Low maintenance gravel garden designs
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.
How to Create a Low-Maintenance Gravel Garden
Jeff Epping, horticulture director at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin, quickly became a fan of gravel gardening after experimenting with the technique at work. So, when the city put in a new street and tore up his front lawn, Epping decided it was the perfect time to plant a gravel garden. He stripped his lawn, laid a heavy layer of gravel and planted about 225 plants. Now in its third year, not much of the gravel shows other than in early spring; instead, you'll see an impressive meadow of flowering perennials and grasses, plus an abundance of pollinating bees and butterflies.
Gravel garden
Epping Gravel Garden
| Credit: Jeff Epping
"The neighbors thought I was crazy at first, and now they stop by with lots of positive questions," Epping says. He's happy to oblige identifying butterflies and their favorite nectar plants, explaining how the gravel layer works as a weed barrier and listing his top plant choices for this garden style.
Gravel garden ideas
Gravel garden
| Credit: Jeff Epping
What's a Gravel Garden?
When Epping talks gravel gardening, he begins with a definition. "What makes gravel gardens unique is their 4- to 5-inch layer of washed gravel which makes it pretty tough for weed seeds to germinate," he says. He also preaches timing-saving virtues like no mulching, no irrigation after establishment and no mowing as well as environmental benefits like feeding pollinators, conserving water and eliminating fertilizers.
Epping saw his first gravel garden when he toured legendary garden designer Beth Chatto's garden on a trip to England. He was enamored with how she converted a gravel parking lot into a beautiful drought-tolerant garden that still looked great 25 years later.
Gravel garden ideas
Beth Chatto garden
| Credit: Jeff Epping
Epping returned to Olbrich and decided to try a gravel garden in a spot that had always been a challenge.
Gravel garden ideas
Gravel gardens
Left: Northwind Perennial Farm gravel garden | Credit: Jeff Epping
Right: Olbrich gravel garden | Credit: Jeff Epping
He reached out to plantsman Roy Diblik, who was experimenting with his own gravel garden (left) at Northwind Perennial Farm in Burlington, Wisconsin, and invited him to lay out one (right) together. Epping has since added three more gravel gardens at Olbrich, planted his own home gravel garden, designed a 3-acre garden atop an underground parking garage in Verona, Wisconsin, and now teaches gravel gardening to others around the country.
What Should You Plant?
Tough prairie plants are a natural choice. When selecting plants for a gravel garden, the enduring garden principle of putting the right plant in the right place clearly fits. Epping says only a select palette of plants will thrive in this "lean and mean environment.
" "Many of the plants are native prairie plants known for their deep roots and drought tolerance."
Gravel garden ideas
Gravel garden ideas
Gravel garden ideas
Left: Lance-leaf coreopsis | Credit: Jeff Epping
Center: Pale purple coneflower | Credit: Jeff Epping
Right: Calamint | Credit: Jeff Epping
Among his top choices for sunny locations are lance-leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata above left), pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida in center), calamint (Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta on right), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), flowering spurge (Euphorbia corollata), gayfeather (Liatris cylindracea), sea lavender (Limonium latifolium), 'Bradbury's bee balm (Monarda bradburiana) and summer beauty allium (Allium lusitanicum 'Summer Beauty').
Gravel garden ideas
Gravel garden ideas
Gravel garden ideas
Left: Prairie dropseed | Credit: Jeff Epping
Center: Autumn moor grass | Credit: Jeff Epping
Right: Little bluestem | Credit: Jeff Epping
He also likes to mix in grasses like prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis—above left), Autumn moor grass (Sesleria autumnalis—center) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium —right).
For shade areas, try Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica), tussock sedge (Carex bromoides), barrenwort (Epimedium) and bigleaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla).
So, How Do You Get Started?
Gravel garden ideas
Gravel garden planting
| Credit: Jeff Epping
For beginners, Epping suggests starting with a gravel garden border in a dry, sunny spot along a driveway, sidewalk, south side of a home or front curb, like Epping's garden pictured here. First, remove all existing plants and grasses. Next, enclose the space with a border of stones or pavers stacked at least six inches high. Add ¼- to 3/8-inch quartzite or granite chip gravel and spread for a consistent 4- to 5-inch layer throughout. Purchase plants in 3.5- to 4-inch pots and arrange them spaced 12 to 15 inches apart.
Gravel garden ideas
Gravel garden ideas
Left: Gravel garden planting | Credit: Jeff Epping
Right: Gravel garden planting | Credit: Jeff Epping
Before inserting plants, shake off excess potting soil in a bucket.
Dig a hole in the gravel, taking care not to stir up soil below the gravel. Insert the plant and cover with gravel, making sure the plant's crown is even or just below the surface of the gravel layer.
Once planted, water the new plants thoroughly, then monitor and water regularly—typically daily for the first couple of weeks—then throughout that first season as the plants need it depending upon the weather. "Initially you need to water the heck out of them until they develop roots," says Epping. In the second season, he says the plants should only need watering during drought periods. By the third year, plants should thrive without any extra watering.
"The idea is the garden will sustain itself for the long haul with whatever Mother Nature provides," says Epping.
For sources, check local garden centers, regional native plant sales and online native plant suppliers like Prairie Nursery of Westfield, Wisconsin, or Prairie Moon Nursery of Winona, Minnesota.
Gravel garden ideas
Year 2, Epping's garden
| Credit: Jeff Epping
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 pointsWhere 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.
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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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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 growth1. 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 specific 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. nine0003
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. nine0003 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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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 spraying your gravel surfaces with table vinegar or salt water.
5. Gravel requires a rake
Rake paths, walkways and patios regularly to maintain a level surface with a rake. Consider installing edging material (curb tape) to hold the stones in place. nine0003
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. nine0003
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.
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. nine0003
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.
photo and video - All about repair
- Photo: How to make a gravel garden
Contents
- What is a gravel garden
- DIY gravel garden
- What plants are grown in a gravel garden
1.
The gravel garden is a relatively new phenomenon for landscape designers in our country, however, it has become quite popular due to its remarkable qualities.
The gravel garden looks quite impressive, it can be set up even on the smallest plot, this does not require significant financial investments, in addition, even a novice gardener can make a gravel garden with his own hands, this does not require any supernatural skills or efforts. nine0003
In general, a gravel garden is a kind of area filled with gravel, on which single plants are planted. Evergreen conifers look quite impressive in
of this composition, but this is not a dogma. In the same way as the main material is not a dogma - crushed stone.
It can be any other material consisting of small stones, such as river pebbles. The gray hue and rounded edges of the pebbles pair well with the emerald hues of the coniferous bonsai. nine0003
How to make a gravel garden with your own hands
2.
In order to set up a gravel garden yourself, you first need to work on a garden scheme.
At first glance, this is an unimportant stage, which is often simply not given due attention. But in vain! After all, it is the diagram that will help you visualize the
picture of the garden and understand how it suits you before you start investing in it.
Do not be lazy when creating a scheme, apply objects
, taking into account their size, this will allow the most optimal placement of plants, taking into account their growth. Also, a good scheme should take into account the place of sunrise and the place of sunset.
At this stage, you also have to calculate the required materials. You will need concrete borders - along the perimeter of the site + 1 border, geotextiles - respectively, according to the area of \u200b\u200bthe site + 15%, gravel - 130-140 kg. per sq. m.
As for the site, sandy soil is the best option, but it doesn't matter if you don't have that option.
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A garden can be set up on any type of soil. It is important enough that the garden is located on the sunny side of the site.
After the marking is done, we take out the top layer of soil to a depth of 10-15 cm. Weeds should be removed with special care.
Weeds are the main enemy of a gravel garden. In order to defeat the weeds for sure, you should repeat the procedure for removing
weeds after 7-10 days, when the remnants of harmful plants sprout. Now you can dig the site, while adding fertilizer, peat and coarse sand, which will ensure soil drainage. nine0003
After digging, the soil must be compacted and covered with geotextile - this measure will keep the gravel from subsidence
.
The next step is to fill the gravel. More precisely, falling asleep gravel can be done both before planting plants and after.
Although, in our opinion, the second option seems to be more convenient. However, the planting of plants can be carried out after filling the gravel, for this we will make a hole in the gravel, cut through the geotextile and plant our plant in the resulting hole.
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Naturally, after that, we level the surface of the gravel and remove the remnants of textiles. The edges of the gravel garden should be fenced with curbs - this will prevent the washing of pebbles and the growth of the root of the trees outside the site.
What plants are grown in a gravel garden
3. Now let's talk about those plants that are most often grown in a gravel garden. The very concept of a gravel garden implies the presence of 90,085 single shrubs and trees in it. However, some designers successfully compose compositions of shrubs and trees. nine0003
The right composition will be the highlight of your garden. When choosing a plant for a garden, they proceed from the compliance of this plant with the weather conditions of the current area. You should choose unpretentious, low-maintenance plants.
Plants of different species should easily get along with each other. And of course,
plants with a large beautiful crown, beautifully shaped leaves and bright fruits look very good in such a garden.
But this question must remain entirely a matter of your own taste. The main thing when choosing a plant is that you like it. nine0003
We will only mention some plants that are most suitable for our latitudes:
Trees: mountain ash, willow, thuja, spruce, weeping willow. Of course, we will especially note dwarf trees - these plants, no doubt, will look quite worthy in your garden, but keep in mind -
they are difficult to care for.
Among the shrubs we note : barberry and cotoneaster.
Very well complement large plants - flowering perennials: tulips, poppies, crocuses, etc.
When working with plants, do not get carried away, because the gravel garden should still be the dominant feature of the gravel garden. Here you can also show your creative imagination, using gravel placers of different colors, gravel flows. A gravel path of a different color (for example, white) looks great in the middle of a pink gravel garden, etc.
