Crushed rock helps connect different areas of the yard into a cohesive, calm design that’s also low-maintenance.
One of landscape designer Margie Grace’s favorite materials is so humble it rarely gets a second thought.
“I love gravel,” she says.
Credit:Holly Lepere
“It feels so timeless and earthy, and you know the soil is breathing beneath it.”
“I really, really wanted to crack the nut on water,” Grace says.
(Though her area gets little rain year-round,drought conditions can occur anywherein the country.)
“I wantedsuper-low water use but a lush feel.”
A stone patio around the house helps keep gravel from being tracked inside.
“The show is over in seven minutes, but it’s worth organizing your day around.”
The majority of Grace’s garden relies on foliage, but she plants a handful ofwater-wise flowers for color.
She especially likes bright orangeCalifornia poppies, which reseed themselves each year, mixed with fern leaflavender.
(Get a similar look with other gardenpoppiessuited to your growing zone.)
The material visually connects different areas in the yard and serves as soothing negative space.
It’s flexible, not particularly expensive, and lesspermanent than concrete.
Choose Harmonious Colors
Gravel comes in a range of colors, including tawny browns and cool grays.
Credit:Holly Lepere
When choosing gravel, Grace brings all the materials she plans to use tomake sure the colors harmonize.
Prepare the soil by leveling and firming it.
A 1/2- to 1-inch-thick layer of gravel is plenty.
If it’s possible for you to make distinct footprints, it’s too deep.
Where people willwalk in bare feet, use smooth concrete or stone pavers.
Maintain the Surface
Although it’s aneffective mulch, weeds can still take root in gravel.
Occasional raking keeps gravel looking neat, andleaf-blowing a few times a seasonclears fallen leaves.
Every few years, replenish spots that look thin and get a lot of traffic.
