Friday, November 20, 2009 9:47 PM

LATEST NEWS:

Lifestyle

Gardens with Gravel

Gardening

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Local gardeners are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of using gravel in gardens. The fact that it is low-maintenance is likely to make it even more popular as Jamaicans attempt to meet the evolving demands of climate change.

A common reason for using gravel in the garden is the reduction of the time involved in 'garden grooming'. One of the least preferred tasks in gardening is mowing the lawn, but by including gravel you not only the task at hand, but also reduce lawn-mower carbon emissions even while saving gas. Another dreaded garden activity is weeding. You can cut down on this activity by redesigning your garden to incorporate gravel.

Use gravel as the base in a garden to add texture and character. (Photo: Kandi King)

A garden with gravel, however, does not necessarily mean a garden without grass, plants, flowers, shrubs, or trees, but one that uses gravel as a major feature in various ways and at various places. For example, flower and plant beds are great places to use gravel or pebbles. It will look much better than black soil even while serving a very useful purpose. For our (Jamaican) hot weather, gravel helps to prevent excess evaporation, thereby reducing the need for watering. It also helps to prevent soil erosion during the rainy season. With less work to do, you will have more time to sit back and enjoy your beautiful garden!

- Kandi King


Traffic fatalities hurting health sector

 

Car parts for various models available, UCDA head assures

 

Pepper Pot

 

E10 mixing method suspect

 

Ethanol can damage engines — Hylton

 

High-level delegation attends Moscow road safety conference

 

Demi Moore in airbrushing controversy

 

BMW sales grow in Latam, Caribbean despite premium market drop

 

Report: Kimi Raikkonen out of F1 next season

 

F1 champ Button teams up with Hamilton at McLaren

 

Journeys Through Jamaica

 

Canada's Icewine

 

Today's Cartoon

Poll

What's your position on mandatory HIV testing for employees in Jamaica?
 
I support it
I don't support it
View Results
Results published weekly in Sunday Finance

Username:
Password: