There’s something undeniably enchanting about gardens that incorporate gravel. It’s like the perfect accessory that elevates the entire outdoor space, adding charm and elegance in the simplest way.
From serene zen gardens to vibrant cottage escapes, gravel has a way of redefining landscapes. I’ve gathered a fabulous list of 36 gardens that showcase the beauty and versatility of gravel, proving it’s not just a filler but a statement piece. Let’s dive in!
My Top 36 Gardens With Gravel
I’ve pulled together an extensive collection of ideas for you to take a look at below. If you see one you love, make sure you save it to Pinterest:
1) Mediterranean Gravel Courtyard with Olive Trees
This enchanting courtyard features elegant olive trees and aromatic lavender in terracotta pots, creating a serene Mediterranean vibe. To replicate this look, choose drought-tolerant plants and incorporate warm, textured gravel for a stylish, low-maintenance outdoor space.
2) Tranquil Gravel Fern Retreat Garden
Lush ferns create a serene backdrop against a backdrop of soft gravel, inviting tranquility and a sense of peace. Incorporate natural stone seating and subtle lighting to enhance the calming atmosphere while ensuring easy maintenance and accessibility.
3) Serene Gravel Path with Alliums
The serene gravel path, flanked by elegant alliums and lush greenery, creates a tranquil retreat perfect for leisurely strolls. To replicate this look, consider using a mix of tall and low plants for depth, and frame your path with natural materials for a polished finish.
4) Minimalist Desert-Inspired Gravel Garden
This garden beautifully combines soft beige gravel with striking succulents like agave and cacti, creating a serene, minimalist aesthetic. To replicate this look, use drought-resistant plants and consider incorporating clean lines with modern concrete planters for added structure.
5) Rustic Mediterranean Courtyard with Lavender
The warm, earthy tones of terracotta pots filled with fragrant lavender and olive trees create a serene Mediterranean ambiance. To achieve this look at home, incorporate soft gravel pathways and rustic furniture for a cozy gathering space.
6) Rustic Gravel Path with Alliums
The rustic gravel path, framed by charming wooden borders, invites exploration while the tall, striking alliums add vertical interest and a touch of whimsy. For a similar effect, combine gravel with native plants and strategically place alliums or other perennials for a balanced, natural look.
7) Gravel Pathway with Allium Blooms
A serene gravel pathway flanked by elegant allium blooms and lush greenery creates a stunning focal point, inviting tranquility into any garden space. To replicate this look, incorporate perennial alliums and low-maintenance plants along a well-defined gravel path for effortless charm.
8) Gravel Path with Allium and Borders
A winding gravel path framed by charming timber borders creates an inviting flow, while striking alliums add vertical interest and bold white accents. To replicate this look, combine low-maintenance perennials with seasonal blooms for layered color and texture, ensuring a balanced garden aesthetic.
9) Modern Desert-Inspired Gravel Garden Design
The striking combination of agave plants and sleek metal planters creates a modern yet inviting atmosphere, ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Incorporating gravel pathways and natural stone accents can enhance the aesthetic while ensuring effective drainage and heat retention.
10) Modern Desert Succulent Gravel Garden
The striking combination of agave and succulent species, set against a backdrop of dark gravel, creates a modern yet tranquil atmosphere. Incorporate rust-colored metal planters and natural stone accents to enhance the desert aesthetic while ensuring low water requirements for maintenance.
11) Serene Gravel Pathway with White Flowers
A winding gravel pathway flanked by clusters of white flowers and lush greenery creates a tranquil retreat, perfect for leisurely strolls. Incorporate alliums, foxgloves, and low-growing herbs to achieve a harmonious blend of structure and softness in your garden.
12) Contemporary Citrus Patio with Gravel
This contemporary patio beautifully showcases vibrant citrus trees in terracotta pots, adding a splash of color against the sleek gravel backdrop. For a similar look, consider using low-maintenance plants and incorporating string lights for a warm, inviting atmosphere.
13) Mediterranean Gravel Garden with Citrus
The harmonious blend of citrus trees and lavender creates a fragrant, inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. To replicate this look, incorporate gravel pathways and raised wooden planters for low-maintenance beauty.
14) Citrus Garden with Gravel Pathway
Lush citrus trees in terracotta pots create a vibrant focal point, while a gravel pathway adds texture and guides visitors through the space. Enhance the ambiance with string lights for a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for outdoor gatherings.
15) Contemporary Gravel Pathway with Flowers
The contemporary gravel pathway, flanked by vibrant coneflowers and soft ornamental grasses, creates an inviting and serene atmosphere. For a similar look, consider using low-maintenance plants like lavender and white astilbe, paired with clean gravel for easy upkeep.
16) Contemporary Outdoor Dining with Gravel
This contemporary outdoor dining space features elegant lemon trees in chic pots, adding a pop of color and a fragrant touch. To replicate this look, use gravel for ground cover and incorporate string lights for a cozy ambiance.
17) Rustic Gravel Path with Greenery
The charming gravel path, lined with soft, airy grasses and delicate white flowers, creates a serene and inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxation. To replicate this look, consider using native perennials and rustic stone pavers to enhance both beauty and sustainability in your outdoor space.
18) Gravel Pathway with Flower Borders
The gravel pathway, bordered by clusters of vibrant echinacea and delicate white liatris, creates a charming, inviting atmosphere perfect for leisurely strolls. Incorporate native perennials and a central water feature to enhance biodiversity and add a serene focal point.
19) Mediterranean Citrus and Lavender Retreat
This garden beautifully combines fragrant lavender with vibrant citrus trees, creating a serene retreat perfect for relaxation. To replicate this look, incorporate gravel pathways and wooden planters for a rustic Mediterranean feel.
20) Modern Minimalist Gravel Retreat
This serene design beautifully blends neutral concrete elements with lush, low-maintenance plants like ornamental grasses and succulents, creating a calming retreat. To achieve a similar look, incorporate gravel pathways and sleek, modern seating that complements the natural greenery.
21) Modern Gravel Zen Garden with Plants
This modern gravel garden features elegant grasses and drought-resistant plants, creating a serene retreat with minimal maintenance. To replicate this look, use concrete planters and strategically placed seating to enhance the tranquil atmosphere.
22) Mediterranean Gravel Courtyard with Olive Trees
The warm tones of terracotta planters and the elegant silhouette of olive trees create a serene Mediterranean atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. To achieve this look, use gravel for a low-maintenance ground cover and incorporate potted plants for added greenery and texture.
23) Modern Gravel Retreat with Ferns
This serene retreat features soft textures from lush ferns and bamboo, creating a tranquil atmosphere complemented by smooth, circular stone seating. To replicate this look, incorporate gravel pathways and a mix of greenery with low-maintenance plants like ferns for a calming effect.
24) Japanese Zen Garden with Gravel
The serene palette of muted greens and soft grays creates a tranquil atmosphere, enhanced by carefully placed stone lanterns and raked gravel patterns. To replicate this calming space at home, consider incorporating dwarf conifers and low-maintenance succulents alongside natural stone features for added texture.
25) Contemporary Gravel Pathway with Perennials
The contemporary gravel pathway elegantly weaves through lush perennials like Echinacea and Allium, creating a harmonious blend of texture and color. To replicate this look, incorporate raised wooden beds and a variety of flowering plants for visual interest and seasonal appeal.
26) Modern Minimalist Gravel Garden Design
This garden design features a serene palette of soft grasses and striking succulents, creating a tranquil yet modern atmosphere. To replicate this look at home, use minimalist concrete planters and incorporate drought-resistant plants like ornamental grasses for low maintenance.
27) Minimalist Gravel Fern Sanctuary
The serene combination of lush ferns and minimalist gravel creates a tranquil retreat, inviting relaxation amidst nature’s beauty. For a similar effect, incorporate hardy ferns and smooth stones to establish a calming, low-maintenance garden space.
28) Rustic Gravel Pathway with Coneflowers
A charming gravel pathway winds through a lush landscape adorned with vibrant coneflowers and delicate lavender, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. To replicate this look, incorporate native perennials for low maintenance and use natural materials like wood for edging to enhance the rustic feel.
29) Serene Gravel Path with Coneflowers
A winding gravel path framed by vibrant coneflowers and lush greenery creates a serene and inviting atmosphere. To replicate this look, incorporate native perennials for color and texture, and consider a central focal point like a decorative fountain.
30) Mediterranean Gravel Patio with Lavender
The soft hues of gravel paired with lush lavender create a serene Mediterranean retreat, perfect for relaxation. Incorporate rustic planters and olive trees to enhance the inviting atmosphere while ensuring low-maintenance beauty.
31) Modern Zen Gravel Meditation Garden
This tranquil garden features a harmonious blend of gravel pathways and lush grasses, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for meditation. Incorporate low-maintenance plants like lavender and ornamental grasses, and consider adding stone elements for visual interest and balance.
32) Minimalist Desert Succulent Gravel Retreat
This serene retreat features striking succulents and ornamental grasses, creating a harmonious blend of textures against a minimalist gravel backdrop. For a similar look, incorporate drought-tolerant plants like agave and prickly pear, paired with sleek concrete elements for modern appeal.
33) Modern Gravel Courtyard with Seating
The sleek gravel courtyard, framed by lush boxwood hedges and a central tree, creates a serene retreat perfect for relaxation. Incorporate modern metal furniture and soft lighting to enhance the inviting atmosphere while keeping maintenance minimal.
34) Rustic Gravel Path with Fountain
The rustic gravel path, flanked by vibrant orange coneflowers and soft white asters, creates a welcoming ambiance perfect for leisurely strolls. Incorporate native perennials and a charming fountain to enhance tranquility while attracting pollinators to your garden.
35) Modern Desert Oasis with Gravel
The combination of soft, silvery grasses and striking succulents creates a serene yet modern landscape, perfect for a tranquil retreat. To replicate this look, use drought-resistant plants like agave and yucca, paired with gravel for texture and easy maintenance.
36) Serene Gravel Path with Lavender Borders
The soothing gravel path, bordered by vibrant lavender and lush greenery, creates a tranquil journey through the garden. To replicate this look, consider using low-maintenance plants like lavender and alliums, paired with a simple gravel pathway for easy navigation.
Tips and Tricks for Gardens With Gravel
You’ve seen my top Gardens With Gravel, but here are some tips and tricks you’ll want to follow to achieve these looks:
- Choose the Right Type of Gravel: Consider the function of the area and select gravel that matches your garden’s style and purpose. For pathways, look for angular gravel that locks together, while rounded gravel is excellent for drainage and decorative purposes.
- Layer Your Gravel: To prevent weeds and ensure proper drainage, use a geotextile fabric as a base layer before adding gravel. This will help maintain the integrity of your design over time.
- Mix Gravel Sizes: Combining different sizes of gravel can create a more visually appealing landscape. Use larger stones for structural areas and finer gravel for filling gaps or creating softer paths.
- Define Edges Clearly: Use edging materials such as stones, timber, or metal to define areas of gravel. This not only helps keep gravel in place but also adds a polished look to your garden.
- Incorporate Plants Wisely: Choose drought-tolerant plants that thrive in gravel landscapes. Succulents, ornamental grasses, and hardy perennials can add texture and color without requiring excessive water.
- Consider Color Contrast: Use colored or tinted gravel to create visual interest and contrast against plant foliage. Light-colored gravel can brighten up shaded areas, while dark gravel can deepen the richness of lighter-colored plants.
- Plan for Drainage: Ensure that your gravel areas slope slightly to allow for proper water drainage. This will prevent puddling and reduce maintenance efforts in the long run.
- Use Gravel for Functional Design: Consider using gravel in functional ways, such as creating a fire pit area, outdoor dining space, or a zen garden, making it both aesthetic and practical.
- Maintain Regularly: Regularly check for weeds or debris in your gravel areas and clean them out as needed. A simple raking can also help maintain an even surface and keep your garden looking tidy.
- Incorporate Pathways: Designate clear pathways using gravel to guide visitors through your garden. This helps define spaces and can enhance the overall flow of your landscape.