Eco Pebbles resemble river stones but are manufactured from off cuts of quarried stone. They come in a wide range of colours and sizes. They can be used to create decorative surfaces, interesting textures and colours. They can be incorporated into paving, as patterning around a fountain or used decoratively on a wall.

The product

Eco Pebbles are new to garden design in Australia. They are essentially river stones, although they don't come out of rivers. They are made from quarried granite, marble, quartz and water washed stones and are considered environmentally friendly because they are made from waste products such as off cuts of granite slabs (hence the term 'Eco' for environmentally friendly).

The pebbles are mechanically tumbled for several hours to remove the rough surfaces and to create smooth pebbles. The tumbling process is a speeded up version of the natural tumbling that pebbles experience in a river over many years.

The effects

The different colours, sizes and textures of the Eco Pebble range allows for imagination in garden design. Pebbles can be deeply set, used loose or raised for a diversity in texture in pathways, walls and fountains.

Some ideas include: a rustic garden with a dry river bed of pebbles running through it. using lines of pebbles to create axes through a garden. combine with pavers to add interest to a simple design. use them to create decorative patterns such as a compass.

Tip: When Eco Pebbles are wet their colours darken, so using them in some form of water feature is effective.

Cost and availability

Eco Pebbles are not cheap. There are two different ways of purchasing pebbles: They come in prepared pavers that range from $45 a square metre; or Loose, selecting the size and colour pebbles desired, about $60 for a 20kg bag (retail prices).

Note: Trade prices available for those in the industry.

The Eco Pebbles showroom is located at 481 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong, Vic, 3144. Phone: (03) 9822 0699 for further information and stockist enquiries in other states.

Copyright CTC Productions 2006