A gravel garden is the ideal low-maintenance solution for gardens coping with winds and hot sun during the Summer season and the difficulty in providing enough water to keep the thirsty plants thriving.
Low-Maintenance Gravel Gardens
Drought-tolerant Mediterranean style plants look absolutely stunning planted in a gravel border, and will suit the harsh conditions, adding plenty of colour whatever the season and climatic changes.
If you choose to put the gravel directly over the clay soil, remove any weeds completely before spreading plenty of organic compost over the soil. Using this method will mean you will have to keep on top of the weeds! However, if you prefer plants not to self-seed, then the prepared area should have a weed-suppressant membrane spread over the soil to prevent weeds and unwanted plants.
The choice of gravel is entirely personal, whatever suits you and your garden design.
To add plants, if membrane is being used and the is gravel is in place, decide on the best position for the plant, then cut a cross in the membrane large enough to insert a rootball.
Containers will also look great positioned on the gravel.
Now for the best part, selecting your plants and planning where they will be planted for the desired effect. Once in position the plants will need watering until they are established, then any watering needed is minimal.
Decide on a focal point, a Cordyline or a small Olive tree to provide height, then select plants that will add colour to the gravel, and there is a large variety of suitable plants for gravel gardens. Try Phoriums, beautiful Aloes, and the perennial Vygies for vibrant ‘stand out’ colour, along with Spekbom with its lovely pink flowers. Grasses like Fescue and varieties of Melinis, also bronze Fennel that will all bring softness and movement in the breeze. Agapanthus, deliciously aromatic Rosemary and delightful Lavenders are always very reliable Mediterranean style plants.
Planting in small groups works really well and the contrasting colour combinations set amongst the gravel is a masterpiece!
