THE DIRT ON GRAVEL

• It comes in many colours, from rich red and tawny brown to bold gold and cool grey.

• When installing, level the soil and put in a layer of road base first before covering it with gravel.

• It’s a mulch, so you’ll have significantly less weeds. Those that do emerge should be pulled out before they go to seed.

• Keep it neat with the occasional rake – maybe once or twice a year.

• Every few years, replenish spots that are looking bare because of high foot traffic.

8 Diosma is also called breath of heaven and produces heavenly flowers in late winter. It thrives in a dry climate.

9 cordylines are marginal for a dry garden but they love a free-draining soil and adore the shade. Take joy in these long sprays of tiny, fragrant flowers in late spring and early summer. 10 a gravel garden means no defined path. Instead, plants can map your course, like this grouping anchored by an aloe.

11 lavenders are mediterranean so are ideal in a dry climate .

12 water needs are reduced for plants in a dry garden, but look to include shapes you can fill with water for your local wildlife.

13 furry lamb’s ear foliage is dynamic on its own, but spring brings a treat for pollinators with purply-pink floral spikes.

7 shade is important Keep existing trees or plant one that will grow as magnificent as this great oak. Then you can sit under its shadows during hot days or enjoy the winter sun when its limbs are bare of leaves.

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