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Gravel in garden design


14 Gravel Garden Ideas for a Water-Wise Garden

By

Erica Puisis

Erica Puisis

Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care. She's contributed to Forbes and smart home blogs like Smart Home Solver and TechDigg.

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Published on 06/02/22

Reviewed by

Kathleen Miller

Reviewed by Kathleen Miller

Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens, a working sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column. She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming.

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Sarah Crowley / Stocksy

Gravel gardens give you an attractive but low-maintenance landscaping option. Not just reserved for desertscapes, you can use gravel to create defined areas within your yard or garden, as a base for container gardens, or to provide visual interest with varying sizes and colors of rock.

Options for the fill material of gravel gardens ranges from small, pea-sized pebbles to larger rocks, including river stone or other landscaping rocks. Usually, a gravel garden replaces the top 4 to 8 inches of soil. Many plants can be grown in a gravel garden, though the most popular choices are hardy varieties with minimal watering needs. In addition to reducing your watering burden, gravel gardens are also a good choice if you want to reduce weed growth. Weeds take root far less frequently with this landscaping option.

Here are 14 ideas to create your own gravel garden.

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Gravel garden ideas: 10 low-maintenance dry garden schemes

(Image credit: Future)

Gravel garden ideas can create depth and bring structure to your garden, as well as adding a decorative touch depending on what type of gravel you use. 

Whether it's a path to your front door, a walkway that meanders around your back garden or a destination path that leads to a particular spot, a gravel garden path can enhance the look of your garden.

There is a wide range of plants that struggle without very well-drained soil, and creating a gravel garden is a great way to enjoy them. Plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and California in the USA thrive in the light, stony conditions and are – by and large – very low maintenance. There is no need to water and minimal weeding; plus, the aromatic and silver-leaved plants that enjoy such dry soil tend to be more resistant to pests and disease. The only slog of a gravel border is its creation, and that can be started now.

Gravel garden ideas

These gravel garden ideas will inspire you to create your very own low maintenance outdoor space – and it's just as well that now is the perfect time to start creating a one, big or small. The benefits of gravel gardens are endless. Let us count the ways...

1. Use gravel in a small courtyard garden

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton )

'Keep it simple – don’t get too carried away when planning a gravel garden,' says Dan Bowyer of Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer . 'A carefully chosen palette of materials and plants is often the most satisfying.  However, this doesn’t mean you can’t be experimental within your small garden ideas. Just be mindful that trying to squeeze too much into a compact space will make it cluttered and decrease usability.'

It also pays to keep material in mind when designing your small courtyard ideas. For instance, gravel is not only low-maintenance and affordable, but it is also one of the most security-conscious garden path ideas as the noise it makes underfoot can be a good burglar deterrent. 

2. Do use recycled and biodegradable materials for an eco-friendly path

(Image credit: Future / Matthew Williams)

‘Recycled or upcycled materials offer great options for gravel pathways. Used scaffolding boards or part-recycled composite materials, such as decking is a good choice,’ says Amelia Bouquet, owner, Amelia Bouquet Garden Design . 

‘Treat scaffolding boards with an eco-friendly wood preservative to deter rot, and ensure they are not in direct contact with the soil. For a flood resistant gravel pathway, try clay pavers. Lay them on a sub-base of free-draining sharp sand to make your path permeable, with an edging set on a mortar base for stability.'

3. Choose gravel to deter burglars 

(Image credit: Future / Helen Cathcart)

Gravel is not only cheap and low-maintenance, the often loud crunching noise it makes underfoot can be a good burglar deterrent. 

Invest in a stone size that won’t easily stick in the soles of shows and get ‘walked’ into the house. Gravel can also be used to soften hard-paved edges and to unify unrelated areas in the garden.

4. Choose the best plants for a gravel garden

(Image credit: Future)

'Gravel is great for borderline hardy plants,' says gardener, Derry Watkins, 'because it’s usually winter wet that kills them. Mediterranean plants hate having wet roots. Also, the rock conserves heat. You don’t need to mix the gravel into the soil – just plonk it on top. Gravel is not cheap initially, but it’s low-maintenance in the long term. '

Do the groundwork now, then in spring plant drought-resistant gems, such as yucca, rosemary, helichrysum and verbena in the gravel and the roots will find their way down to the soil. When they bloom happily above the attractive stone, demanding minimal TLC, it’s easy to understand why this no-water style of gardening is becoming so popular.

5. Create a walkway with durable materials

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

‘When selecting materials, think about practicalities first and then the design effect you want to achieve,’ says garden designer Phil Hirst . ‘A durable material such as gravel is a wonderful choice for a well-used path close to your house. Ideal for an informal path, gravel looks softer than solid paving and comes in a range of colors. It’s also relatively inexpensive, easy to lay and allows rainwater to soak through, helping to prevent flooding.'

6. Set up a seating area in a rock garden

(Image credit: Future)

Gravel is one of the best patio materials and so if you’re using it as part of your modern rock garden ideas then consider leaving space for a serene seating area. Be sure to have a decent-sized space which is completely flat, as shown here with slabs of pale stone. Then add a bistro table and chairs or sun loungers to create a private area for relaxation.

7. Edge gravel paths to prevent gravel from bleeding into the borders

(Image credit: Future / Allan Pollok-Morris)

‘Not all garden path ideas need an edge, but if you have gravel or grass, an edge can help to define the route,’ says Joanne Willcocks of Gardens by Design. ‘Metal edging is commonly used for grass paths, or you can lay bricks or tiles on a mortar base to create an edging that’s slightly lower than the grass, making mowing easier. A core gravel stabilisation system (a honeycomb-shaped grid that helps keep stones in place) is a good option. Look for an eco-friendly system made from recycled plastic.'

8. Create the ultimate easy garden

(Image credit: Future)

If you create the gravel border correctly, it will be the most low-maintenance part of the garden. Save for cutting things back and removing leaves, there is little to do. It’s vital to first remove all perennial weeds first, and get the right balance of soil and gravel – for example, if you don’t put a thick enough layer of gravel onto heavy soil, you will get weeds.

(Image credit: Future / Allan Pollok-Morris)

‘Straight paths made from stone or porcelain pavers are often used to emphasize a formal or modern style, while more rustic materials such as bricks, gravel or grass are ideal for cottage or wild gardens,’ says Gianna Utilini, owner, Gianna Utilini Garden Designs . ‘Take a picture of your plot from an upstairs window and envisage how a path could enhance the style, perhaps using two routes that cross in the centre of the space for a formal look. Brick pavers laid lengthways along a path can further highlight the direction of travel too.’

10. Choose a low-maintenance dry garden

(Image credit: Beth Chatto)

If you're looking for way to plan a dry garden, go for gravel. 'Lawns risk making our gardens bland, says nurseryman Oliver Filippi. 'Finding ways to replace them is a move against uniformity.' This on-trend design approach is both low-maintenance and eco-friendly.

Poor, stony soil is a bonus for creating a Mediterranean-style garden. Weeds grow less easily than they would in rich soil and ground-cover plants can spread comfortably without being swamped by competitors. A gravel garden is a good option, suppressing the germination of weeds almost entirely. This balance between plant and stone is characteristic of Mediterranean landscapes.

How can I make my gravel garden path look nice?

‘When planning a gravel garden path or walkway, there are many things to consider,’ says James Scott, MD and principal designer, The Garden Company . ‘For example, is it a main or subsidiary route, which can determine its width and the material you choose? Will the color and shape complement the style of gravel garden and your house? And how will it direct people around the garden and link different areas, ensuring a smooth transition from one to another. If the path is on a slope, you will also need to use slip-resistant materials to make it safer when wet or icy.

Think about your garden edging ideas too. When it comes to keeping our gardens neat and tidy, getting your gravel garden borders right is key. Popular choices include stone, brick and concrete, while more creative options range from logs and shells to recycled roof tiles and coated-wire.

How to create a gravel garden

Creating a gravel garden is easy, simple and low-maintenance. Here's how to create a gravel garden, no matter the size or style of your outdoor space.

1. Choose a site in full sun. A lot of drought-loving plants don’t require shelter. 

2. Remove perennial weeds. If the area is large, a weed killer may have to be used. An eco option is to put down old carpet, but this takes longer. 

3. Prepare according to what you have. On very sandy, stony soil, add compost after removing top soil. On clay, remove top soil and add several inches of gravel without mixing it in. 

4. Plant in spring, ensuring you choose drought-lovers, such as Russian sage, cistus and lamb’s ear.

(Image credit: Beth Chatto)

(Image credit: Beth Chatto)

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

We decorate the garden with gravel - 10 important points. Photo - Botanichka

Many land owners are considering the idea of ​​landscaping using gravel. It is one of the most versatile landscaping materials and comes in as many colors and varieties as there are stone types. Gravel is a good choice for paving paths and for "carpeting" as an alternative to lawn. Our article will tell you what you need to know about gravel.

Decorate the garden with gravel - 10 important points

Where gravel can be used in the garden

Gravel gardens create an attractive yet low-maintenance garden design option. The natural low-key colors of the gravel and granite screenings will complement the landscape and contrast with the foliage to make the plants appear greener and more textured.

Many plants can be grown in a gravel garden, although hardy crops with minimal watering requirements are the most popular choice. In addition to saving water, gravel gardens are also a good choice if you want to reduce weed growth. Weeds with this variant of landscaping take root much less frequently.

If your property has drainage problems or is located on a slope where runoff is a problem, creating a dry gravel riverbed can help. In addition, such a dry stream will be a great addition to your landscape.

The gravel garden can also be a place for family gatherings. They can cover a large space with comfortable chairs and a fire pit, and it will be a great place for meetings in the garden. Unlike grass, which is quickly trampled down by heavy foot traffic, gravel is a good choice for areas that are frequently walked on or furniture is placed on.

Gravel is an excellent easy-to-use material for a driveway or footpath, and is more durable than asphalt, which can crack from freezing in winter. The lighter colors of the gravel also provide a different and somewhat warmer aesthetic compared to asphalt pavement and make the garden more stylish.

A simple and attractive design can be created using fine gravel, larger river stones and creeping ground cover plants. Choose ground covers that like good drainage and don't need too much water, such as creeping phlox, stonecrops, carnations, and bluebells.

Compared to mulch or dirt, which becomes muddy when it rains, a gravel garden will keep your shoes clean and less in the way.

Gravel is not cheap initially, but in the long run it is durable and requires little maintenance. What else do you need to know about gravel?

Many plants can be grown in a gravel garden, although hardy crops with minimal watering requirements are the most popular choice. In addition to saving water, gravel gardens are also a good choice if you want to reduce weed growth

1. Not all gravel is the same

Once you decide to add gravel to your landscape, you should ask yourself the following question: what kind of gravel do I need? Each type of stone has a particular look and texture, as well as a purpose. Your choice will vary by region, so I recommend visiting outlets first to see what's available to you. You can have a wide variety of stone sizes, textures and colors, including matte or shiny pebbles, as well as colors ranging from white to black, grey, brown, blue, purple or even pinkish.

2. Get to know the three most common gravel textures

Once you've decided on the type and color of your stone, you'll need to consider size and texture: Granite screenings or fine gravel?

Granite Screenings (Crushed Stone) is powdered granite that has a fine texture and is a popular option for walkways and patios. It is usually gray or yellow-gold, fading to yellowish brown. This material is very accessible and probably comes closest to the typical idea of ​​what a gravel driveway looks like. Also used for patios, retaining wall drainage, backfilling and leveling. Fine gravel is a small and smooth river stone of various sizes and is used for similar purposes, but looks more decorative. However, its price is much higher.

Fine gravel is a small and smooth river stone of various sizes and is used for paths and patios, but looks more decorative than sifted granite

3. Gravel can stick to shoes or pet paws

(especially when wet) get into the house, where they not only create a mess, but can also scratch the floors. It is desirable that the size of the stone be such that it will not easily get stuck in the soles of shoes and will not be carried into the house like sand.

4. Granite screening requires more maintenance than you might expect

Lay granite screenings in layers for extra strength, carefully compacting each layer. Also consider adding a bonding stabilizer (water activated) to glue the tiny pieces together. While gravel can last for a considerable amount of time, it needs periodic renewal if the soil absorbs it or if it becomes covered in moss in shady areas. You should also consider laying landscape fabric under rocks to discourage weed growth and gravel from sinking into the ground.

Although gravel prevents the growth of weeds, due to its high looseness, weeds can still take root in it. You can keep weed growth to a minimum by sprinkling gravel surfaces with table vinegar or salt water.

5. Gravel requires a rake.

Rake paths, walkways and patios regularly with a rake to maintain a level surface. Consider installing edging material (curb tape) to hold the stones in place.

6. Consider the cost of gravel edging

Gravel edging options include metal, wood, stone, concrete, brick and plastic. And the prices for such materials range from budget to very high. The edge of the gravel path is softened by plants that fall onto the path: ferns, spurge, manzheka, catnip, etc.

7. Gravel is not convenient if you have to drag heavy objects

If you try to move something heavy, such as garbage cans or a lawn mower, over gravel, it can feel like a heavy burden. Consider installing a concrete pad for container placement.

8. Do not use gravel on slopes

Gravel or stone is not the best choice for steep or sloping areas as the weight of the stone will cause the stone to slide down over time, which will be facilitated by rain and other factors.

Gravel or stone is not the best choice for steep or sloping areas as the weight of the stone will cause it to slide down over time. © zelengrad66

9. Gravel is not the best option under trees

Gravel surfaces can also be difficult to keep clean. Therefore, using it in high traffic areas or places next to trees that create a large amount of leaf litter or fruit (maple, walnut, pear, apple, etc.) It can cause a mess at the end of the season and it will be tedious to clean up year after year. Using a rake, a broom, and a small blower can help clean up debris.

10. Between paving stones it is better to use other aggregates than gravel

Light stones are prone to crumbling and the pavement will quickly start to look sloppy if the material goes beyond the boundaries, so it is not recommended to use gravel as an infill between paving stones, but for this purpose use sand.

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Two years of daily work with tight deadlines and the number of workers up to 50 people a day, and the most interesting project of a large natural garden became a reality. Everything in it is unusual - from bionic architecture and the original solution of the relief, to openness to the winds, river beauties and the eyes of walking people. The house fits perfectly into the existing and created terrain, making it possible to smoothly rise to the terraces of the second floor directly from the ground. Panoramic glazing creates the closest connection with the garden, and a magnificent view of the river is framed by expressive tree plantings. This is the great power of his charm for the owners. The implementation of this large-scale project made it possible to realize our past experience with elastopeve paving, in which it is very important to choose the right color of pebbles, taking into account the darkening from the resin, the creation of author's picturesque reservoirs with large stones and waterfalls, although all previous ones were concrete and no smaller than 170 cm, for swimming , and this one was designed - shallow, gently sloping and gravel, providing for a wintering zone for fish, lining the retaining walls with gabions - performed very high quality, with two types of stone, landscape lighting devices with 18 separate switching lines. From the new experience - the construction of a sports ground with artificial grass on a gravel base with lighting masts, the creation of a vegetable garden with beds made of Corten steel, the pouring of a large concrete bridge of slabs across the pond. We carefully selected all the plants in Germany, paying great attention to the crown, the nature of the formation, we grew 40 thousand perennials in our nursery, part of the shrubs and tall pines - from Russian nurseries. 500 thousand bulbs are planted in the garden, thanks to them from April to July it turns into a bright sea of ​​colors and textures. During the year after the commissioning, work on the site continued. We were entrusted with all care. At the request of the customer, we redesigned some areas, making them more private. For this, the best solution was backstage from slender cedar pines from Altai. We additionally separated the gazebo area from those walking along the river by planting a large group of formed Bonsai pines. Practical paving, powerful hills that hide the fence, huge areas of grasses and perennials, tall sprawling pines, very interesting in shape of Banks pines, a picturesque pond that reflects the house - these are the components of the unique look of the garden. Already in June, shoulder-high grass massifs rise, adding depth and creating a feeling of returning to childhood, to the endless expanses of meadows. Wild ducks fly into the transparent pond to splash, and cats are interested in its inhabitants - Koi carps, sowing in the thickets of marsh iris. Project basis: Mikhail Kozlov. Refinement and implementation: Landscape Studio Arcadia Garden photo: Diana Dubovitskaya

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Galvanized troughs used for vegetables in the side yard. An expansive back yard landscape with several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat. The renovations include a wraparound deck, an expansive travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic planters. The pathways meander throughout the landscape... some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks left natural with fallen leaves.

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