26 Jul

Decorative Stone uses in the garden

Decorative stones fulfill several different roles depending on your requirements – driveways, drainage or even just for style. Here’s some of the top uses for decorative stones:

Paths, Patios & Driveways

A driveway is the first area most people experience when they arrive at your home. Decorative stones for paths, patios and driveways is a great affordable and colourful alternative to tarmac. With a variety of sizes, colours and styles you can create a unique, beautiful and permanent arrangement for your driveways and patios that are both attractive and functional.

Gravel and Shingle

Gravel and shingle make excellent choices for driveways and paths due to their sturdy nature and the fact that they are one of the cheapest driveway options available. Outside of filling in the uneven surface every now and then, driveway gravel is largely low maintenance and free from cracking and sinking.

Drainage

Decorative stones make a great drainage material, designed to suit all sorts of ground conditions to help alleviate the risk of damage to your foundations and landscape that excess water can bring.

Gravel and Shingle

Gravel and shingle have excellent drainage properties, so if your garden is habitually waterlogged and causing suffering to your plants and flowers, the installation of a French drain using gravel or shingle will help the water drain away.

Style

With several different styles and in a range of different colours, you can find the right choice of decorative stones to provide aesthetic appeal.

Pebbles

Pebbles achieve their smooth round shape through natural shaping by running water. As such, they look perfectly at home as part of a garden water feature. Use pebbles in potted plants for visual enhancement.

We are leading suppliers in Dorset for a broad range of products. For more information about our decorative stones and ways that you could use them in your garden, contact us on 01258 857465.

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30 Nov

Why you should consider driveway gravel

Your driveway is the first thing that a guest will encounter when approaching your home, which is why you want it to look good. Installing driveway gravel is a great cost-effective way to leave an impression and has a host of other benefits too. Attractive Driveway gravel looks more natural compared to alternatives such as tarmac and brick, which can run the risk of looking industrial. Driveway gravel holds a rural charm which can add a lot of character to both countryside and city homes. The addition of driveway gravel seems to compliment nature rather than suffocate it. We supply a broad range of driveway gravel in a range of colours and sizes, which means that chances are you’ll find the right gravel to compliment your home exterior in our store. Cost-effective Driveway gravel is the most pocket-friendly option for filling driveways around. Not only is the installation of driveway gravel quick and cheap, it will also save you money in the long run, as maintenance costs are incredibly low. Unlike tarmac or brick, driveway gravel will not crack, and outside of rarely filling in holes with more low-cost gravel, it will last forever. Weather Resistant Other driveway options, like concrete and tarmac, react negatively to dramatic changes in temperature like frost, heavy rain and intense sunlight. Severe weather will often cause them to crack, especially when they cover a large surface area and they will end up fading in colour over time. This is why driveway gravel is a fantastic option, as it is pretty much impervious to the weather and requires no extra drainage assistance. All in all, driveway gravel is a fantastic option when it comes to laying your driveway that should not be overlooked. 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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23 Oct

Gardening tasks for Autumn

There’s plenty to do to prepare your garden during autumn for the impending winter, and indeed for next year. There are some things you simply won’t be able to do once the cold and wet does really set in. Clearing Leaves Probably the most obvious autumn job is to clear the leaves that will inevitable drop into your garden during this time of year. One trick for clearing leaves off your lawn is to run them over with your lawn mower, thereby shredding them and causing them to rot quicker. This simple technique is by far the easiest way to keep your lawn looking tidy, and should be done about once a week. For patios, paths, decking and other hard surfaces, it may be worth investing in a leaf blower. This one off purchase will make your life immeasurably easier, and will be well worth the cost. Blow the leaves onto the lawn and run them over when mowing, or alternatively blow them onto some tarpaulin to be collected up and added to your compost heap. You can even put the leaves in jars on their own, allowing them to form a fine kind of compost known as leaf mould. Protect Your Plants Of course there are plenty of hardier plants that will easily withstand the British winter, but it’s a good idea to bring indoors your more tender plants around this time of year. Once the frost comes, they’ll inevitably die if left outside. Turn Your Compost Heap All the tidying up will, of course, produce lots of material to be added to the heap, but it’s important to remember that the rate of decomposition will decrease in the colder months ahead. Turn the contents regularly to encourage them to rot down quickly. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your garden is spruced up and ready to brave the winter! To find out more about the range of products we offer, from building materials and decorative stones to shingle & gravel, soils and landscaping products, contact our team today on 01258 857465 or take a look at our special offers!

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12 Jun

How to create a low-maintenance garden

Are you getting tired of moving the lawn and weeding? Are you looking for a more low-maintenance garden this summer? There are many of us who love to idle away the hours tending to our gardens, but there are also many of us who dread the onset of summer, as our gardens require a lot of maintenance. Typically, the most dreaded garden tasks tend to be mowing the lawn and weeding, which needs to be done on a weekly basis over the summer. If you are looking to curtail your time in the garden, why not consider creating a low-maintenance gravel garden? If the thought of weeding fills you with dread, then why not consider replacing your earth borders with gravel for an attractive but easy maintenance garden. To create a gravel garden, you need to: Clear the designated area Remove the existing planting from your borders or from the designated area. If you want to keep some or all the plants, then place them to one side. The Edge You will be looking to place your gravel where the lawn borders meet your current planting space. Here, you will need to add an edge, such as an monoblock mowing strip. This will provide you with a nice rounded curve which will compliment your gravel layout. Preparing your borders Once your edging has been done, you can then prepare your borders. Start by digging over the borders to introduce air into the soil which will make it easier to work with. Take this as an opportunity to improve the health of your soil. If your soil is looking quite heavy, then you can look to add some peat free compost which will help break it up a bit. You might want to add a granular fertiliser too at this stage. Don’t forget to rake through the soil so that it is spread evenly to avoid any bumps in the gravel. Laying membrane Further to preparing your borders, you can now start to lay out your membrane, in most instances, you can utilise weed membrane which is a fabric woven matting which essentially blocks out light to weeds and will keep the soil separated from the gravel. The membrane also allows water to pass through the woven material and into the soil. Border planting You can now take the plants that you wish to include in your new gravel garden and place them in your position of choice. You will find that it is best to plant in pockets of gravel where you can create small islands of plants surrounded by gravel. Here, you can also plant through the membrane, simply cut a cross in the membrane which is large enough to accommodate the plant and place the plant in the soil. Once the plant is immersed in the membrane, fold back the edges of the membrane so that it seals around the plant. Lay down the gravel Now you can start dressing the membrane with gravel, you can opt for either small piece of gravel or larger pieces of gravel. At MB Wilkes, we have a wide range of gravel and shingle that are suitable for gardens, walkways and driveways. You may want to consider 2-6mm shingle gravel which is a light golden flint shingle gravel or go a little larger with 10mm ravel which is approved by the National Trust. MB Wilkes provides gravel and shingle up to 40mm. Get decorative Once your gravel is in place, you can look to accessorise your new gravel layout with garden ornaments. You can also look to add texture by incorporating different textures and colours to add interest. Whether you go for an all-over gravel garden, or you just incorporate some gravel to parts of your garden, this will certainly reduce the maintenance of your garden, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the summer! 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

9 Apr

Your Projects Brought to Life: Before and After Using Our Gravel

Selecting the right gravel for your property can significantly affect appearance, durability, drainage and maintenance. At MB Wilkes, we specialise in supplying and installing high‑quality primary sands and gravels - from decorative shingle and chippings to robust planings and crushed stone - tailored to the unique requirements of every customer. With decades of experience serving homeowners, property managers and businesses across the UK, we understand how material choice, particle size and finish can transform driveways, pathways, patios and more. In this blog, we’ll showcase some recent projects, with images courtesy of CW Stanley who executed the work using our products. With an array of options available, our aggregates will deliver lasting results, enhancing kerb appeal while offering excellent value for money. New Driveway in Merley, Wimborne What a difference a day makes! In Merley, Wimborne, CW Stanley transformed a tired tarmac driveway into a crisp, low‑maintenance surface in just one day. After removing the existing worn surfacing and installing a durable geotextile membrane for weed control and drainage, their team laid a neat charcoal block‑paving edge before spreading our 20 mm Dorset Limestone chippings. The result is an attractive, uniform finish that enhances kerb appeal, improves water runoff and eliminates patch repairs. The customer chose Dorset Limestone chippings for their hard‑wearing quality, natural appearance and cost‑effective longevity - a perfect solution for a hassle‑free driveway upgrade. A Mega Undertaking in Poole, Dorset A mega driveway transformation in Poole, Dorset, was completed in just 1.5 days using our 20 mm Ice Blue decorative gravel, laid over a geotextile membrane to ensure excellent drainage and weed suppression. Crisp concrete kerb stones neatly define the driveway’s boundary, while a smooth asphalt parking bay provides a practical contrast. The finished surface delivers striking kerb appeal, low maintenance and long‑term durability for two neighbouring properties. By combining MB Wilkes’ premium Ice Blue chippings with CW Stanley’s efficient installation, this project achieved exceptional value, performance and a standout aesthetic in record time. A Beautiful Result in Poole, Dorset What a beautiful frontage this is now! CW Stanley completed a stunning driveway transformation this week at a property in Poole, Dorset. After removing the old, uneven gravel and preparing a stable, compacted sub‑base with a geotextile membrane for superior drainage and weed control, crisp grey block paving was installed to define the driveway’s perimeter. Our 20 mm Polar Ice decorative chippings, were laid to a uniform depth, delivering a striking, low‑maintenance finish. The work significantly improved kerb appeal while extending and boosting practical performance - all achieved in minimal time, at exceptional value. A Tasteful Finish in Colehill, Wimborne In just two days, CW Stanley completed a tasteful driveway and frontage transformation at a property in Colehill, Wimborne. After removing old paving and uneven gravel, the team installed a compacted sub‑base topped with a geotextile membrane for superior drainage and weed suppression. Concrete block‑paving edging defines the perimeter, creating a neat, professional finish. Our team supplied 20 mm Quantock Grey decorative chippings, which were laid to a consistent depth to deliver a striking, low‑maintenance surface. The result is enhanced kerb appeal, excellent durability and a practical, value‑adding upgrade. Why Should You Choose MB Wilkes? When it comes to sourcing high‑quality aggregates, MB Wilkes stands head and shoulders above the competition. As a family‑owned sand and gravel quarry based in Dorset, we combine decades of local expertise with the largest product range on the market - from decorative gravels and garden stones to specialist sands, soils and construction materials. Our team of aggregate specialists possesses unrivalled knowledge, enabling us to recommend exactly the right material for any project, whether you’re a homeowner upgrading your driveway or a national developer specifying bulk supplies. MB Wilkes’ reputation for excellence extends across councils, utility companies, sports grounds and public landscaping schemes, reflecting our ability to deliver consistently outstanding service to clients of every scale. Thanks to our strong industry relationships, we offer competitive, transparent pricing without compromising on quality - meaning you benefit from premium materials at the best value. We also make waste disposal straightforward with our inert tip facility, while our versatile fleet of tipper lorries and grab trucks ensures precise, reliable deliveries direct to your site. Above all, our commitment to exceptional customer service means clear communication, punctual delivery and meticulous attention to detail from enquiry through to completion. Whatever your aggregate requirements, MB Wilkes guarantees the highest quality products, unbeatable expertise and complete peace of mind - all delivered from the heart of Dorset. Get in Touch With the Experts Ready to transform your project? Browse MB Wilkes’ full range of decorative aggregates, garden stones, sands and soils on our website and place your order in minutes. For personalised advice, competitive quotes or any enquiries, simply give our friendly team a call on 01258 857465 or complete our quick contact form. Whether you need delivery to your doorstep or guidance choosing the perfect product, we’re here to help - offering expert support, transparent pricing and reliable service across Dorset and beyond. Don’t wait - get in touch with MB Wilkes today and discover why we’re the UK’s leading supplier of high‑quality aggregates now.

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15 May

Summer Gardening Tips and Tricks

The summer months are a busy time for gardeners, as gardening offers a great opportunity to enjoy those long, warm days and evenings. Despite most of the planting of flowers and vegetables being done earlier in the spring, there is plenty to be done over the summer. May and June are ideal times for bedding plants to be planted out, raising foliage plants, and sowing several outdoor seed varieties, including Alstroemeria, Achillea, Arabis, Canterbury Bells, Coreopsis, Erigeron, Myosotis and Sweet William. Weather can be unpredictable during these months, so during May, you want to protect more vulnerable plants with a horticultural fleece, which you can remove in June. As the threat of frost should have passed by June, it is the ideal time to plant bedding plants grown under cover either into borders or into hanging baskets and containers. Late-flowering Annuals Throughout May, you should sow late-flowering annuals such as Nasturtiums under glass. You can expect them to flower from August onwards if you sow them in early May. You may also want to sow fast-maturing annuals, like Clarkias and Calendulas. You will be able to enjoy them blooming throughout the summer, which will add an extra splash of colour to your garden. Don't forget to add some water gel crystals and slow-release fertiliser to your compost when planting. Who doesn't love a Dahlia? Use your time in May to plant Dahlia bulbs, but protect them from slugs. This will also work with your regular gardening jobs of watering, mowing and weeding. Don't forget to spruce up your window boxes too. Check that you have enough topsoil before doing this to ensure a smooth and easy process. Tidy Up June is usually a time for you to dedicate a few minutes to tidying up parts of your garden. Dead foliage should be removed from spring flowering bulbs, excluding daffodils and tulips, which should be left a little longer to die back naturally. Trim or throw away any faded plants and keep on top of your weeding, with a particular focus on your borders and beds. Install Protection Fruits bushes and trees should be inspected carefully to check for pests and diseases and treated if necessary. Soft fruit bushes, such as currants and strawberries, should be protected by a fruit cage or netting to prevent birds from eating the fruit. Carrots should be protected from carrot fly, and cabbages from caterpillar damage by covering them with protective materials. If you are keeping some plants in a greenhouse to keep them safe, they need to be kept well-ventilated during the day as extreme variations in temperature could adversely affect the fruiting of tomato plants. In addition, tapping the flowers of greenhouse tomatoes will improve pollination. Uncover Fruit and Vegetable Strawberry bushes that have been kept under glass should now be uncovered so that pollinating insects can gain access to them. Vegetables such as brussel sprouts, cabbage, celery, courgettes, cucumbers, marrows, runner and French beans that have been grown in a greenhouse should also now be planted out. Don't forget to keep them hydrated and keep the soil as moist as possible. If you have vegetables like marrows, peppers, tomatoes and courgettes, ensure that these are hardened off before you look to plant them outside. Mow Grass Regularly May is the start of the mowing season, and you will need to mow your grass more regularly and ensure that your mower blades are kept sharp. Water Regularly May through September can be hot and dry, so remember to water plants regularly to avoid wilting. To aid drainage, a layer of gravel or shingle is a great solution that also offers a touch of style and texture to your garden area! Renovate Your Garden Summer is also a great time to landscape your garden by adding some raised plant beds using sleepers or even fitting a paved section to create the perfect space for garden furniture.

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27 Mar

How to use decorative stones in your garden

Decorative stone is a term that encompasses a wide range of materials, including gravel, pebbles, and slate. They are a fantastic way to add interest and texture to your garden. Each type has its own benefits. Therefore, you should consider these when deciding which decorative stone to use in your garden. In this blog, our landscaping experts at MB Wilkes, Dorset’s leading supplier of decorative stones, share a breakdown of each type of decorative stone and what they’re best used for. Pebbles Smooth and round pebbles are formed when a stone's rough edges are slowly eroded by running water. As such, they will look perfectly at home as part of a garden water feature. We recommend using colourful pebbles like our 14-20mm Scottish pebbles for an authentic feel. Due to their rounded surface being safe to walk on barefoot, these decorative stones make good garden pathways, and when combined with landscape fabrics like our woven geotextile, you can prevent weeds from growing underneath. Pebbles can help prevent soil degradation and eroding too, making them great to enhance the top of potted plants. Pebbles and decorative stones also make for beautiful and natural borders for flower beds. If you are laying a pathway, contrasting coloured pebbles in the garden is a fantastic way to make a style statement all across your garden. Additionally, you could also use different colours to differentiate the various sections of your garden from each other. Avoid using pebbles on driveways because they are so smooth they will move and shift under the heavy weight of a vehicle. This will cause the driveway to deteriorate quickly. Slate Slate is a fine-grained, metamorphic rock that splits easily into thin slabs. Much sharper and larger than pebbles, slate is perfect for decorating borders. For example, our black slate would make for a dramatic and modern accent to a path, pond, or patio. Slate also makes for poor driveway material, as there is always the chance that a sharp piece could slice open your tyre. It is also a relatively brittle material, so putting it under constant stress from heavy cars will cause it to crumble over time. This will lead to the build-up of dust, which could inhibit drainage. Stone Paving Decorative stones aren't just limited to pebbles and rocks. Natural stone paving is the perfect material for creating gorgeous and perfectly flat patios where you and your loved ones can enjoy many BBQs and garden parties together. We stock lots of different paving slabs in a range of colours, textures and finishes, so you're sure to find one to suit your style. Gravel & Shingle Gravel is made up of loose rock fragments. Gravel and shingle are grippy, durable stones, making them excellent choices for driveways and paths. In fact, they are one of the cheapest driveway options available. Outside of filling in the uneven surface now and then, driveway gravel is largely maintenance-free and has no chance of cracking or sinking like asphalt or concrete. Choose a gravel like our golden shingle for a classic driveway look or opt for something a bit different with our luxurious limestone or elegant blue slate. Gravel and shingle are very good at draining water. If your garden is habitually waterlogged and causing your plants and flowers to suffer, installing a French drain using gravel or shingle will help the water drain harmlessly away. Shingle will also work in any water feature you might have, enhancing the sound of the water falling. Opting for our rainbow shingle will also boost its overall appearance too. Premium decorative stones from M B Wilkes Whether you're looking to build a rustic path or driveway, improve drainage, or simply beautify your garden, our decorative stones offer limitless possibilities. Browse our wide range of premium decorative stones to find the perfect type for your garden. You'll be spoilt for choice at MB Wilkes, as our range of landscape materials, pebbles and decorative stones is the best in Dorset. If you have any questions about our products, don't hesitate to get in touch - contact us online or call us on 01258 857465.

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