8 Jul

3 tips for the perfect outdoor dining space

When the sun is shining on long summer days, there’s nothing quite as enjoyable as a spot of al fresco dining. To really make the most of the opportunity, follow our top tips for creating the perfect outdoor dining experience.

Create a solid base with paving slabs

The key to any relaxing outdoor dining experience is an even, level base on which to place your table and chairs (we’ve all experienced the infuriating wonky, wobbly table). Paving slabs, large blocks of stone, are not only a great option for ensuring your dining table stays stationary, but they also look beautiful too, blending in seamlessly with the natural surroundings of your garden. Our extensive range of paving slabs at MB Wilkes include a variety of different materials and colours such as classic thin brown sandstone.

Add interest to your garden

Planting a variety of different flowers and foliage is a wonderful way to create a stunning backdrop to your outdoor dining area. Choose the plants carefully so that they reflect the style and mood of the garden you are trying to create. For instance, rows of pretty flowers in beds lined with large white pebbles create lovely neat lines for an ordered garden, whereas a scattering of wildflowers in a raised bed made from chunky railway sleepers suits a county theme. What’s more, you’ll be helping the local wildlife by providing a source of food and shelter.

Light up your garden at night

To ensure your al fresco dining experience doesn’t get cut short when the sun slips behind the horizon, consider installing lighting in your garden. From solar powered lanterns hidden between flowerpots, to a string of delicate fairy lights floating on a garden wall, the soft glow of outdoor lighting is not only practical but produces a beautifully warm and welcoming atmosphere.

 Based in Dorset, MB Wilkes is among the UK’s leading supplier of a range of decorative stones, paving slabs, sands and gravel. For more information about any of our products and services, please get in touch with our friendly team today on 01258 857465.

 

More general

14 Mar
How to build steps with sleepers
Sleeper paths are great for all weathers, natural and look great in any garden. Our experts explain how to build steps from sleepers. If your garden is on multiple levels, steps are the best way to bridge the terrain. If you’re looking to create a path with some steps, sleepers can be a great material to use: read on to find out how. Step 1. Mark the sit and plan Start by using a builder’s line and pegs, fixing a parallel rectangle of where you’d like to build the steps from. Work out how many treads and risers you need; you’ll need to measure vertical and horizontal heights and distances of your flight of steps, so mark the back of the tread and hold one end of a long spirit level to the top of the peg. You will need to divide the vertical height by your riser height and use the tread-riser combinations chart to find the tread length you need. Step 2. Strip turf, mark treads and dig Use a spade to strip away the turf from your marked-out area. Use lines to mark out the back of the treads, setting back extra space so you have enough room to work. Shape out the steps with a spade. Dig a trench for the first sleeper. Drive in pegs levelled with a spirit level to mark the surface of your footing. Step 3. Concrete the footing and build steps The footing of your steps doesn’t have to be made of concrete but adding concrete to this part will mean that you have increased strength and density. Concrete the footing and add the sleepers up the path; you can add gravel to the steps if you’d like too if you have longer steps and gaps between each one. To find out more about the range of products we offer, from building materials and decorative stones to shingle & gravel and driveway materials, contact our team today on 01258 857465 or take a look at our special offers!
Read more
31 Jan
5 types of aggregate and their uses
Whether you need stone or gravel, pebble or chipping, we have aggregates to suit your needs: read on for our expert guide Aggregate can be useful for a wide range of gardening projects, but with so many different types of stone out there, it’s important to know which types can be used for what in your project. Our aggregate experts break down the differences between different stone types, and how you could use them. Shingle Available in a number of different colours and sizes, shingle is great for driveways, pathways and landscaping. Shingle is rough, with each stone being markedly different, but its affordability makes it perfect for largescale commercial and residential projects.     Scottish pebbles Scottish pebbles are rounded stones that lend themselves perfectly to water features, thanks to their smooth, shiny texture. They can vary in size and colour, though are often a mixture of greys, browns and pinks. Slate Slate is perfect for small areas. Its darker texture is great for contrasting against really bright plants, such as Japanese maples, and they look great either on driveways or even beside water features in your garden. Granite chippings If you’re looking for tough aggregate capable of dealing with heavy traffic, granite chippings are worth exploring. Granite can come in a variety of shades too, so you don’t have to prioritise substance over style. Honey marble As the name suggests, Honey marble is a yellow-tinted stone and is ideal for using in decorative gardening. It suits warm flowers nicely, but can be contrasted against grassy patches in your garden.   To find out more about the range of products we offer, from building materials and decorative stones to shingle & gravel and driveway materials, contact our team today on 01258 857465 or take a look at our special offers!
Read more
25 Oct
How to build the perfect gravel garden
A gravel garden is an excellent low maintenance option that is relatively easy to prepare and design. Follow these guiding steps and you’ll have the perfect gravel garden in no time! How to prepare the ground for a gravel garden Before you think about laying any gravel, you’re going to need to prepare the ground correctly: Remove all plants, including weeds, from the area that your gravel garden will take up. If you want to keep any of the plants you remove, make sure that you don’t sever their roots and place them in planting pots for temporary storage whilst you finish your gravel garden.   Add manure or compost in order to improve the fertility of the soil. Dig around 10cm deep using a rake or till in order to mix the compost and soil together. If you encounter any large stones, set them aside – you might want to incorporate them as a decorative stones in your gravel garden!   Dig and install a border to separate your gravel garden from the rest of your lawn. You should look to dig around 10-15cm deep and install your edging so that it’s level with or just above the ground - this will help with drainage. Please note that this step is only necessary for dense soil types, such as clay.   Install a weed membrane. Simply measure the area required and cut the weed membrane to size, leaving around 7.5cm overlap on each edge of your gravel garden. You should then weigh the edges of the membrane down using rocks or landscaping staples. How to create your gravel garden Choose the garden gravel you want to use. Check out your local gravel suppliers to select the type of gravel you want to use for your gravel garden. Please note that around 40kg of 20mm gravel will cover one square metre at 2 inches deep. If your gravel garden is unevenly shaped, then measure a square around it and save leftover gravel for filling in any holes that appear later in the year.   Place your plants in the desired positions. Once you’ve grouped your plants into the desired locations on your gravel garden, cut individual squares into the membrane large enough for each plants' roots once the flaps are folded back. Then, place the plants into their allotted section and fold the flaps back over the top of the soil before watering generously.   Lay the gravel. Before you begin spreading your gravel, make sure that you place your focal points first, such as any large rocks or pots, wherever you want them. After these have been placed, you can commence spreading the garden gravel evenly over the membrane using a rake. Follow these steps and you'll be left with the perfect gravel garden to show off to your friends and family. We are your leading local gravel suppliers in Dorset. Browse our range of products online, available for delivery and collection, or contact our team today with any enquiries on 01258 857465.
Read more

Most Recent Stories

14 Aug
Essential Gardening Tasks for Every Season
What does your garden look like through the year? Vibrant and thriving, or a bit hit and miss? Gardening doesn’t stop just because the weather changes. Each season brings fresh challenges and new opportunities and knowing what to do, and when, makes all the difference. Picture planting vibrant summer blooms under a clear blue sky, cutting back golden leaves in autumn, or prepping frosty beds for spring growth. These aren’t just chores; they’re part of a cycle that keeps your outdoor space alive and thriving. In this guide covering the essential gardening tasks for every season, we at MB Wilkes have gathered expert, easy-to-follow seasonal gardening tips for UK gardeners. Whether it’s pruning, planting, soil care or pest control, you’ll find everything you need right here. Spring: Set the Stage for Success Spring is when everything starts to wake up again. It’s the time to literally lay the groundwork for what’s to come. So, let’s begin our deep dive into seasonal gardening tips with a look at what you need to do when spring rolls around. Sow and Plant Early spring is perfect for sowing seeds indoors and planting hardy annuals. By May and June, you can start transferring bedding plants like Alstroemeria, Sweet William, and Canterbury Bells outdoors. If you’ve been growing under cover, this is the time to move them to borders or containers. Prep and Protect Unpredictable spring weather calls for a little extra care and attention. Delicate young plants are especially vulnerable during chilly nights and sudden cold snaps, so it’s worth having some horticultural fleece on hand. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to shield plants from late frosts, especially in early May. As temperatures rise and the risk of frost fades, usually by early to mid-June, you can safely remove the fleece and let your plants enjoy the sunshine. Feed Your Soil The next of our essential gardening tasks for every season includes feeding the soil. Your plants are going to be hungry. Mix in some compost or organic fertiliser early in the season to give your garden a head start. Remember that a well-fed garden is a vibrant garden. Summer: Maintain and Make the Most of It Summer is when your garden really comes into its own, but it still needs your attention. From summer gardening tips to pest protection and lawn care, here’s what to focus on. Keep It Blooming This is prime time for sowing late-flowering annuals like Nasturtiums, Clarkias and Calendulas. You’ll get beautiful blooms into late summer, just don’t forget to add water gel crystals and slow-release fertiliser to your compost to keep everything hydrated and nourished. You can also plant Dahlia bulbs in May but be sure to protect them from slugs. And if you haven’t already, give those window boxes a tidy-up and refresh your topsoil. General Upkeep Water Regularly, Especially During Hot Spells Mow The Lawn Frequently – Sharp Blades Give Cleaner Cuts Deadhead Spent Flowers and Remove Dead Foliage to Keep Things Looking Neat Pest and Pollination Watch The last of our summer gardening tips is to keep on top of pests and ensure pollination. Cover strawberries and soft fruit bushes with netting to protect them from birds. Carrots and cabbages also need covering to avoid carrot fly and caterpillar damage. Got tomatoes in the greenhouse? Keep it well-ventilated and tap the flowers gently to improve pollination. Don’t forget to uncover strawberries kept under glass so insects can do their thing. Autumn: Prepare and Protect As temperatures drop, your garden will need a bit of TLC to keep it healthy through winter and set it up for spring. Our autumn gardening tips will help you get started. Add Decorative Touches As blooms fade, evergreen plants help maintain a lush look. For even more visual interest, try decorative garden stones like black slate or Cotswold Cobbles, as these are a brilliant way to add texture and style to bare spots in your garden. Remember that, here at MB Wilkes, we supply the best range of aggregates Dorset has to offer – perfect for borders, paths and decorative features. Soil Revival After a busy growing season, your soil will need replenishing. Mix in mulch, compost or manure to restore nutrients, and use a garden fork to work it in and avoid compacting the ground. Here’s where to focus: Beds and Borders with Exhausted Summer Plants Areas Where You Plan to Plant Again in Spring Autumn Gardening Tasks: Quick Checklist Winter is the time when everything can fall apart, and all your hard work can be undone; the preparations you make in autumn can make all the difference. With that in mind, here’s a short rundown of the seasonal gardening tips for autumn: Clear Fallen Leaves Weekly Using a Lawn Mower or Leaf Blower Bring Tender Plants Indoors Before the First Frost Turn Your Compost Heap to Speed Up Decomposition Clean Garden Tools to Prevent Rust and Disease Carryover Once you’ve done everything possible to protect your plants, garden, tools, and garden furniture, all there’s left to do is wait for winter to roll around. Winter: Rest and Rebuild Winter is quieter but still important, and this is your chance to plan, repair and improve. The seasonal gardening tips don’t stop at autumn, so here’s a few winter gardening tips to ensure your garden makes it through to spring. Protect What’s Still Growing Hardy plants can remain outside through winter with little fuss, but more sensitive varieties need a bit of extra care. Bring tender plants indoors or wrap them in horticultural fleece to shield them from frost and freezing winds. It’s also a smart move to raise pots off the ground using pot feet or bricks; this improves drainage and helps prevent waterlogging, which can be just as damaging as frost. A few small steps now can save your plants later. Tools and Maintenance One of the simplest yet most effective winter gardening tips is to clean and oil your tools. This not only extends their lifespan but ensures they're ready to go when spring rolls around. Take time now to sharpen mower blades, tighten loose screws, and inspect garden structures for signs of wear or damage. Small fixes now prevent bigger problems later. Why Choose Us? At MB Wilkes, we’ve been a family-owned sand and gravel quarry for over 60 years. From decorative aggregates and topsoil to landscaping supplies and waste services, we offer premium products at competitive prices. We’re proud to be one of the UK’s leading suppliers of landscaping materials, delivering excellent customer service every time. Whether you’re refreshing a small bed or renovating your whole garden, our team is here to help. Get Your Garden Season-Ready with Expert Tips and Quality Supplies Need advice or looking to order garden materials? You can place your order through our website. And if you have questions, call us today on 01258 857465 or reach out through our simple contact form on the website. We're always happy to help with product info, delivery options, or general gardening queries.
Read more
6 Aug
MB Wilkes Hosts Annual Golf Day at Iford Golf Centre
MB Wilkes proudly welcomed clients and industry partners to its Annual Golf Day, held on 17th July 2025 at Iford Golf Centre. Now a highlight in the company’s social calendar, the event brought together teams from construction, engineering, and civil works for a spirited day of networking and friendly competition. The day kicked off with a hearty breakfast bap and coffee on arrival, followed by warm‑up practice on the driving range. Participants then took to the course for 18 holes of golf, with teams competing for honours. After play, a prize ceremony celebrated top performers, followed by a relaxed BBQ and drinks reception to finish the day on a high note. Participating teams: Team 1 – Viking Projects Team 2 – Morris Construction Team 3 – MKM Construction & GSJP Civil Engineering Team 4 – Quantum Civil Engineering +1 Team 5 – Quantum Civil Engineering Team 6 – Gould Groundworks & Sparks Commercial Services Team 7 – MB Wilkes & Raymond Brown Tournament highlights and winners: Individual Champion: Jason Thomas (Quantum Civil Engineering) Team Winners: Team 5 (Quantum Civil Engineering) Longest Drive: Ryan Bath (Viking Projects) Nearest the Pin: Jake Simpson (GSJP Civil Engineering) Wooden Spoon (for last place): Roger Morris (Morris Construction)   Carl Penney, Business Development Manager at MB Wilkes, commented on the event: “Our Annual Golf Day is more than just a tournament—it’s an opportunity to reinforce the strong relationships we have with our clients and peers, and to enjoy a day where business and camaraderie go hand in hand.” He added: “Congratulations to all teams and individuals who took part. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event.” MB Wilkes extends sincere thanks to all attendees, partners, and the Iford Golf Centre team for helping make this year’s event a great success.   As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of decorative aggregates, garden stones, construction materials and soils, MB Wilkes operates from its own quarry in Dorset, proudly serving customers across the South and beyond. As a family-run business, the company is committed to supporting the local community through regular events and local sponsorships that reflect its values of loyalty, service, and trust. Shop at MB Wilkes, to browse their wide range of landscaping and building materials.
Read more
24 Jun
Topsoil vs compost: Which to use and when
Ever found yourself staring at a bag of compost, wondering if it’s actually what your garden needs? Or asked, what’s the difference between topsoil and compost, and why does it matter? If so, you’re not alone. Choosing the right material can be surprisingly tricky, especially if you're starting from scratch or trying to breathe new life into tired soil. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert to make the right call. At MB Wilkes, we’ve been helping customers create healthy, happy gardens for over 60 years with our full range of amenity and landscaping products. In this guide, we will give you the clarity you need as we address the subject of topsoil vs compost. What Is Topsoil? Topsoil is the very top layer of earth, usually the first 5 to 12 inches, and it plays a crucial role in any planting project. Rich in a natural mix of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter, this layer is where most plant roots live and where biological activity thrives. Whether you're laying a new lawn, building flower beds, or filling in low spots, topsoil gives your plants a solid foundation. It helps retain moisture and provides support so roots can grow deep and strong. Calculating topsoil requirements for your project ensures you buy the right amount, while avoiding waste and keeping things budget friendly. It’s the starting point for almost any outdoor transformation, and one that’s important if you want a garden that looks gorgeous and is teeming with life. What Is Compost? Compost is decomposed organic matter, lovingly known by gardeners as “black gold.” It’s created from ingredients like vegetable scraps, leaves, and twigs, and the result is a dark, crumbly material rich in nutrients. What makes compost so valuable is its ability to improve the structure and fertility of your soil. It boosts microbial life, enhances water retention, and gives plants the nutrient-rich environment they need to thrive. Compost isn’t a standalone solution either; it works best when combined with other soils. But if you're looking to enhance plant performance and keep your garden soil healthy, compost is a must, especially when used in conjunction with topsoil for maximum benefits. Topsoil vs Compost: What Are the Differences? So, when it comes to topsoil vs compost, what actually sets them apart? While they might look similar at first glance, their roles in the garden are quite different. Topsoil forms the structural base as the layer that supports plant roots, holds moisture, and creates the foundation for growth. Compost, on the other hand, is all about nutrition. Made from decomposed organic matter, compost is rich in nutrients and works to enhance soil health over time. If your garden soil lacks structure or needs levelling, topsoil is the right choice. If your plants are struggling due to poor nutrient levels, compost can give them the boost they need. But you shouldn’t stop there as, in many cases, using both together provides the best results. Knowing the difference between topsoil and compost helps you select the right material for each stage of your gardening project, whether you’re planting a lawn, filling beds, or preparing a veg patch. Can You Mix Topsoil and Compost? Absolutely! And it’s often the best approach. Mixing topsoil and compost gives you a balanced growing medium, especially for gardens that need both structure and nutrition. Here are some key benefits and ideas: Boosts Nutrient Availability Without Losing Soil Structure Improves Drainage While Retaining Essential Moisture Encourages Root Development and Microbial Activity Ideal For Growing Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs A typical blend is 70% topsoil to 30% compost, though this can vary depending on your specific plants. This combination is especially useful for raised beds, vegetable gardens, and flower borders. How Much Topsoil Do You Need? Working out how much topsoil to purchase is simpler to work out than you might think. Read our guide where we explain the steps you can take to identify how much topsoil you need for your project. And if you’re not quite sure? Give us a call on 01258 857465, as we’re happy to guide you through it and recommend the right quantity Where to Buy Quality Topsoil and Compost At MB Wilkes, we’ve been supplying top-quality landscaping products for over six decades. Whether you’re ordering in bulk or need a smaller load, we’ve got you covered with high-quality soil products, delivered either loose or in bulk bags. We offer flexible delivery times and are proud to combine competitive pricing with personal service. And thanks to our excellent contacts within the industry, our product list of continuously growing, so we’re sure to be able to meet your requirements. Give Your Garden the MB Wilkes Advantage If you’re serious about upgrading your garden with the right materials, we’re here to help. As a family-owned business with more than 60 years of experience, we’re proud to offer excellent customer service and premium products that deliver results. From compost to topsoil — and everything in between — MB Wilkes has the materials and the know-how to bring your vision to life. Give us a call on 01258 857465 or reach out via our contact form. Let’s get your garden growing.
Read more

This site uses some unobtrusive cookies to store information on your computer. By using our site you accept our Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy.

 ×