Why a gravel garden?
In a Maritime climate that is alternately soggy and scorching, a six- to 12-inch layer of gravel over the soil accomplishes many things. 1. For starters, you don’t have to mow gravel, which saves you time and gas. Without a lawn, you also save on irrigation expenses. 2. Gravel provides insulation and excellent drainage for Mediterranean (and some Australian, New Zealand, and South African) plants during the winter rains, keeping them from freezing or rotting. In summer, that same insulation keeps the roots cool. 3. A gravel garden reduces the need to weed. Marnie McNeill finds that she does have to deal with “volunteer” plants on occasion. “But so what?” she says philosophically. 4. After a rain, you can go out and enjoy the garden immediately, without worry of getting into mud or tracking it into the house. 5.
