20mm Plum Slate Chippings Bulk Bag

What is a 20mm Plum Slate Chippings Bulk Bag?

20mm Plum Slate Chippings are angular, flat pieces of natural slate, derived from natural geological deposits, typically within Wales. 

The slate undergoes specific industrial processing - mechanical crushing and screening - to yield angular, flat chippings conforming to a nominal 20mm size. This characteristic flat and angular shape facilitates a degree of interlocking when laid, contributing to greater surface stability, especially apt for pathway construction. 

Perhaps its most defining visual characteristic, however, is the rich colour palette originating from the slate's mineral composition. Dominated by deep plum and purple hues, these are often naturally complemented by subtle variations of grey, blue, or green veins. A notable feature is the significant intensification and darkening of these colours upon wetting, which provides dynamic visual interest throughout changing weather patterns. 

Applications

• Decorative Mulching: Apply in beds and borders to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, insulate roots, and add vibrant colour contrast to plants.
• Pathways & Walkways: Creates relatively stable and permeable garden paths; the angular shape interlocks better than gravel. Path edging is recommended.
• Water Features & Pond Surrounds: Suitable for decorating pond edges, stream beds, or feature bases (wash thoroughly first).
• Rockeries & Alpine Gardens: Ideal as a free-draining decorative top dressing that complements rock features and suits the needs of alpine plants.
• Pot Topping & Container Dressing: Use as an attractive surface layer in pots to reduce weed growth, conserve moisture, and prevent soil splash.
• Driveway Top Dressing (Light Domestic Use ONLY): Can provide a decorative finish for drives with very infrequent, light vehicle traffic over a solid sub-base, but note: slate is relatively soft and will crush under regular vehicle use, requiring ongoing maintenance and replenishment.

Benefits

• Striking Decorative Colour: Offers unique plum/purple tones that deepen when wet.
• Natural Aesthetic: Provides an attractive, natural stone look for gardens.
• Stable Walking Surface: Flat, angular chippings interlock well, ideal for paths.
• Effective Weed Suppression: Helps block light and reduce weed growth.
• Excellent Drainage: Allows water to permeate freely, reducing surface puddles.
• Extremely Low Maintenance: Doesn't rot or decompose like organic mulches; long-lasting.
• Durable & Weather Resistant: Withstands weather cycles including frost and rain.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for paths, borders, mulching, water features, pot topping.
• Moderates Soil Temperature: Insulates soil, protecting roots from heat and cold.
• Conserves Soil Moisture: Reduces evaporation when used as a mulch.
• Bulk Bag Value: Cost-effective way to cover larger areas compared to small bags.

Ground Preparation

Ground preparation before laying your plum slate chippings is vital for achieving the best results, maximising weed suppression, and ensuring longevity.

• Clear Existing Vegetation: Thoroughly remove all weeds (especially deep-rooted perennial types like bindweed, couch grass, or docks), grass, plants, and any large stones or debris from the area.
• Level & Firm the Surface: Rake the soil or existing base to create a relatively smooth and even surface. For pathways or areas receiving foot traffic, ensure the ground is firmed down (light compaction may be beneficial) to prevent excessive sinking later. A slight slope away from buildings is advisable for drainage.
• Install Edging (Highly Recommended for Paths/Drives): Fit robust edging restraints (such as timber gravel boards, metal edging strips, paving blocks, or kerbs) along the perimeter of pathways, driveways, or distinct zones. This prevents the chippings from migrating onto lawns or other surfaces and maintains a neat appearance.
• Lay Weed Control Fabric: For optimal long-term weed prevention, lay a high-quality, permeable weed control membrane (geotextile fabric) over the prepared ground before applying the slate. Overlap joins by at least 100mm and secure the fabric with pegs, especially at edges. This allows water drainage but blocks light and stops deep weed growth, significantly reducing future maintenance.