15 Oct

4 brilliant uses for garden sleepers

Are you thinking it’s time to refresh your garden but you’re not sure how to go about it? Garden sleepers are a simple, natural addition to any outside space that add interest, texture and substance. So, whether you have manicured acres or a cosy courtyard, discover four ways you can utilise sleepers to bring your garden to life.

Create raised flowerbeds

Attractive, durable and natural, hardwood garden sleepers are perfect for creating raised flowerbeds. Depending on how high you want the flower bed, simply stack the sleepers one on top of the other to reach the desired height and secure. For added interest, why not crate flowerbeds of various heights?


Line pathways in your garden

When you have sent time and effort curating the perfect lawn, the last thing you want is for someone to run all over it! Prevent unruly feet trampling your meticulously maintained grass by defining clear pathways with garden sleepers lining the edges. Not only will the raised sides provide a natural barrier between the path and the lawn but they will look beautiful too.

Sleepers make beautiful steps

For charming, rustic steps that are quick and easy to install, garden sleepers are a great alternative to concrete or paving. Use the sleepers to edge the step and fill it in with attractive gravel or decorative stones. Steps in your garden, either from decking or on a slope, not only help you navigate around safely, but also helps define the different areas of your garden. 

Build your own garden furniture

If you’re a dab hand at DIY, why not use garden sleepers to create unique and striking garden furniture? From a simple bench to a full alfresco dining set with table and chairs, the possibilities end only with your imagination. As a natural material, your gorgeous bespoke furniture will blend in seamlessly with your garden and provide a fantastic talking point at your next BBQ. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try building a garden swing!

 Are you feeling inspired to add sleepers to your garden? From new pine sleepers to grade A reclaimed sleepers, you’ll find a great selection at MB Wilkes, Dorset’s leading supplier of landscaping materials and products. To learn more, contact us today on 01258 857465.

More general

9 Sep
How to get your garden ready for autumn
So you can continue to get the most out of your garden this autumn, it needs some much needed TLC after the busy summer months. Read on for some ideas on how to prepare your outside space for autumn, from adding decorative garden stones to revitalising your soil with fertilizer. Garden stones add year-round interest As the cold weather creeps in, the beautiful bright colours of summer slowly fade to leave bare branches and empty flower beds. Evergreen plants help to keep your garden green during the winter but to help break up the uniformity, try adding different decorative garden stones to your garden, such as the beautiful Cotswold Cobbles or classic black slate, and ensure your garden stays beautiful and interesting all year round. Clean your garden patio slabs With BBQs and garden parties on hold until the warmer months, now is the perfect time to give your garden patio slabs a thorough clean by either pressure washing or a good old fashion scrub with an appropriate cleaner. While you’re out there with all the tools, give your patio furniture a thorough clean too. Cut back overgrown garden plants Take back control over your garden by cutting back trees and shrubs that have thrived during the summer. Not only will this help keep your garden tidy over the winter but will encourage regrowth next year. While you’re doing this, look for signs of disease on your perennials, such as spotty leaves or rotting stems, and apply the appropriate treatment. Improve the quality of your soil Over the summer, plants soak up all the goodness from the soil to help them grow so come autumn, the soil’s nutrients can be seriously depleted. Therefore, now is an ideal time to add mulch, manure and compost to your existing soil to enhance its quality over the coming months, ready for new growth in the spring. Make sure you cover all areas where you’d like regrowth (avoiding covering any plants that are left) and mix the soil and fertiliser well with a garden fork.  From our family run quarry in the heart of Dorset, MB Wilkes is a leading supplier of garden soil, landscaping products and garden stones. Browse our full collection of garden supplies online or call our team today on 01258 857465 for more information on any of our products.
Read more
22 Aug
Announcing the arrival of our new delivery trucks
We are very proud to announce brand new trucks have joined our fleet of delivery vehicles, increasing our capacity to deliver our wide selection of aggregates and other building materials across the Dorset area. Proudly displaying the blue and yellow colours and logo of MB Wilkes, as well as a personalised number plate, the brilliant new trucks are capable of carrying large loads and have full tipping capabilities for quick and efficient delivery. Dorset’s leading supplier of aggregates and building materials A family owned sand and gravel quarry, MB Wilkes was established over 50 years ago in 1964 and have since become one of Dorset’s leading suppliers of aggregate and building materials thanks to our quality products and outstanding customer service. From driveway gravel and decorative garden stones to specialist sand and topsoil, our huge array of quality products at competitive prices have enabled us to build strong relationships with a diverse range of clients in the construction industry, including local councils, national developers, utility companies and even private homeowners.   An extensive product range The great news for our customers is that our new delivery trucks will allow us to deliver even more of our top-quality products to our clients around Dorset, ensuring fast delivery, often within 48 hours of your order, by one of our friendly and knowledgeable drivers. If you require a product urgently, please contact our team here at MB Wilkes on 01258 857465 and we’ll try our very best to help you. Our extensive product list includes: Building materials Driveway gravel Landscape supplies Specialist sands Decorative stones Paving slabs Soils and topsoil Sleepers and oak planks So, if you’re looking for the highest standard aggregates or building materials at competitive prices in Dorset, please don’t hesitate to contact the experts at MB Wilkes today on 01258 857465.    
Read more
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.  
Read more

Most Recent Stories

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
17 Jun
MB Wilkes sponsor local Lytchett Matravers Summer Festival
Lytchett Matravers Summer Festival is an annual event that aims to bring the local community together around fun, food and music. It is held on the Recreation Ground at the centre of Lytchett Matravers on Saturday 28th June from 2pm – 10pm For MB Wilkes, sponsoring the festival is a great way to give something back to the community and enjoying a fun day out. What’s on at the Festival Starting at 2pm there is the Fun Dog Show with categories such as waggiest tail and handsome dog, plus a few competitive aspects including obedient, recall and retrieval exercises, plus a barn hunt trainer demonstration and some pooch parquor. Family entertainment starts over by the Village Hall with the bouncy castle village and features the Aqualights Pom & Twirl troop parade and Nikkis Little Play Café dance and play by the big stage from 3-4pm. The music festival kicks off at 4:30pm hosted by the great Heather Williams and includes an open mic session. The evening’s entertainment includes Holly-Jay and the Muscovy, The Red Hot Dorset Naga, a Red Hot Chilli Peppers tribute band, and headliners Flynns arcade, a local rock & pop band that will have you dancing until 10pm. And of course, there is lots of food and drink to sample, including the Scout Hut Cream Teas, and lots of craft stalls to peruse. The festival has always been a great community day. Entry is free and you can take a look at the event page for more information about what to expect on the day! MB Wilkes – Local, Family-Run Business At MB Wilkes, we love being a part of the local community, and as a family-run quarry we're always looking for ways to get involved in events across Dorset. Our business centres around supplying aggregates and building materials throughout the county, supplying gravel, sand, stones and topsoil across different industries. To hire our services, or find out more about what we do, give us a call on 01258 857465 or send us a message via our contact form.
Read more
3 Jun
MB Wilkes sponsor local West Moors festival
Westival is an annual event that is aimed at bringing the local community together, held in the centre of West Moors on Fryer Field from 12pm - 4pm. For MB Wilkes, sponsoring Westival is a great way to give something back to the community. We're looking forward to a fun day out; plus, we'll be bringing some fun activities for families to get involved with! Activities at Westival Throughout the afternoon there will be loads of things for family to do at Westival, with live music, entertainment, games, ferret racing and fairground rides – to name a few. MB Wilkes will be sponsoring the shade gazebos situated near the music truck – the perfect location for us to be a central part of the action! We'll also be bringing two large MB Wilkes lorries along to the event, giving little ones a chance to sit in the cab. Plus, children will also be able to take away their very own hi-vis vest, complete with branded MB Wilkes logo! Each year the event is a real hit, and we can't wait for another excellent afternoon of activities and fun. Entry to Westival is free and you can take a look at the event page for more information about what to expect on the day!   M B Wilkes – Local, Family-Run Business At MB Wilkes, we love being a part of the local community, and as a family-run quarry we're always looking for ways to get involved in events across Dorset. Our business centres around supplying aggregates and building materials throughout the county, supplying gravel, sand, stones and topsoil across different industries. To hire our services, or find out more about what we do, give us a call on 01258 857465 or send us a message via our contact form.
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.

 ×