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Hi all,
I want to do some plantings directly into the gravel in my garden/yard. I think this will both soften and help to cool the areas. Ive already planted lomandra in a narrow walkway of the yard directly into gravel, many thanks to this forum for suggestions! This area was a defined strip though which made placement obvious - with the next area's plantings, I'm just not sure where to put anything!!! I have a native garden and am thinking of kangaroo paw (large ones), grasses or a combination of both. I have native grasses dotted all through the garden beds. Im not interested in developing any more garden beds preferring to plant straight into the gravel.
So ... I've attached some pics of the garden from different directions - hopefully these show the expanses of gravel.I do need to preserve a driveway which leads from double gates in fence and forms an arc to small shed. There is also area around the Taylex which I would like to soften as well. I hope from the pics you will get a sense of the garden and areas. There is a walkway leading from the front yard along the side which I can have some plantings as well to link in.
Do I just buy a shedload of grasses/kangaroo paw and plant them in the gravel - here there and everywhere or do I have a more systematic planting? Happy for anyone's thoughts.
Cheers
Hi @cassy1,
Planting directly into gravel can work well and it’s a great way to soften and cool the space, but it’s best done with a bit of structure rather than planting randomly. I wouldn’t recommend just dropping plants in “here, there and everywhere”, as that can quickly make access awkward and the space feel cluttered rather than intentional.
A good starting point is to clearly define and preserve your functional routes first, especially the driveway arc to the shed and the main walkways. Once those paths are set, you can think about planting in groups or drifts either side of them. Introducing gentle curves to the planted areas can make the space feel more natural and give you that meandering garden feel without losing practicality.
For a native gravel garden, a mix of larger kangaroo paws as feature plants with native grasses filling in around them works very well. Repeating the same few plant types in multiple spots will help the garden feel cohesive and tied together, especially since you already have grasses in other beds. Around elements like the Taylex system, softer grasses planted in clusters can visually break up the hard edges without blocking access.
It can really help to roughly sketch the area first, even just on paper, marking out paths, access points, and no-go zones. From there, plan planting pockets rather than individual plants. This more systematic approach will give you a softer, cooler garden that still functions well and feels intentional rather than scattered.
Here's a helpful guide: How to plan a garden makeover.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Hi Mitchel,
Thank you so much for your detailed thoughts - exactly what I needed to hear. I did do a plan when I initially started the garden and will add elements to that. Thinking more about what you have said as well reading articles I'm thinking of starting with a sweep of plantings, kangaroo paw and grasses (indicated in red on original plan). So kangaroo paw and soft grasses - would there be another plant that I could use with the grasses as well? Similar height to kangaroo paw I guess to provide some variety with height.
My garden isn't formal so want to keep that informal look to it.
Many thanks again.
Carole
Hello @cassy1
Absolutely, you’ve got plenty of good options that will sit nicely with kangaroo paw and soft grasses while keeping that relaxed, informal feel. Because kangaroo paw usually sits around that mid-height range and has strong upright lines, it works well to mix in plants that have a different texture or flower form but a similar overall scale.
One great option is Gaura. It has a light, airy habit with flowers that seem to float above the foliage, so it gives height without looking heavy or structured. It weaves beautifully through grasses and softens the bold look of kangaroo paw, especially in a more naturalistic garden.
Another strong choice is Salvia, particularly varieties like Salvia leucantha or Salvia nemorosa. They reach a similar height, flower for long periods, and add a different vertical accent. The flower spikes contrast nicely with grassy foliage, but they still feel loose and informal rather than rigid.
If you want something a bit bushier but still not formal, Westringia in a lighter, open variety can work well. It provides structure and year-round presence without looking clipped or stiff, and it pairs nicely with grasses when allowed to grow naturally.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
