More and more individuals are interested in decorated gravel gardens. This arrangement offers its followers many advantages. The first is its aesthetic aspect. Added to this is excellent soil drainage. In addition, gardens decorated with gravel require almost no maintenance. We present in this article the steps to decorate a garden with gravel. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn more about the subject.
The Basics of a Decorated Gravel Garden
The gravel garden is inspired by nature. It is a mineral environment where plants can be observed growing. The principle of the gravel garden is simple. It consists of covering the ground with gravel. Then, it will be necessary to put in the ground species that flourish in the heat and in the dry. This type of layout is perfect for patios at the entrance and around modern buildings. If you are interested in a gravel garden, we recommend hiring a landscaper.
Land preparation
Preparing the land is the first step in laying out your garden with gravel. So start by narrowing down your aisle. Then, remove the weeds from this aisle. This task is sometimes difficult because, a week later, some weeds grow back. We, therefore, recommend that you cover the driveway with tarpaulin. In the absence of light, the weeds will disappear. Then remove the tarp after 3 weeks and clean the floor. Also, consider leveling it with a rake to make it flat. If your soil is hard or too compact, you can backfill it with 40 cm of sand.
Setting up the canvas
After preparing the ground comes the installation stage of the geotextile fabric. It helps to block the appearance of weeds. You will no longer need to think about weeding your garden. To install it, cut the canvas according to the dimensions of the extent of your driveway.
The choice of plants to use
The plants you select should be in perfect harmony with the natural mineral landscapes. Therefore, we recommend alpine plants such as gentians, bellflowers, or phlox. Plants of Mediterranean origin are also recommended. These are santolina, thyme, or even lavender.
If you are a fan of exotic plants, you can let yourself be tempted by cacti and agaves. However, make sure you have dry soil before choosing these exotic plants. When it comes to shrubs for your gravel garden, you can opt for Grevillea and Sea Buckthorn. Consider adding a few grasses such as Stipas or Miscanthus. They adapt easily to the ground.
The planting of plants
You have the choice of arranging the plants on the geotextile fabric as you wish. However, you must respect planting gaps taking into account the needs of each plant. In addition, the gap must allow you to clearly distinguish all your plants. Once the locations of the plants are known, make cuts in the geotextile fabric. You can now dig, put your plants in the ground, and water them.
The choice of gravel
You have the freedom to choose the gravel that suits you. However, opt for a grain size between 5 mm and 10 mm. Also, make sure that the height of the gravel layer does not exceed 7 cm.
The deployment of gravel
The deployment of the gravel must be done gently so as not to damage the plants. To do this, use a rake to distribute them on the canvas and to obtain a homogeneous and flat layer. Over time, your garden will need a little maintenance. Do not hesitate to pull out some weeds and pass the rake.
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