Gravel gardens are a stylish alternative to conventional borders. They allow a wide range of ornamental, yet tough, plants to be grown, can need relatively little maintenance and reduce the need for excessive watering during summer.
Easy, drought-tolerant gardens
Gravel gardens are becoming a popular low-maintenance choice, especially as gardeners increasingly need to meet the evolving demands of climate change. They can be used to create a Mediterranean or alpine feel to the garden, or simply replace an old, tired lawn.
Best positioning
Generally, gravel gardens are best sited in full sun as this favours the majority of drought-tolerant plants. Ensure the intended site is free of perennial weeds and well dug over.
A true gravel garden is one sited on gravelly or sandy soil, rather than simply planting on any soil before mulching with gravel. If you do not naturally have this type of soil then incorporate plenty of grit or gravel. Also add some well-rotted organic matter. After raking, the gravel border should sit 5cm (2in) lower than the surrounding ground in order to allow for some gravel mulch.
Planting and mulching
Next, plant up the bed, leaving room for the plants to spread and for some areas of gravel to remain visible. If self-sown seedlings are not desired, lay a weed-control membrane over the soil prior to planting. Thoroughly water-in the plants and keep them watered in the first season after planting.
Once planted, the bed can be mulched with 5cm (2in) of gravel or shingle. Choose a large-grade gravel if cats frequent the garden and avoid limestone chippings where acid-loving plants are being grown. If possible, try to match the colour of gravel with other paved or stone structures in the garden. As a rough guide, expect a 40kg bag of gravel to cover 1sq m (10sq ft).
Maintenance
To maintain, top up the gravel as and when required. Weeding is most intensive in the first few years of establishment before the ornamental plants develop. After this time, removal of surplus self-seeded ornamentals is more likely.
Suitable plants
Plants that are relatively drought resistant and those that require little maintenance are ideal.
These include Allium (top left), Bergenia, Cistus, Colchicum, Crambe, Cytisus, Eryngium (top right), Euphorbia, Kniphofia (bottom left), Lavandula, Miscanthus, Nepeta, Papaver, Phlomis, Santolina, Sedum, Stipa, Thymus and Verbascum (bottom right).
Helen Bostock