pink stones for gardens
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Silica and quartz
Other Name(s):
Flamingo gravel, pastel pink, flamenco stone, flamingo decorative stones, decorative pink chippings, flamingo garden stones, suburban stone flamenco
Overview
Outdoor aggregates provide a wide variety of options to enhance both indoor and outdoor designs. This encyclopedia entry focuses on flamingo stone chippings, also known as flamenco stone, a popular pink aggregate with a unique aesthetic and versatility in application. It is renowned for its ability to brighten up a darker area or add colour to your garden. This guide offers detailed specifications, the benefits of flamingo stones, and creative ideas for incorporating them into landscaping projects.
This page also serves as a portal to an array of resources, including a list of similar alternatives, articles for inspiration covering fundamental design principles as well as a variety of do-it-yourself instructables for numerous applications.
Flamingo Chippings Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 3-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Marble, but may vary depending on the supplier
Colour
Pink with peach, grey, blue, white, and gold colours
Shape
Angular
Size Range
10-20mm (0.4-0.8")
20mm flamingo chippings
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play areas
Price
Mid-range
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes, if marble
Eco-Friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like flamingo chippings offer many benefits for garden and landscape design. They provide a low-maintenance, durable ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains moisture in soil. The stunning, varied hues and textures add a visual 'wow factor' and can help define spaces and pathways, uplifting the overall aesthetic of an outdoor area.
Utilising these pink stones for garden beds and borders can bring a unique burst of colour, especially suited for brightening up spaces with their vibrant pink shades. Their angular shape also aids in creating a stable walking surface, making them ideal for paths and driveways.
Applications
These mostly pink decorative stones are versatile for various general landscaping applications, from garden paths to driveway and water features. Their eye-catching colour makes them popular for accenting plant beds and creating focal points within a landscape.
In the following section, we list many of the common flamingo chippings uses, although it is not an exhaustive list. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic is available.
Informational & Inspirational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for flamingo stones include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that flamingo stones are not suitable for:
- 1Flamingo chippings are unsuitable for french drains because they too expensive.
- 2Play areas
Similar Alternatives to Flamingo Chippings
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to flamingo chippings but offer unique variations on the primary colour, offer more economical options or substitute where they may not be optimal for the project you are creating.
Name | Colours | Material | Size | Shape | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
buff, orange | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK | |||
white, pink, yellow | Quartzite | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA, EU | ||
pink, grey | Granite | 2-20mm (0.04-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | ||
pink, grey | Limestone | 20mm (0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pink, brown, white | Quartzite | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | round, angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pink | 1-4mm (0.04-0.16") | irregular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Flamingo chippings are generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to the occasional removal of debris. Occasional power washing is advisable to maintain the original colour and prevent algae or moss buildup. Natural quarry materials also may have dust, which should be hosed off with water at the time of installation.
For areas with heavy footfall, such as paths or footpaths, replenishment of chippings may be required over time to maintain depth and coverage. For more on how to clean stone chippings, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing a flamingo stone bulk bag, consider the desired coverage area and use a quantity calculator to estimate the amount needed. Where available, it is cost-effective to request a sample to assess the stone's colour and quality against your design requirements. Also, consider the size you'll need; for instance, 20mm flamingo chippings are typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm flamingo chippings are better suited to footpaths.
Using our gravel calculator to get an unbiased estimate for your project needs is one of the best and easiest ways to get the right amount without the risk of shortfalls or over-spending - all you need is a few measurements of the space. Ordering a flamingo chippings bulk bag is often more cost-effective than smaller quantities. Also, always ensure you consider the delivery aspects, especially the vehicle access to the site.
FAQs
Is flamingo gravel good?
Flamingo gravel is an excellent choice for those seeking a decorative, durable, and low-maintenance aggregate for their garden or landscaping project.
Where does flamingo gravel come from?
Flamingo gravel, also known as flamingo aggregate, typically consists of natural stones sourced from quarries that provide this distinct pink hue, often found in regions with silica and quartz-based geological formations.
What is Staffordshire pink gravel?
Staffordshire pink gravel is a specific type of crushed stone, known for its pink and grey shades, suitable for driveways and paths, originating from Staffordshire, England.
What is flamingo stone?
Pink flamingo stones are a decorative aggregate known for their vibrant pink colour, used in various landscaping applications to add a bright and unique touch to gardens and outdoor spaces. Purchasing a flamingo stone chippings bulk bag is the most economical way to obtain them.
