The UK has recently experienced a truly remarkable period of weather, with a record-breaking sunny, warm, and dry spring followed by an intensely bright summer. These extended periods of sunshine have undoubtedly brought a bounty of outdoor opportunities but these glorious conditions also bring with them a new set of considerations for our gardens. With climate projections from the Met Office indicating that “hot spells will become more frequent in our future climate, particularly over the southeast of the UK, and temperatures are projected to rise in all seasons, with the heat being most intense in summer,” many gardens across the UK are now navigating the challenges posed by reduced rainfall and increased heat. The implementation of hosepipe bans in various parts of the UK further underscores the evolving needs of our green spaces.
Beat the Heat
This shift in climate presents an opportunity to cultivate more resilient and sustainable gardens. Now more than ever, the need for water-wise gardening is growing. It’s the perfect time to explore the role of drought-tolerant plants to make your garden not just survive, but truly thrive, even in drier conditions.
A gravel garden is a great option to create this look. It lends itself to Southern European (or as in this garden below, Antipodean inspired) drought-tolerant planting. Things like Lavender, Euphorbias, Cistus, Eucalyptus and Olives are ideal. They cope well in drought conditions.
Choosing the right plants
There are many suitable plants that will cope in full sun and look good in a gravel setting. Drought tolerant characteristics include silver or grey-green leaves to reflect the sun. Some have a coating of fine hairs on their leaves or stems, helping to trap in moisture. Plants will look best arranged in natural drifts of 3’s and 5’s and allowed to self-seed. We have put together a selection of useful plants with drought-tolerant properties to get you started.
Important: Even plants with drought tolerant characteristics will require regular watering after planting until they are fully established.
- Acca sellowiana
- Brachyglottis
- Callistemon (Bottle Brush)
- Buxus (Box)
- Ceanothus
- Choisya
- Convolvulus
- Cotinus (Smokebush)
- Hebe
- Ficus (Fig)
- Juniperus
- Lavandula (Lavender)
- Magnolia grandiflora (Evergreen)
- Pinus mugo (dwarf conifer)
- Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’ (hedging)
- Rosmarinus (Rosemary)
- Salvia officinalis (Sage)
- Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender cotton)
- Thyme
- Cordyline (Palm)
- Eucalyptus gunnii
- Olea europaea (Olive)
- Trachycarpus fortunei (palm)
- Yucca
- Achillea
- Agapanthus
- Allium
- Echinacea
- Echinops
- Eryngium (Sea Holly)
- Erigeron karvinskianus
- Erysimum (Perennial wallflower)
- Euphorbia
- Perovskia
- Salvia nemorosa
- Sedum
- Stachys
- Verbena bonariensis
- Anemanthele lessoniana
- Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’
- Miscanthus sinensis
- Pennisetum
- Stipa
Climbers
Creating a Gravel Garden
Choosing the spot
An open, sunny, well-drained spot is best for most Mediterranean style plants. Sandy soil with relatively low fertility is ideal. Dig in organic matter before planting to help improve soil structure and water retention, but avoid adding fertilizer as this encourages too much lush growth which will require extra watering.
Weed Suppressant
Lay landscape membrane over the soil before planting to help suppress the weeds. It allows the water through, and keeps the gravel from mixing with the soil. If you plan to install a ‘drip line’ irrigation system this would lay on top of the membrane and be easily hidden under the gravel mulch.
Planting
Arrange plants in natural drifts of 3’s or 5’s and allow plenty of room for growth and space between groups. This allows the gravel mulch to set the plants off nicely. Cut crosses in the membrane large enough to insert each plant into the planting hole, firm in and water well at the root.
Gravel Mulch
Once watered, add 2” to 3” of gravel mulch to help retain moisture and suppress the weeds. Perennial weeds may still come through but at a slower rate making it much easier to keep on top of them. As plants increase in size they too will help suppress weeds. For a more natural look we recommend using a local gravel to blend with the house and environment. In Berkshire for example, this is often a gravel pea shingle and in Oxfordshire a warmer Cotswold aggregate or Oxford gravel could be used. There are of course other options available such as slate.
Edging
Before planting, lay a timber, stone or brick edging to retain the gravel, particularly if the gravel garden is adjacent to lawn where a brick mowing strip of at least 200mm is recommended. Brick or terracotta is effective with this style but ensure your choice also blends well with the house brick for a complementary and effective design.
Add the finishing touches
Large terracotta pots, a bird bath or sculpture carefully placed will create a focal point.
For larger projects, our Creative Landscape design and build team can help you create a low maintenance gravel garden.
Contact us by email or call to discuss on Tel: +44 (0)118 934 1500
You might also like:
- Mediterranean inspired garden
- Create a Mediterranean style garden
- Plants for a Mediterranean haven
- Prairie Style Planting
- Our big plants
Feeling inspired?
If you would like to start the first step of your journey with us then get in touch to book our consultancy service.
For just £75*, our experienced horticulturalists will provide tailored guidance to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re interested in fast-growing solutions for quick impact, seeking the enduring beauty of evergreen plants or looking to add colour and fragrance, we can offer expert advice.
**£75 fee applies if you live within a 15-mile radius of our office. Additional fees apply outside this area. All costs include VAT.