How to Create a Stylish Gravel Garden

Over the past few months with home and garden renovations ongoing, our front and back garden was pretty well trampled and trodden by tradespeople. The front lawn effectively became a storage yard for bags of sand, cement, paving slabs and a mini skip.

We had a lot of rain too and as a result the grass slowly gave way to a patch of mud. It’s clear the lawns will need some TLC and take a little while to recover.

It got me thinking about now being the ideal time to do something different with the front lawn and I have been busy researching how to create and cultivate a garden using Decorative Gravel.

A decorative gravel garden is a fantastic way to transform your outdoor area into a low-maintenance and stylish space. With a minimalist planting scheme and the right choice of gravel chippings,creating a modern and inviting entrance to the home could be a satisfying and very achievable DIY project.

Why Choose a Gravel Garden?

Low Maintenance: No need for regular mowing, watering, or fertilizing
Eco-Friendly: Reduces water usage and encourages biodiversity
Stylish and Versatile: Complements modern and minimalist home designs, or contrasts with period properties
Weed Control: With the right base and planting choices, weeds are minimal
Durable: Withstands different weather conditions and improves drainage

Choosing the Right Gravel Chippings

If going for a minimalist and contemporary look, opt for one of the following types of gravel:

Cotswold Chippings – Soft beige tones that work well with warm-colored plants
Slate Chippings – Available in grey, blue, or plum shades for a sleek modern feel
Pea Gravel – A classic choice with a natural mix of warm tones
White Marble or Granite Chips – Brightens up a space and reflects light beautifully
Black Basalt – A dramatic, modern choice that contrasts well with green foliage

The advice is to choose gravel chippings that are 10-20mm in size for easy walking and to prevent movement in windy conditions

Best Plants for a Minimalist Gravel Garden

A gravel garden pairs well with drought-tolerant and architectural plants that require little maintenance. Here are some great choices:

Structural Plants:

Phormium (New Zealand Flax) – Adds height and drama
Agave – A striking succulent with bold, spiky leaves
Yucca – Hardy and sculptural, perfect for a modern aesthetic

Low-Growing and Ground Cover Plants:

Lavender – Fragrant, bee-friendly, and great for borders
Sedum (Stonecrop) – A low-growing succulent that thrives in dry conditions
Thyme – A low-maintenance herb that adds fragrance and softens pathways

Ornamental Grasses:

Stipa tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass) – Adds movement and softness
Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue) – A compact, blue-toned grass for modern contrast
Miscanthus – Tall and elegant, great for texture and height

Flowering Plants:

Echinacea (Coneflower) – Adds pops of color and attracts pollinators
Alliums – Stunning globe-shaped flowers that look great among gravel
Verbena bonariensis – Tall, airy, and perfect for a modern naturalistic feel

How to Transform a Lawn into a Gravel Garden

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Before starting, sketch out your garden layout, including pathways, plant positions, and any decorative features such as stepping stones or planters

Step 2: Remove the Lawn

If you’re converting an existing lawn, remove the turf by:

Digging it up with a spade
Using a turf cutter for larger areas
Smothering the grass with cardboard and compost (if you have time to wait a few months)

Step 3: Improve Drainage

Gravel gardens need good drainage. If your soil is heavy, dig in some grit or sand to improve permeability

Step 4: Lay a Weed Membrane

A permeable weed membrane will suppress weeds while allowing water to drain through. Cut slits where you plan to plant

Step 5: Add Edging (Optional)

If you want to define borders or prevent gravel from spreading onto pathways, install metal, stone, or wooden edging

Step 6: Position and Plant

Place plants in their positions before planting to ensure a balanced look. Dig through the weed membrane, plant, and backfill with soil

Step 7: Spread the Gravel

Spread a 3-5cm (1-2 inch) layer of gravel over the surface. Rake it evenly and ensure it covers the membrane completely

Step 8: Add Decorative Touches

Enhance the design with stepping stones, pots, or a simple bench for a stylish finish

Final Thoughts

Creating a gravel garden is an excellent way to achieve a modern, low-maintenance front outdoor space with year-round interest and added kerb appeal.

Would you try creating a gravel garden, or have you already? Let me know in the comments!