Do you want to convert your yard into a fashionable and easy-to-maintain one? Conventional gardens require more water, have soil issues, and constant weeding kills the joy of gardening. A gravel garden is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and beautiful option that anyone wants to have. You will learn all the steps of making a gravel garden right out of the ground, even with no gardening experience whatsoever. And to make the process much more convenient, Gravelmonkey brings all kinds of top-notch gravel directly to your door at an affordable price and with lightning speed. No matter what type of garden you have, they have the right mix of pea gravel, crushed stone, or decorative chips. It is time to start building, and this guide will walk you through each step.
What is a Gravel Garden?
A gravel garden is a garden where the plants are placed in gravel rather than in plant beds consisting of traditional soil. It imitates arid, Mediterranean-type landscapes. Gravel is beneficial in suppressing weeds, providing drainage, and cleaning up year-round.
It grows in poor soil or areas with hot climates.
Why Build One?
The following are some of the reasons why gravel gardens are becoming so popular:
- Low maintenance: No need to weed, or water as frequently, or mow.
- Water-saving: Gravel keeps the water in and prevents evaporation.
- Good drainage: Too much standing water in the ground, and the roots become too wet.
- Modern look: Clear, sharp, and ideal when less is more.
Tools and Materials Needed
Grab the following tools and materials to set up a gravel garden:
- Landscape cloth (weed block)
- Gravel of any type: pea gravel, crushed stone, or decomposed granite
- A rake and a shovel
- Edgings (metal, wood, or plastic)
- Drought-tolerant and native plants
- Compost/ soil mix (to take care of the planting holes)
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Gravel Garden
Here is the step by step guide to build a gravel garden effectively:
1. Find the Best Place
Choose a place with a lot of sunshine. The majority of gravel gardens prefer to grow in full sun. It should not be planted in poorly drained soil or shade. Mark the borders with a string or spray paint
2. Evacuate the Place
Dig up all weeds, grass, and other trash. Loosen the ground to a depth of 4 to 6 inches all over the surface. This aids in making your gravel layer provide a proper level and in enhancing drainage.
3. Add Weed Barrier
Use landscape fabric to prevent the development of weeds in the future. The edges of the overlap are a few inches to keep things in place. Pin it to the ground.
4. Add Edging
Use edging materials along the fence line. This keeps the gravel down and gives a clean appearance. A stone or metal edge is a successful modern design.
5. Spread the Gravel
Add gravel of your choice on top of the fabric, and rake it smooth. Aim to have a thickness of 2-3 inches.
Popular choices:
- Pea gravel: This is a particularly round material, which is excellent on footpaths
- Crushed stone: Angular, holds up better
- Decomposed granite: Decomposed granite is finer and good to walk on
6. Plant Your Garden
Make small holes in the form of an X through the fabric where you want to put plants. He or she puts one or two holes in a plot and adds some compost or soil.
Some of the best plant choices are:
- Lavender
- Yarrow
- Sedum
- Sage
- Ornamental grasses
These grow in an arid environment, and they contribute color and texture.
7. Water and Mulch (Where Necessary)
When you are planting new ones, water them and allow time to take root. Put a little more gravel around each plant to retain the moisture.
Tips That Will Make You Win Long-Term
- Do not water too much: Gravel gardens do not appreciate wet soil content.
- Select indigenous plants: They are more economical in maintenance and beneficial to the native wildlife.
- Add elements: Have boulders, driftwood, or sculptures to give it a natural touch.
- Pay attention to tidiness: Rake the gravel and remove leaves piled up.
Bottom Line
It is not difficult to create a gravel garden. A little planning and the correct materials will result in a space that will look good and should last that long. It suits busy homeowners, drought-prone locations, or anyone who is fond of a clean and natural appearance.
If you want to make a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that uses native plants, then this guide will help you begin building a gravel garden now.
