Using stones and gravel as a decorative feature

Rounded boulders and smaller cobbles are arranged together and drought –tolerant plants added to complement them .This scheme could add interest to a large area of gravel,such as a drive,but make sure you choose a spot where it does not interfere with pedestrians or car parking.Or try it within a patio,in a square where  four paving slabs have been left out.Insert the plants through the hard foundation of the surrounding area of paving or gravel.Alternatively,leave a patch of bare soil to develop as a feature when laying the patio.If you do this,cover the soil with anti-weed mulch fabric,insert the plants through it and cover it with gravel.A feature like this has a definite ‘front’ to it and should face the direction from which it is most often seen.If it is to be seen from all round,design it so that the largest stones and tallest ‘key’plants are in the middle ,with smaller groups and creeping plants radiating out in a roughly circular shape around them.

 

Planting in the cracks between slabs

Another way to add interest to a stretch of paving is to plant low-growing plants into the cracks.This is a good alternative to removing slabs and making beds. Where space is short and you need a ‘step-over’ planting scheme.However,you could combine the two ideas and make a bigger and even more imaginative planting scheme.the best way to establish plants is to improve the soil and then plant or sow subjects that are suited to the conditions.If possible,improve the soil first before you lay the slabs,otherwise you will need to prise up the slabs around the cracks to work on the soil.Remove any rubble and stones and if the soil is very poor,replace some of it with good topsoil and a similar a amount of well-rotted organic matter.Put any large plants in before replacing the slabs;be sure to lift the edges of the plant carefully out of the way to avoid damaging them when you replace the slabs.Alternatively,replace the slabs first and tuck smaller plants in between them.Use an old dinner fork or spoon to make planting holes in confined spaces.

 

 

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