You Should Try a Gravel Garden
Gravel gardening—a technique that replaces traditional soil with six inches of gravel to grow drought-tolerant perennials—has converted skeptics like Jeff Epping into advocates after he witnessed its remarkable low-maintenance benefits, including minimal water needs, weed suppression, and no requirement for fertilizer or mowing. The method, pioneered by Beth Chatto in England 30 years ago, works best in sunny locations with well-draining soil and suits various home styles from modern minimalist to rustic farmhouse when paired with native plants and appropriate gravel colors. Beyond aesthetic flexibility, gravel gardens solve practical problems in problematic spaces—from shade-heavy Los Angeles yards to tiny urban courtyards—while supporting pollinators and ecological sustainability.