Gravel border question

[Alun]

Hi,

I just had a quick question - I've got a patio in my back garden with a border around it (about a foot wide) which I'm planning to dig down a bit and cover with gravel. The problem is I'm not sure how deep the gravel should be, which obviously effects how much I need to buy - any ideas on a recommended depth? Also, do I need to put any kind of underlay underneath the gravel or will it be fine just laying it on the soil?

Thanks in advance for any help Alun

[Steve]

Alun wrote on 26 Mar 2008 in group rec.gardens:

If you put the gravel directly on the soil, it will eventually mix with the soil. I would put landscaping cloth underneath.

Be aware that you'll have lots of maintenance with a gravel border. It collects debris that's hard to remove. A blower is only partly satisfactory. If you use pea gravel, it migrates out of the bed, especially witha blower. I used white marble chips exactly ONCE.

[Steve]

Alun wrote on 26 Mar 2008 in group rec.gardens:

If you put the gravel directly on the soil, it will eventually mix with the soil. I would put landscaping cloth underneath.

Be aware that you'll have lots of maintenance with a gravel border. It collects debris that's hard to remove. A blower is only partly satisfactory. If you use pea gravel, it migrates out of the bed, especially witha blower. I used white marble chips exactly ONCE.