13 May

The Ultimate Guide to Using Decorative Stones in Your Garden

Looking to refresh your outdoor space but unsure where to start? Picture a garden with structure, texture and colour, all brought to life with the clever use of decorative stones. From pebbles and gravel to slate and shingle, these versatile materials offer endless landscaping ideas to suit every style and function.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll share practical, expert-backed tips for landscaping with decorative stones - helping you overcome common challenges and choose the right solution with help from our quality products and knowledgeable team.

Types of Decorative Stones and Their Best Uses

When it comes to landscaping with aggregates, it’s important to understand which type of decorative stone suits your space and how each material performs. While they all offer visual appeal, different stones bring different benefits - and some limitations too.

Here’s a closer look at four of the most popular choices.

Pebbles

Naturally smooth and rounded, coloured pebbles are gentle underfoot, making them a great option for garden paths when paired with landscape fabric. They're equally effective around water features, in plant pots, or as soft-edged borders that help define different areas of your garden. Their texture adds subtle contrast, but they’re best avoided for driveways as they shift easily under pressure.

Gravel and Shingle

Gravel and shingle are among the most durable and cost-effective materials for outdoor spaces. Their rough surface provides grip, making them ideal for driveways and garden paths. They don’t crack or sink like other hard surfaces, and they’re also excellent for improving drainage, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging. We often recommend rainbow shingle to enhance water features with eye-catching colour.

Slate

Slate offers a bold, contemporary finish. Its flat, angular pieces work well in borders and around patio edges or ponds, where they bring a striking, modern aesthetic. However, slate is too sharp and brittle for driveways and may damage tyres over time.

Stone Paving

For those looking to create a dining or seating area, natural stone paving is a solid choice. It’s flat, durable, and available in a range of finishes to suit every garden design. Perfect for patios and entertaining outdoors.

We supply a wide selection of decorative stones for gardens. Ideas, advice, and support - we’re always here to help at MB Wilkes.

Design and Styling Ideas

When it comes to landscaping with decorative stones, the right design choices can completely transform your garden. Here are some creative, practical ways to use stones to enhance both style and structure:

  • Garden Zoning with Colour: Use different coloured stones to mark out distinct zones in your garden – perfect for separating a natural, wildlife-friendly area from a neat, structured space. Light and dark stones can be used to create contrast, helping to highlight your planting choices and give each section its own identity.
  • Paths and Walkways: Pebbles or gravel make attractive, low-maintenance paths. For a more polished look, add stepping stones or edging to define the route. This not only guides foot traffic but can also give the illusion of a longer, more spacious garden.
  • Borders: Decorative stones form clean, natural borders around flowerbeds and along paths. For a coastal-inspired feel, rounded coloured pebbles are ideal, while Cotswold cobbles create a traditional, countryside finish. Both options help contain planting while adding character.
  • Water Features: Rainbow shingle or smooth pebbles enhance the visual appeal and sound of any water feature. Whether it's a pond, fountain, or stream, stones add colour and definition while supporting the natural look of your setup.
  • Driveways: For a functional and stylish entrance, gravel or shingle is an affordable alternative to tarmac. Popular choices include golden shingle for a warm, traditional look, blue slate for a modern touch, or limestone for a more refined finish.

We supply only the best pebbles for garden use, tailored to suit every style and purpose.

Functional Benefits

Landscaping with decorative stones isn’t just about looks - it offers real, long-lasting benefits too. Here are three practical reasons to consider landscaping with aggregates in your garden:

  • Drainage: Gravel and shingle are excellent for managing excess water. If you’ve got soggy patches on your lawn, waterlogged flowerbeds, or areas near buildings prone to pooling, these materials help water drain away efficiently, protecting both plant health and property foundations.
  • Weed Control: Decorative stones provide a natural barrier against unwanted growth. When laid over geotextile fabric, they form a strong layer that blocks sunlight and prevents weeds from taking hold, reducing the need for constant maintenance.
  • Soil Protection: Heavy rain can wash away topsoil, especially in beds and pots. A covering of decorative stone helps anchor soil in place, reducing erosion while keeping your garden looking tidy.

All practical, all simple, and all part of thoughtful, effective landscaping with decorative stones.

Feature Ideas: The Rockery

If you're looking for low-maintenance landscaping ideas with maximum impact, a rockery is a brilliant choice. Combining stones of different sizes with hardy alpine plants, a well-placed rockery brings texture, colour and natural structure to your garden.

Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and take time to pre-arrange your rocks before planting to make sure the layout feels balanced. Plants like crocuses, tulips and dianthuses add seasonal bursts of colour and are easy to care for.

With minimal upkeep and lasting visual appeal, a rockery is a timeless feature that works beautifully in gardens of all sizes.

Get Expert Help Choosing the Right Decorative Stones for Your Garden

Decorative stones offer style, structure and real practicality, from low maintenance surfaces to improved drainage and effective weed control. Whether you're after bold borders, a new path or a full garden refresh, landscaping with decorative stones is a smart, versatile choice.

We’ve been a trusted, family-run quarry for over 60 years, supplying quality materials at competitive prices. Call us on 01258 857465 or use our contact form for expert advice tailored to your project.

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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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16 Jan
Grab-Away Waste Removal: Large-Scale Waste Management
Waste removal and disposal is a part of your business that you can’t ignore, yet it is often something that is left at the bottom of the to-do list to sort out because many businesses think it is a hassle. However, this doesn’t have to be the case with grab-away waste removal services. No matter what size business you are running, it is likely that you will be producing a fair amount of waste, so large waste removal services with tipper and grab lorries are often an ideal solution that ensures your waste is removed and disposed of responsibly and in a compliant manner. In the article, we discuss what our grab-away waste removal solutions include and why you should consider them for your waste disposal in Dorset. What are grab-away waste removal solutions from MB Wilkes? Grab-away waste removal services are exactly as they say on the tin; a licensed waste disposal company, such as ourselves, visits your site, grabs your waste, and removes it for disposal. Read our guide to grab hire and muck away service to learn more about what we offer. Grab or tipper truck for grab-away services? Usually, a grab lorry is used for this service, as they have grab arms that extend and pick up the waste from the site and place it into the bed of the lorry. This makes loading the waste from your site into the lorry easy and efficient. However, for some large-scale waste removals across Dorset, such as on construction sites, a tipper lorry may be used as they have the equipment to load the bed of the tipper lorry. We have a fleet of grab and tipper lorries, which are able to remove up to 20 tonnes of waste in one trip.  Waste types accepted Our grab-away waste removal service is able to accept a variety of waste types, making it a flexible solution for many businesses.  Waste types accepted include: Sand Concrete Gravel & aggregates Building & Landscape materials Not sure if we collect your waste type? Our team is always happy to discuss our services with you and answer any questions, so get in touch with us at 01258 857465. Frequency of grab-away collections Our grab-away services are flexible, so we can create a schedule that suits your needs. If you are working on a one-off project or infrequently have large amounts of waste to dispose of, a one-off grab-away waste removal is likely to be the best solution for you. This will ensure that you are only paying for what you need rather than paying for a large grab or tipper truck that you might not fill. Alternatively, if you frequently have large amounts of waste to dispose of, we can arrange a scheduled waste collection with our grab-away service. We can work with you to create a schedule that suits you; whether you need the waste removed once a week, once a fortnight or once a month, you can trust us to reliably remove your waste when you need it gone. Benefits of grab-away waste removal solutions No matter how often you use our grab-away service, there are many benefits.  Save stress Trying to find a way to remove large quantities of waste can be stressful, especially if you aren't sure what to do with it. Our large waste removal services remove the stress and make the disposal process smooth and hassle-free. We have a reliable and expert team, so you can trust that we will get the job done, allowing you to get on with other work that needs your attention. Lower carbon footprint Removing all the waste in one journey, as opposed to lots of smaller journeys is better for the environment and will help you run a more sustainable and environmentally friendly business. Additionally, waste removed by a professional service will be disposed of correctly, meaning it is more likely to go to a recycling centre than a landfill. Safe working environment Large amounts of waste can take up space on your site. Using a grab-away waste removal service will mean you don't have heaps of rubbish sitting around your site, creating a safer work environment for your staff. Why use MB Wilkes? MB Wilkes are waste removal experts, providing a stress-free grab-away waste removal solution to businesses across Poole, Bournemouth and the rest of Dorset. We are fully licenced to remove and transport waste from your site to a disposal facility, meaning we provide a fully compliant waste disposal service. Being able to remove up to 20 tonnes in one trip, our service makes waste removal quick. Our aim is to make large waste removals simple to sort so that the task can be ticked off your to-do list quickly and stay ticked off. The MB Wilkes team are always happy to discuss your needs and work with you to create a grab-away waste removal solution that suits you and your business needs. Contact our expert team today by calling 01258 857465 or completing our contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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