23 Aug

Things to consider when designing your Gravel Driveway

So you've chosen one of our fantastic gravels or shingles to coat your new driveway - good choice! Before you commence with laying it though, it is important to consider the final appearance you desire.

Think about the space you have, the colour of your house and the surrounding area. Consider the textures of different types of gravel - how do you want you want your driveway to look? Would you like it to be a feature, or would you prefer it to blend into the background? Gravel is a brilliantly low maintenance material and so simple to lay! So let us take the strain off even further and help with the planning and design aspects of your new driveway.

Space and shape
We all know that driveways are there to serve one main purpose - they are the entrance to your home, leaving you somewhere safe to keep your car. But why not take it a step further and focus on the aesthetics rather than just the function? Think about the space you have and decide on the shape of your path. Would a curved path work? Or maybe you'd like to keep it simple with clean, straight lines.

Secondly, consider car space. If you have more than one car, consider how you can utilise your space in order to fit them comfortably. Maybe widening your path will allow for side by side parking, eliminating the need to move your cars around every time you need to use the one furthest from the entrance.

Materials
The great thing about gravel is that it is extremely versatile, not to mention easy to maintain! Before you make a final decision of which to choose though, you must first consider a few important things: what colour scheme are you working with? Would you like your driveway to complement the colour of your home, or contrast for added interest? Choosing neutral colours such as grey, beige or white will pair well with the majority of homes. However, if you'd like to create more of a focus on your new drive, perhaps a coloured slate or even a combination of different gravels would be a better choice.

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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10 Aug

The Pros and Cons of using gravel to build your new driveway

If you've already managed to narrow down the multiple materials on offer and are considering gravel, we've taken the time to consider all of the pros and cons - so you don't have to! Make sure you've made the right choice to help make your new driveway reach its full potential but understanding exactly what you can expect from gravel. ProsGravel is inexpensiveCompared to other driveway materials, gravel is the most inexpensive by far - leaving room in your budget to spend on other areas of your home and garden! Check out our special offers! Easy to maintainA simple top up of extra stones is all this driveway resource needs to stay looking neat and tidy. Feel free to contact us and discuss our small load delivery options to keep your gravel driveway looking full! Gravel driveways can be prone to weeds, however spraying with a gentle weed killer and weeding regularly will leave the area looking clear with little effort. It suits all styles of house With gravel, there's no need to fear that your new driveway won't fit with the character of your home. The variety of stone shapes and colours available in our gravel range allows for a perfect fit for your surroundings. A permeable choice Gravel is a permeable driveway option - meaning that when spread evenly, it allows rain to slowly soak through into the ground rather than sitting on the surface. This is particularly effective when the gravel is laid with a slight dip on either side of the driveway. ConsDust Driving over gravel can cause dust to fly into the air - not ideal for those with allergies, or those who like to keep their cars gleaming! If you'd prefer a clean, smooth surface - our range of paving may be a better choice for you. Puddle dips As gravel is loose on the ground, walking and driving over it can cause the stones to move and collect together, leaving open gaps for puddles to form. If you would prefer a stable, dry surface, perhaps you'd be more interested in our cement options. 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

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 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!

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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

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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