this area has no sun, maybe the tree root problem as well, so no grass can grow. Can I put white pebbles to cover and looks brighter? And also consider about algae growth. Please advise me. Thanks
Hi @emmawen,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.
While white pebbles could certainly be used in this area, they may not stay pristine and white for long. In a shaded and damp position, moisture would be prevalent so they'd likely develop algae or moss and fallen leaves and other debris from the trees will also be quite noticeable. They could certainly be used, but they would need occasional raking and cleaning, and possibly a gentle pressure wash or treatment with a suitable outdoor cleaner. If you are happy to do this, then you can absolutely use decorative white stone.
In saying this, darker decorative stones or natural mulch may be easier to maintain and blend more naturally with the garden. It wouldn't be as bright, but it would certainly be easier to maintain. I've just put out some cypress mulch in my yard, and it looks and smells lovely.
Whatever you choose to do, I would consider adding some garden edging to retain the ground covering as if it is just spread across the ground, over time, movement will occur. Adding a simple barrier using some garden edging can help to keep it where it is supposed to be and give it a fuller look for longer.
I would also consider the drainage of the area. If water is pooling and struggling to dry for long periods of time due to the consistent shade, you should consider adding some drainage. If water is pooling on the surface, you can gently grade the natural ground towards a drainage channel which runs to a discharge point before adding your ground covering. If the soil is particularly wet, consider adding agi pipe or a french drain to carry the groundwater to a suitable discharge point.
Check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/landscaping/how-to-install-garden-edging- and How to install garden drainage for some further guidance.
Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @mich1972 and @homeinmelbourne to see if they have any ideas or inspiration they can add.
Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts to add to the discussion.
Jacob
Good Afternoon @emmawen
I think you have found the two main culprits, no sun and the tree roots. I like trees so Id keep it and go the route of some bark mulch of some kind, just dont pile it thick right next to the trunk. The edging that @JacobZ mentions would be a good idea to delimitate the two areas. As to white pebbles….. I have had to dig them out of way too many garden beds over the years. They look great but without being maintained regularly they start getting covered in dust, debris and then weeds make their way into followed by grass…
With the type of plants you already have you could go for succulent's that like shade. I use to have bromeliads under my Australian native trees (bottlebrush type deal) and they thrived. Not they do hold water in the middle of the stem and that can lead to mosquitoes. You dont need many plants as the mulch will attract the eyes, the smaller plants will make the area feel alive again.
Dave
