How to Use White Gravel in a Garden to Reflect Light

Surround foundation plantings with white gravel in the public area of your front yard. Its reflected light will highlight the area and draw attention to the front entrance. Use a high grade of stone, such as marble, for a more formal, traditional look. Larger pieces of gravel evoke a more casual appearance and are suitable for modern ranch and split-level homes.

Line a pathway with white gravel. This is most effective in a breezeway, an area of the yard or garden situated between two houses. It is typically just wide enough for two people to walk abreast. The buildings on either side and narrow openings at either end, block almost all sunlight and most reflected light. The white gravel will brighten up the space and make it appear much brighter than it is.

Surround individual shrubs and trees in the landscape with white gravel for a crisp, manicured look. Extend the gravel out to the drip-line of the shrubs, but keep it to a 24- to 36-inch diameter circle around the trunk of specimen trees. Keep the gravel from actually touching the base of trees and shrubs. This will help stop fungal diseases or insect pests from developing there.