Options for the fill material of gravel gardens ranges from small, pea-sized pebbles to larger rocks, including river stone or other landscaping rocks. Usually, a gravel garden replaces the top 4 to 8 inches of soil. Many plants can be grown in a gravel garden, though the most popular choices are hardy varieties with minimal watering needs. In addition to reducing your watering burden, gravel gardens are also a good choice if you want to reduce weed growth. Weeds take root far less frequently with this landscaping option. Here are 14 ideas to create your own gravel garden. When deciding on plants that will make a bold statement, consider factors like how tall the plant will grow, foliage color, and flowering habits. You don’t have to create a symmetrical layout, but balance the scale of plants along the length of your garden. In addition, look to arrange larger plants toward the back of your gravel garden, giving smaller plants an opportunity to make a visual contribution up front.
