Covering Ground

Scott the Plumber nicknamed my house Casa Grande for reasons obvious to anyone who has owned a vintage home. It sits on a long narrow lot of about 6800 square feet with ample plantable space along the driveway and back 40. In order to keep the watering and mowing to a minimum, a major part of the yard space is covered in pea stone. I like the stone from Lowe's. It's pretty and round and larger than the stuff you get dumped by the scoop on your front driveway so you have to cart it all back wheelbarrow by backbreaking wheelbarrow. And it comes in plastic bags that, while still pretty heavy, are managed by this little old lady and a hand truck.

Pea stone has many advantages. Obviously, no watering. Easy to weed as long as you put weed barrier fabric down before you place the stone. Makes a nice crunching sound when walked upon. Pots look good and drain better on it. I could go on...


One downside was getting it to stay put between the rip rap from my old driveway. It becomes a slip and fall hazard (a major concern to Vintage Gardeners) on top of the concrete chunk. I planted some Australian violets which have slowly filled in the crevices between.

All in all, it's a satisfying combination of materials.