Edward Payson Weston, who popularised walking and was dubbed America’s first “Notable Pedestrian” in the 19th century, said after traversing the nation for 50 years that decomposed Granite is the surface that feels best underfoot. He noted in a travel notebook that it was “the greatest that I have walked upon.” He ought to know.
Weston neglected to explain that one of the most attractive surfaces is decomposed granite. Here are nine ways to use decomposed granite in a landscape to bring design and affordable luxury:
Table of Contents
Surface Softening
Decomposed granite walkways link stone pavers and planting beds in the Austin, Texas garden designed by landscape architect Christine Ten Eyck. By Matthew Williams, a photograph. Our Gardenista Book has further information about this garden.
A fine gravel known as decomposed granite (or DG) is created when igneous rocks like feldspar and quartz weather.
Remove Boundaries
A soft material that will mix in with the borders of planting beds is decomposed granite. Small gravel fragments allow edging material to be flush with the ground.
Carpet a Room Outside
Suzanne Shaker and Pete Dandridge used decomposed granite and pavers to outline an outdoor dining and lounging area on Shelter Island in New York. Matthew Williams took the picture for Gardenista.
To outline the boundaries of an outdoor room or seating area, use decomposed granite in the same way you would an area rug.
select a contrasting colour
Locally produced decomposed granite often has a colour spectrum that resembles that of neighbouring landscape rocks. The palette contains hues of grey, black, red, and green as well as hues ranging from buff to brown.
Decomposed is a flexible hardscape material because of its variety; pick a hue to contrast with or complement other landscaping materials.
enlarge a walkway
Decomposed granite is a cheap stone that can be used as a border for more expensive paving materials. It typically costs between $40 and $50 per cubic yard. Its gentle, natural colour visually widens a space without conflicting with other hardscape features.
Decomposed granite acts as mulch in preventing weeds. It is a sturdy surface that won’t wear down and lasts longer than mulch, which decomposes in a season or two.
Changing a lawn
Decomposed granite is an environmentally friendly material since it is a permeable surface that will stop rainwater runoff and uses no water (unlike grass).
Patio Paving
In order to create a patio seating area in a Studio City garden, LA-based designer Judy Kameon designed a decomposed granite pad to surround a fire pit. image taken by Laure Joliet.
Decorate a Driveway
A less expensive alternative to stone, brick, or tile is decomposed granite. Decomposed granite is also a low-profile stone that fits nicely with other materials for a significant hardscape project, such a driveway. It has a natural appearance and discreetly blends into the background, deflecting attention to more striking landscape features like stone or turf.
Fire Pit Flame-Proofing
In Woodside, California, Arterra Landscape Architects, based in San Francisco and a participant in the Remodelista Architect and Designer Directory, designed a spark-resistant environment for a backyard fire pit.
Use a surface of decomposed to create a safety zone devoid of combustible substances.
