1 Apr

4 Questions to ask yourself when planting near Driveways, Patios and Walks

When it comes landscaping, most will agree that the functionality of a given outdoor space is just as important as its appearance. For this reason, it’s important to include specific areas like driveways, patios and walks that will be effective in providing space for a wide range of different requirements such as outside dining or getting from one end of the garden to the other.

Planting around such structures can be pretty challenging, even for the more experienced gardeners. Let’s take a look at 4 questions that you need to ask yourself when planting near walks, patios and driveways.

  1. How wide will your plants grow?

Although a path will look rather picturesque when lined with lovely shrubs and bushes, it takes some planning to choose plants that will not overgrow the path and make it difficult to walk on. Before purchasing shrubbery for your landscaping design project, ensure that your variations will not grow outrageously wide and need constant clipping.

  1. How high will your plants grow?

If plants grow higher than anticipated they may overgrow architectural features or end up obstructing the view. Before you plant trees anywhere near a path or a driveway, bear in mind that branches can hang low and get in the way.

  1. Will hanging branches cause issues?

Keep plants that have rigid branches or thorns away from areas where people or vehicles could get scratched. In this instance, beauty matters less than a practical approach.

  1. What if it snows?

If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall you’ll have to take this into consideration. Plant trees with big hanging branches away from driveways, patios and walkways as, should the braches snap due to the heavy weight of falling snow, it may just cause injury to someone or damage to vehicles etc.

Before taking your garden tools from the shed and lining your driveway with big shrubs and trees, you need to ask yourself each of the four questions that have been outlined above.

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!

More general

1 Apr
Exposing some of the most common Lawn Care Myths
There are common myths about almost every aspect of life and living, and lawn care is no exception. From grass clippings causing thatch to homeowners blaming their neighbours for their overgrown garden, let’s expose 3 of the most common lawn maintenance myths. If I don’t collect grass trimmings, my lawn will have a lot more hay. Verdict – False Whether you like it or not, hay is something that occurs naturally in all lawns. The frequency at which it’s found will largely depend on the amount of micro-organisms that are present in your soils composition. Generally speaking, if your soil is compacted, lacking in organic materials or if its PH level is off, it will cause an increase in the amount of hay in your lawn.  I can’t eliminate the weeds from my garden if my neighbour doesn’t attend to theirs. Verdict - False What many use as a common excuse, homeowners can get rid of the weeds from their gardens if they truly want to. The above statement is just a cop out and is used by homeowners to put off some gardening work that needs addressing. Follow your own lawn care routine and you won’t have time to worry about what your neighbour is doing with their lawn. I have a lawn care program so my lawn should always look great. Verdict – False Although you may have a lawn care program and follow it meticulously, it may not be enough to always have a lawn that looks great. Programs should be comprehensive and cover all sides of lawn care maintenance from pest control to killing weeds and providing nutrition to your plants. As summer is fast approaching and long, sunny evenings are on the horizon, you have to ask yourself if your lawn is ready for the months ahead. Ignore the myths that have just been exposed and pump your time and energy into the things that you know will work for effective lawn care. 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!
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28 May
New Product Display for Inspiration
We have a display area at the front of our offices at Henbury Quarry, near Wimborne giving you ideas and inspiration to help you design and landscape your garden and paths. Sit on the benches made from Oak sleepers and view the ideas we have used to create the display. All the products in our display are available to buy and take away with you, or ask us for delivery cost details and we can delivery your items to you.   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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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