When hearing the word ‘gravel’, most of us tend to imagine driveways. Of course this is correct, yet there are so many other ways in which this varied and versatile material can be used – including spicing up your garden.
Natural and simple, gravel complements garden paving, planting and water quite beautifully, which is why it remains one of the most popular go-to materials for professional gardeners and landscape architects.
But of course bringing it into your garden (the correct way) involves a bit more than simply strewing it here and there. Take the homify approach if you want to work with this wonderful material by looking at our most popular gravel garden ideas…
Although a gravel garden is characterised by the presence of gravel mulch, it may also include shrubs, flowers, trees, ground covers, larger rocks and variously textured hardscape details. When it comes to gravel garden plants, the best ones to choose are perennials, ornamental grasses and herbs. This will ensure a tranquil Mediterranean-like garden that’s ideal for plants like:
• Lavender
• Juniper
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Cistus.
There are certain bulbs like alliums and crocus that will break through gravel mulch and naturalise in clusters. Xeriscape / drought-tolerant plants work really well in a gravel garden, and some examples include:
• Yucca
• Miscanthus
• Pennisetum.
Of course it doesn’t sound possible for plants to grow in a gravel garden due to the infertility of stone. That’s why good soil preparation below the gravel surface is vital. We recommend digging the soil to a depth of at least 12cm and incorporating rotted organic material or compost. Ensure proper drainage by adding fine sand (unless your soil is already porous). The soil will require the extra nutrients and good drainage to avoid soggy roots and infertile conditions.
Adding gravel mulch on top will act as a natural moisture conservator, but remember that sunny weather will cause the stone to heat up and evaporate the water. To maximise your gravel garden’s aesthetic beauty, plant perennials and herbs in batches. The centre (or just off centre) can be used for vertical specimen plants as focal points. And to outline a natural-looking path through your garden, opt for low-growing plants.
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