Gravel gardens
A sea of stones where hardy plants thrive.
Preparing the ground
Excavate, level, then spread 5–8 cm of gravel (6/10 or 10/20 grade), with permeable geotextile if needed. Avoid plastic sheeting, which suffocates soil. Check local planning rules: some towns require permeable or planted surfaces.
Choosing hardy plants
Lavender, thyme, sage, santolina, euphorbia, stipa and sedum. Plant in autumn: roots establish with the rains and establishment watering stays minimal.
Maintenance and life
Rake, weed by hand and top up gravel every 2–3 years. A mineral garden is not lifeless: keep dense planted beds and dry stems for pollinators and birds.