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Patios & Paths

Gravel Gardens: A Low-Water, Low-Maintenance Alternative to Lawn

Gravel gardens suit dry, sunny sites and need very little watering once established. Here is how to build one that lasts.

Words by Marco Delacroix · Sep 27, 2026 · 4 minutes

A gravel garden combines a mineral mulch with drought-tolerant plants. The gravel keeps roots cool, suppresses weeds, and reflects light, while the plants grow through it in a naturalistic way.

Done properly, a gravel garden can be one of the lowest-maintenance options for a sunny space.

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