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!

More general

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. 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. 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. 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. 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 branches 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!
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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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Most Recent Stories

4 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 20th 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 Line-Up: 2.00pm - 2.30pm– Host's Welcome Performance 2:30pm – 2.45pm Aqualights Pom & Twirl 2:45pm – 3.00pm – Host Interval Performance 3.00pm – 4.00pm – Children’s Entertainment with Amy 4.00pm – 5.30pm – Lytchett’s Got Talent 5:30pm – 6.00pm – Performance from new talent - Maddi Hardwick 6.00pm – Raffle 6:15pm – 7:45pm – Danny T Acoustic 8.00pm – 10.00pm – Skamagedon Dance Band 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 or Facebook page about what to expect on the day! Bring your family, bring your friends, and don’t miss it — it’s set to be a summer highlight for the whole community! 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. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/blog/article/mb-wilkes-sponsor-local-lytchett-matravers-festival#/" }, "headline": "MB Wilkes sponsor local Lytchett Matravers Summer Festival", "description": "Lytchett Matravers Summer Festival is an annual event that aims to bring the local community together around fun, food and music.", "image": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/files/thumbs/8c3f7bac-d3de-4eb1-bb7e-ee70c08d918f_w650_h400.png?1780561139", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "MB Wilkes", "url": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/#/" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "" } }, "datePublished": "2025-06-17", "dateModified": "2026-06-04" }
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29 May
MB Wilkes sponsors this year's Corfe Mullen Carnival
We're proud to announce that once again, MB Wilkes are sponsors of the main arena at this year's Corfe Mullen Carnival! Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, for a day of fun and thrills at Corfe Mullen Carnival! First held in 1967, the Corfe Mullen Carnival is an excitement-packed day out with something for all the family to enjoy. We’re proud to announce that MB Wilkes are the Main Arena sponsors at this year's event! Mark your calendars for Saturday June 13th 2025, as the carnival extravaganza takes centre stage in Corfe Mullen Recreation Ground. The festivities kick off with a lively street procession from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Once you arrive at the event grounds, prepare to be captivated by an array of stands, competitions, and live performances starting at 1 pm. You especially won't want to miss the spectacular dog show. But there's more to the Corfe Mullen Carnival than just a day of fun. This year proceeds are helping local beneficiaries, the 2nd Corfe Mullen Scout Group and Corfe Mullen United Juniors Football Club. We hope everyone has an amazing time at the Carnival this year. Looking forward to seeing you all there! { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/blog/article/mb-wilkes-sponsors-this-year-s-corfe-mullen-carnival#/" }, "headline": "MB Wilkes sponsors this year's Corfe Mullen Carnival", "description": "We’re proud to announce that once again, MB Wilkes are sponsors of the main arena at this year's Corfe Mullen Carnival!", "image": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/files/thumbs/bce62730-8514-48fe-b461-16c07409b573_w650_h400.jpg?1747138647", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "MB Wilkes", "url": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/#/" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "" } }, "datePublished": "2025-05-13", "dateModified": "2026-05-29" }
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17 Mar
Why should you invest in recycled aggregate?
Whether you're tackling a driveway, laying drainage, or working on a larger landscaping project, the costs and environmental impact can quickly add up, and sourcing the right materials at the right price isn't always straightforward. Throwing good money at materials that end up in landfill? There's a smarter way to build. So, why should you buy recycled aggregates rather than always reaching for brand-new materials? Whether you're tackling a driveway, laying drainage, or working on a larger landscaping project, the costs and environmental impact can quickly add up, and sourcing the right materials at the right price isn't always straightforward. Recycled aggregates offer a practical, cost-effective solution that more and more homeowners and contractors are choosing. At MB Wilkes, we supply a fantastic range of recycled aggregates in Dorset directly from our family-owned quarry, so you get quality materials and honest advice all in one place. Read on to find out why recycled aggregate could be the ideal choice for your next project. What Can Recycled Aggregates Actually Be Used For? Recycled aggregates are far more versatile than many people realise, making them a brilliant choice for a wide range of domestic and commercial projects across Dorset and beyond. Driveways and Pathways Recycled aggregate is a popular choice for driveways and paths, offering a solid, hard-wearing surface that handles regular foot and vehicle traffic with ease. It compacts well, drains effectively, and gives a neat, practical finish. It's a cost-effective alternative to virgin materials without any noticeable drop in performance. Drainage Projects One of the most common uses for recycled aggregate is drainage. Whether you're installing a soakaway, improving surface water management, or working on a larger drainage scheme, recycled material performs brilliantly. Its angular, irregular texture helps water filter through efficiently, reducing the risk of waterlogging in gardens, driveways, and construction sites. Sub-Base and Groundwork Before any surface goes down, you need a reliable foundation beneath it. Recycled aggregate is widely used as a sub-base material for patios, driveways, and construction projects because it compacts firmly and provides excellent load-bearing support. It's a practical, dependable option that gets the groundwork right from the start. Landscaping and Garden Projects Recycled aggregate isn't just for heavy-duty construction work. It works wonderfully in garden landscaping too, from filling raised beds to creating informal paths and borders. If you're looking for a low-maintenance, budget-friendly material that still looks tidy and well-considered, recycled aggregate is well worth exploring for your next outdoor project. The Environmental Impact of Using Recycled Aggregates Sustainability is something we all think about a little more these days, and the materials you choose for your project can make a real difference. Recycled aggregates are produced by reprocessing construction and demolition waste that would otherwise end up in landfill, which is a fantastic way to give existing materials a second life. By choosing recycled over virgin aggregate, you're also helping to reduce the demand for new quarrying activity, which in turn lowers the energy used in extraction and transportation. Less quarrying means less disruption to the natural landscape too. For contractors and homeowners alike, it's a practical way to reduce your project's carbon footprint without sacrificing performance or quality. At MB Wilkes, we're proud to offer recycled aggregate products that support a more sustainable approach to building and landscaping right across Dorset. SuDS Compliance Sustainable Drainage Systems, or SuDS, are increasingly required in new builds and renovation projects, and recycled aggregate plays a useful role in meeting those requirements. Its natural permeability allows surface water to drain through gradually, reducing runoff and the risk of localised flooding. For anyone navigating planning requirements around drainage, it's a genuinely practical material choice. Reduced Haulage Impact Sourcing your recycled aggregates locally makes a difference beyond just convenience. Shorter delivery distances mean fewer lorry movements on local roads, lower fuel consumption, and a reduced carbon footprint compared to importing virgin materials from further afield. Because we supply directly from our Dorset quarry, so you benefit from efficient, local delivery that keeps unnecessary haulage to a minimum. Additional Benefits of Buying Recycled Aggregates In addition to being a sustainable choice, there are other benefits of recycled aggregates that make it easy to see why so many homeowners and contractors are choosing them as their go-to material for all manner of projects. Significant Cost Savings As you might expect, the cost of buying recycled aggregate is more affordable than using brand new. It’s far less expensive to use recycled aggregate and if you buy local, you’re also saving money on transportation costs. You can save a lot of money by investing in recycled aggregate and there isn’t too much of a noticeable difference between buying new and buying second-hand. No Compromise on Performance A common concern is whether recycled aggregate is as reliable as new material. In most applications, including sub-base, drainage, and pathways, it absolutely is. Recycled aggregate is robust, hard-wearing, and fully capable of meeting the demands of everyday use. You get the performance you need at a price that makes far more sense for your budget. Readily Available and Quick to Deliver Sourcing materials shouldn't slow your project down. At MB Wilkes, we hold good stock levels of recycled aggregate, so you're not left waiting around. With our fully equipped fleet of tipper trucks and grab lorries covering Poole, Bournemouth, and across Dorset, we can efficiently deliver materials to you, keeping your project moving at a steady pace. Compliance and Planning For contractors working on formal projects, material specifications matter. Recycled aggregates frequently meet the same regulatory and engineering standards as virgin materials, making them a viable option where compliance documentation is required. Choosing a reputable, established supplier like MB Wilkes means you can have confidence in the quality and consistency of every load, which is exactly what specification work demands. Why Choose MB Wilkes for Your Recycled Aggregate? We've been supplying quality aggregates from our family-owned quarry in Dorset for over 60 years, and recycled products have become an important part of what we offer. Here's why customers across the region trust us: Direct From Our Quarry: No middlemen, just straightforward pricing and consistent quality you can rely on every time. Competitive Prices: We keep our costs fair because we believe quality materials should be accessible to everyone, from homeowners to large contractors. Expert Advice on Hand: Not sure which recycled aggregate is right for your project? Our knowledgeable team is always happy to help you make the right call. Fast, Reliable Delivery: Our fully equipped fleet covers Poole, Bournemouth, and the wider Dorset area, getting materials to you when you need them. Flexible Quantities: Whether you need a small load or a bulk delivery, we can accommodate your requirements without any fuss. As one of the UK's leading suppliers of landscaping and aggregate products, we bring genuine expertise and a commitment to excellent customer service to every order, no matter the size. Get Your Recycled Aggregates in Dorset Choosing the right materials doesn't have to be complicated, and at MB Wilkes, we make the whole process as straightforward as possible. As a family-owned quarry supplying Dorset for over 60 years, we combine competitive prices with the kind of honest, helpful service that keeps our customers coming back time and again. If you're ready to place an order or simply want to talk through your options, give our friendly team a call on 01258 857465. Alternatively, you're welcome to get in touch via our contact form and we'll get back to you promptly. Whatever your project, we'd love to help you get it right. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/blog/article/why-should-you-invest-in-recycled-aggregate#/" }, "headline": "Why should you invest in recycled aggregate?", "description": "Whether you're tackling a driveway, laying drainage, or working on a larger landscaping project, the costs and environmental impact can quickly add up, and sourcing the right materials at the right price isn't always straightforward.", "image": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/files/thumbs/45d38086-3917-474c-8743-f6f1b2c1f88a_w650_h400.jpg?1773755952", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "MB Wilkes", "url": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/#/" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "" } }, "datePublished": "2019-02-12", "dateModified": "2026-03-17" }
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Family-Owned BusinessFamily-run business supplying quality aggregates for over 60 years.
Family-Owned Business
Family-run business supplying quality aggregates for over 60 years.
Trusted Team of Experts Our expert team of trusted experts is ready to help with all your needs.
Trusted Team of Experts
Our expert team of trusted experts is ready to help with all your needs.
Fully Equipped Fleet We provide fast local delivery with tipper trucks and grab lorries.
Fully Equipped Fleet
We provide fast local delivery with tipper trucks and grab lorries.
Superb Range of Aggregates Small load aggregate collections available directly from our quarry.
Superb Range of Aggregates
Small load aggregate collections available directly from our quarry.

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