Ditch Concrete Driveways – How To Make This Alternative Gravel Variety Pop In Your Yard

While there are plenty of ways to make your driveway look new again, one particular gravel variety really stands out for its aesthetic value — its pop — and that's Jersey Shore gravel. It's the one gravel homeowners will gravitate toward for its visual impact, as it lends itself beautifully to mixing with different-colored landscaping assets.

If you haven't come across Jersey Shore gravel before, it's the color of the pea-sized stones that'll likely impress you the most. Think of warm, sandy beaches glowing in afternoon sunlight and that's what you're going to see when you look at this gravel laid as a driveway. Its main colors include yellow (or gold), tan, white, and brown. Because of the gravel's softer colors, it would look particularly stunning if the exterior of your home is a darker color. The contrast could really make the driveway stand out, rather than just blend into the surroundings.

If you're looking to create a beach-inspired look, even though you might not be close to the coast, Jersey Shore gravel will provide a warm aesthetic with its small sand-colored pebbles combined with shell fragments. You can even build on this theme by pairing your gravel driveway with plants and landscape features based on the natural elements found along the coastline. (See more driveway border ideas to boost curb appeal.)

To enhance the look of a Jersey Shore gravel driveway even further, one way to go is to stay with a beach theme, adding curb appeal features that capture the essence of a coastal vibe. For starters, you want to match the gravel with the right edging materials. Depending on your budget, a sandstone border would blend nicely with the golden tones of this particular gravel. You could also carry the sandstone to your front-yard landscaping by incorporating a few larger boulders in your garden beds.

Alternatively, you might want a bit of a contrast by using red or stone-colored bricks. For a more rustic look, you might even consider upgrading your driveway edge with Corten steel; its rusted patina appearance will similarly bring out the warm tones of the Jersey Shore gravel pebbles.

When choosing plants to complement a driveway made of Jersey Shore gravel, think of colors and species that you commonly see at the beach. Or, consider Mediterranean plants that have silvery foliage and blue or purple flowers, such as lavender and sage. On the other hand, if you want to emphasize the heat of beach sand, use brighter colors, like flowers in shades of red and yellow.

You'll also find that with a Jersey Shore gravel driveway, a xeriscape garden, which is a type of garden that aims to reduce water use, is another thematic way to go. A collection of succulents would not look out of place with this gravel variety, and the combination might just be what sets your yard apart from others on the block. Xeriscaping is the garden trend gaining popularity, and it'll certainly help you save on your water bill.