Gravel Garden
A low-maintenance, drought-tolerant garden featuring plants that thrive in free-draining conditions, set in a base of decorative gravel or crushed stone. Gravel gardens draw inspiration from Mediterranean and steppe landscapes where plants have adapted to survive in lean soils with minimal rainfall, creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes that require little watering once established.
Key Features
Free-Draining Foundation
Base layer of gravel or crushed stone that provides excellent drainage, prevents soil compaction, and creates a hostile environment for many weeds while allowing drought-adapted plants to thrive.
Mediterranean Plant Palette
Species adapted to dry conditions such as lavender, santolina, artemisia, and ornamental grasses that develop deep root systems and require minimal supplemental water once established.
Minimal Soil Amendment
Limited use of compost or fertilizer to maintain the lean growing conditions that many drought-tolerant plants prefer, preventing excessive growth that would require more water and maintenance.
Strategic Plant Spacing
Thoughtful arrangement with adequate distance between plants to allow for mature size while maintaining the visual impact of the gravel surface as an integral design element.
Hardscape Integration
Incorporation of stone, timber, or concrete elements that complement the gravel and create structure, define spaces, and provide visual anchors within the garden.
Weed Suppression System
Installation methods that minimize future maintenance, such as landscape fabric under gravel and careful edging that contains the gravel while preventing grass encroachment.
Design Variations
Mediterranean Gravel Garden
Inspired by dry European landscapes with olive trees, lavender, rosemary, and other aromatic herbs arranged among gravel with terracotta accents and Mediterranean architectural elements.
Prairie-Inspired Gravel Garden
Combines drought-tolerant native grasses and perennials in a naturalistic arrangement that evokes North American prairies while using gravel as a low-maintenance groundcover.
Contemporary Gravel Garden
Minimalist approach with carefully selected specimen plants, clean lines, and monochromatic or contrasting gravel colors that create a modern, architectural landscape.
Alpine Gravel Garden
Features small rock garden plants, alpines, and miniature bulbs set among fine gravel and larger stones that mimic the scree conditions found in mountainous regions.