Laying pebbles/chippings

Hi,

We have a tiny flower be opposite our house which has comprises of one bush and a load of weeds - it looks pretty shabby.

As me and my missus don't get much time for gardening we thought of covering the bed with pebbles/stone chippings and sticking some plant pots on it. I'm wondering what steps need to be taken when laying pebbles/chippings - I'm assuming there's more to it than just dumping them on top of the existing soil bed??

Thanks,

Jamie

 

You would certainly be well advised to put some weed suppressant membrane down before spreading your pebbles or before long you would be back where you started with weeds!

 

I agree with Palustris. The other advantage is that the membrane will prevent your chippings sinking down into the soil and the consequent need to add more later. This was the original purpose of the membrane and the reason why its big brother is used today under motorways.

 

Saw a lovely little terrace whose owner had converted the little front garden into a hardstand. Looked quite nice with its stone chippings an' all - only now it's a veritable meadow of chickweed!

Q: who didn't use weed suppressant membrane!!

 

Thanks for all your replies - much appreciated.

 

Having said that, it does only stop the weeds from coming UP! It does not stop the weed seeds from germinating in the gravel on top of the membrane. I have just weeded one of our gravel paths and removed a barrow load of stuff growing in the gravel!

 

I'd definately dig through the soil to remove any bulbs lurking down there before putting membrane down, from experience, there are always a few left which manage to get though membrane - grrrrrr. I had to lift membrane to dig out bulbs - which I thought I had removed.