Exquisite Buff Gold for Your Garden
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Oolitic limestone
Other Name(s):
Derbyshire gold decorative stone chippings
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Derbyshire gold gravel, also known as Derbyshire gold, is an economical and hard-wearing decorative aggregate known for it's buff, honey and pink colours and partially rounded, angular shape. Quarried in Derbyshire, the name is testament to the region for the quality stones that the area brings to outdoor design.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about Derbyshire gold gravel, a hardscape and construction aggregate. It details the product's specifications, accompanied by photographs, and outlines its benefits, applications, and incompatibilities as a landscaping material. Additionally, this entry serves as a gateway to a wealth of DIY resources, with a list of comparable alternatives, articles offering design inspiration and fundamental principles, and a collection of straightforward, step-by-step instructions for constructing your own hardscaping features.
Derbyshire Gold Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Limestone | 10-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Crushed limestone
Colour
Buff, honey and pink
Shape
Angul
Size Range
10-20mm (0.4-0.8")
Derbyshire gold 20mm, Derbyshire gold decorative stone chippings 20mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
PriceMid
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates, such as Derbyshire gold gravel, offer numerous benefits for garden and landscaping projects. They are versatile, durable, and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for a wide range of landscaping applications.
Derbyshire gold gravel is known for its pale tones and angular shape. These characteristics not only make landscapes look timeless and elegant but also ensure stability and longevity. The pale tones of these chippings reflect light beautifully, brightening up shaded areas and complementing various planting schemes. They work well with soft tones of lavender, blue, and pink.
Applications
Derbyshire gold products are exceptionally versatile and suitable for a wide array of applications. These products are predominantly used in garden borders, paths and driveways, to enhance the look of a garden, or highlight dominant colours in a landscaping theme. For those seeking a buff-coloured drive, their angular nature makes them ideal for creating stable and traffic-friendly surfaces.
In the following section, we list many common Derbyshire gold gravel uses. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic is available.
Inspiration and Informational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for Derbyshire gold gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that Derbyshire gold gravel may not be suitable for:
- 1Aquascaping due to the alkaline effect on water pH posing harm to aquatic life.
- 2High moisture areas like pond linings due to alkaline nature.
- 3As an alkaline agent, they are unsuitable for acidic soil gardens, and as a general rule, they are not suitable for use as a ground cover around plants and trees unless they are suited to alkaline soils.
- 4Some experts say that limestone chippings are unsuitable for french drains because they deteriorate and pack down like a sub base.
- 5Play surfaces due to the unforgiving nature of the gravel in the event of a fall.
Similar Alternatives to Derbyshire Gold
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to Derbyshire gold gravel. They may offer you a more suitable variation on the primary colour, a more economical option, or a close substitute for cases where the base material may be unsuitable for the project you are creating, e.g. limestone is not fish-friendly, where slate is.
Name | Colours | Material | Size | Shape | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
buff, white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
pink, blue, grey | Marble | 6-20mm (0.4-2") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pale yellow | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | |||
buff | Limestone | 20mm (0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
golden, brown | Flint | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA | ||
white | Marble | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
When used with weed control fabrics, Derbyshire gold gravel can significantly reduce the time spent on garden upkeep, with most work limited to raking and the occasional removal of debris. It is recommended to occasionally power wash the product in order to maintain its original color and prevent the buildup of algae or moss. Natural quarry materials may also have dust which should be washed off with water during installation. For areas with heavy foot traffic, such as paths or footpaths, replenishing the gravel may be necessary over time to maintain depth and coverage.
For more on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing Derbyshire gold gravel, consider the size options and quantity necessary for your project. 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 different sizes; for instance, Derbyshire gold gravel 20mm is typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm and 6mm gravels are better suited to footpaths.
Our gravel calculator will give you a quick and unbiased estimate for your project needs just by taking a few measurements of the space. It is one of the best and easiest ways to order the right amount and helps avoid shortfalls or over-spending. Purchasing a Derbyshire gold gravel 20mm bulk bag or ordering in loose loads can offer better value than purchasing in smaller quantities. Therefore, calculating accurately can save both time and money. It is also important to consider the delivery aspects, including vehicle access to the site. Additionally, you should check stock availability and factor in VAT and transportation costs if applicable.
FAQs
Do Old English chippings go green?
They can develop a green tint due predominantly to algae, particularly in damp, wet or shaded areas.
