Thursday, April 15, 2010

A question for today

Today instead of an idea, I have a question: what's so wrong with decomposed granite?

I have no luck getting anyone to use it as a paving material even though it has so many advantages! It is cost effective (about a quarter of the cost of concrete). It drains well and is a permeable paving option, so from the perspective of stormwater management, it is ideal (and therefor pretty "green"). And, it is classic. To me it looks wonderfully rustic and elegant. I think of the south of France, or villas in Italy. I think of quaint courtyards and a certain patina of age that gives a garden mystique. To my clients, it seems to look messy. What do you think? I'd love to hear people's thoughts on this one....

2 comments:

  1. Kate,
    I like the look. Is it messy? Here's a site I found when prompted by your question to learn more:
    http://thehumanfootprint.wordpress.com/2009/07/10/dg-patios-decomposed-granite/
    Jill

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  2. Jill,

    It can be if you don't use it correctly. I like to use a narrow edging, like bend-a-board or trex to keep it in place, and I put other surfaces next to any doors into the house so that any little grains of DG will come off your feet before you go into the house. So it is ideal for spaces a little further away from the house where you want good drainage (like an orchard area....)

    Thanks for the article suggestion- I enjoyed it a lot!

    Kate
    www.sageoutdoordesigns.com

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