways and other areas.

Photo: Photo by Sally Ferguson / Courtesy Ferguson Caras LLC

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Pea Gravel and Containers

This homeowner wanted a "nice, tidy look...to keep down dirt in areas with heavy use at entrances, and in areas used for entertaining and gardening." The pea gravel also provides a level base and drainage for her collection of potted plants.

Photo: Courtesy Braen Supply

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Pea Gravel Play Area

Mulch can break down in a children's play area, turning into dirt or mud. This pea gravel from Braen Supply is a cleaner option, and it can also help cushion falls, according to the National Safety Council. An added benefit: pea gravel doesn't have to be reapplied as often as most mulches.

Photo: Courtesy Unique Environmental Landscapes

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Pea Gravel Dry Creek Bed

This design, by Unique Environmental Landscapes, addresses water flow problems behind a home. A drainage system was incorporated into the downspouts, and pea gravel was used to make a dry creek bed to manage water coming from the upper side of the property. Other dry creek beds direct the water into a catch basin area, until it can flow to a natural area.

Photo: Photo by Roger Foley / Courtesy Arentz Landscape Architects

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Pea Gravel for a Focal Point

Emphasize a focal point with a path made from pea gravel, as in this design from Arentz Landscape Architects. A bonus: the homeowner has less grass to mow, and as long as the ground underneath is cleared of weeds and covered with landscaping fabric, nothing should pop up through the gravel.

Photo: Photo by Roger Foley / Courtesy Arentz Landscape Architects

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Pea Gravel with Raised Beds

Pea gravel isn't just for driveways. Arentz Landscape Architects used this versatile material as a low-maintenance surface to unify a group of raised garden beds. Stray leaves that fall in autumn can be removed with a leaf blower.

Photo: Courtesy Rustic Countrysides, Inc.

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Pea Gravel for Walks

One of the most basic uses for pea gravel is along a walkway, path or driveway. The stones are attractive, environmentally friendly and usually less expensive and easier to maintain than paved surfaces.

Photo: Courtesy David Austin Roses

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Pea Gravel with Roses

Earth-toned pea gravel contrasts beautifully with the bright blooms of a David Austin English rose, 'Constance Spry'. This climbing rose tumbles over and around other plants growing in the U.K.'s Easton Walled Gardens.

Photo: Photo by Jordan Honeyman / Courtesy Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architecture LLC

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Pea Gravel Walkway

Designed by Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architecture, this pea gravel walkway leads from a cedar outdoor shower to other paths around a private residence.

Photo: Photo Courtesy Rustic Countrysides, Inc . / Courtesy River Sand, Inc.

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Pea Gravel Driveway

Many homeowners prefer pea gravel driveways because the material looks natural and blends into the surroundings. Pea gravel like this, supplied by River Sand, Inc., consists of small, rounded, weathered stones. It's often applied over a base of coarse, crushed rocks for stability, once the ground has been cleared of weeds and grass.

Photo: Photo by Jordan Honeyman / Courtesy Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architecture

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Pea Gravel Terrace

A pea gravel terrace from Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architecture reflects the Mediterranean style of this home and complements the colors of its stucco, shade awnings and container plantings.

Photo: Photo by Jordan Honeyman / Courtesy Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architecture

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Pea Gravel Risers

The main walkway and steps to this home were created with pea gravel. Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architecture lined the stone risers with granite pavers.

Photo: Courtesy Braen Supply

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Pea Gravel Dog Run

Pea gravel in this fenced dog run helps keep Fido from tracking mud and dirt into the home, and prevents the trampling that often happens if he's kept on the grass. Because pea gravel is smooth and round, it won't hurt his feet, and it stays relatively cool even in the sun. If it becomes hot, it can be hosed down.

Photo: Courtesy of Studio-Shed.com

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Shed on Pea Gravel

While this structure serves as a storage shed for the owner's mountain bikes, it could also work as an art studio, spare office or other space. Pea gravel helps keep dirt from splashing on the shed when it rains and leads to a patio area.

Photo: Photo by Sally Ferguson / Courtesy Ferguson Caras LLC

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Pea Gravel at Entrances

Colorful leaves carpet this pea gravel each fall, but the homeowner simply blows them off when they're faded and dry. The smooth, rounded stones help keep visitors from tracking mud indoors and blend in nicely with the landscape.

Photo: Courtesy Braen Supply

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Pea Gravel at Fire Pit

This homeowner wanted to surround his fire pit with a type of stone that would match his Belgium block border and bluestone wall caps. He selected gray-toned pea gravel.

Design Ideas With Pea Gravel

Pea Gravel with Larger Stones

Pea Gravel and Containers

Pea Gravel Play Area

Pea Gravel Dry Creek Bed

Pea Gravel for a Focal Point

Pea Gravel with Raised Beds

Pea Gravel for Walks

Pea Gravel with Roses

Pea Gravel Walkway

Pea Gravel Driveway

Pea Gravel Terrace

Pea Gravel Risers

Pea Gravel Dog Run

Shed on Pea Gravel

Pea Gravel at Entrances

Pea Gravel at Fire Pit

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