Gravel beds are trendy because they are extremely easy to care for and blend in wonderfully with modern green spaces and front gardens. The natural steppes and grassy landscapes of the Mediterranean region, the rather barren dry and semi-arid grasslands of the Alps or the artistic layout of Japanese gardens serve as models. The planting of the bed is based on the natural occurrence and offers something for the eye all year round.
Lavender cuts a very pretty figure in the gravel bed
The Alpine Rock Garden
The optics here are determined not only by plants and grasses, but also by the large stones and small trees that have been placed as if by chance. Popular plants are:
- blue fescue
- gentian
- thrifts
- bluebells
- creeping juniper
- saxifrage
- Thyme.
Trees such as the dwarf pine, cherry laurel or the butterfly bush complement the planting. Grasses such as the quivering grass or the heron feather grass set attractive accents not only in summer, but also in winter when covered with hoarfrost and snow.
Gravel bed with Mediterranean flair
Here you immediately think of the aromatic, fragrant subshrubs and herbs of the Mediterranean region. These include varieties such as thyme, sage, oregano or rosemary, which can remain outdoors all year round with appropriate winter protection. Perennials like:
- lily
- yarrow
- sweet thistle
- lavender
spread Mediterranean flair with their colorful flowers. Trees such as the Chinese hemp palm, which even tolerates frost, the hardy garden hibiscus or juniper set suitable accents alongside grasses with interesting leaf shapes. Roses also do very well in this bed.
The Japanese-inspired gravel bed
Japanese gardens enchant with variety and yet radiate tranquillity. The perfect interplay of stones, plants and water elements undoubtedly contributes to this special magic. Typical plants that go well with the look of this gravel bed are, for example:
- bamboo
- garden bonsai
- Japanese ornamental maple
- spruce and pine
- medlar
- dogwood
- sedge
- bearskin grass.
The most well-known plant in these gardens, the cherry tree, should not be missing in a spacious bed. With its flowers you can say goodbye to the cold winter and welcome the new gardening season like the Japanese do.
tips
For every ten square meters of bed you should plant around two to three scaffoldings (small trees), four to ten accompanying perennials and up to thirty low species. If you want to keep the care effort low in autumn, you should avoid shrubs that shed leaves.