Creating a gravel garden — stylish and low-maintenance

Why a gravel garden?

A gravel garden is the ultimate low-maintenance garden. No lawn mowing, minimal weeding, hardly any watering. And it looks great — think Mediterranean atmosphere, clean lines and year-round structure.

Step 1: The base

Remove the top 15-20cm and lay geotextile (weed barrier). Cut holes where you want plants — they need access to the soil beneath.

Step 2: Choose your gravel

Use 8-16mm grain size for a stable, attractive layer. Popular: grey granite (modern), yellow gravel (warm), basalt split (dark, sleek). Lay at least 5-7cm thick. Calculate roughly 80-100kg per m2.

Step 3: Planting

Choose drought-resistant species: lavender, ornamental grasses (Stipa, feather grass), sedum, Verbena bonariensis, Salvia nemorosa. Plant in odd groups (3, 5, 7) for a natural effect.

Maintenance

Remove weeds 2-3x per year. Clear fallen leaves. Top up gravel every 3-5 years.

Finishing touches

Add large boulders as focal points, corten steel edging, wooden decking for seating. Ground lighting creates magical shadows in the evening.