Gravel Garden Ideas with Pots

Although the idea of having a beautiful garden to welcome guests to resonates with a lot of people, it’s not a matter of simple “I want that.” Taking care of the garden is not an easy job, and those who don’t have the time or energy to dedicate to it often give up on the idea altogether.

However, what if we told you that there’s a low-maintenance way to have a beautiful garden? Because there is, and it’s called a gravel garden. While you might have slightly fewer plant options to choose from, it is definitely still worth considering.

So, what are gravel gardens? A gravel garden is a specific area of your land dedicated to growing plants in a section of gravel. What’s special about them is that they require significantly less care than regular gardens - especially in terms of watering and fertilizing. Plus, in most cases, you won’t have to worry about weeds - they typically thrive in moist soil, while gravel is the complete opposite.

Don’t have a garden? No need to worry - you can absolutely create a gravel garden in a planter! And even if you have a piece of land you can use for it, pots and planters are still a great addition to it - and we’ll talk all about it and more here.

Pros and Cons of Gravel Gardens

Gravel gardens have their pros and cons - and while the pros certainly outweigh the cons, it’s still a good idea to learn about both before making the final decision about whether to take up this project.

Why Use Pots for Your Gravel Garden

If you’re thinking about creating a gravel garden, you should definitely consider using pots and planters—and there are several reasons for that.

First of all, pots and planters add visual interest to the space. Whether we’re talking about different color combinations to make the whole space appear more lively, different heights to create more dynamics within the garden, or different textures to add more dimensions - pots and planters are where it’s at.

Secondly, planting in them allows you to easily rearrange your garden. Instead of having to dig out the plant and replant it at the desired location, you can just move the pot as a whole - an especially great solution for those who might be undecided about how they want their gravel garden to look.

Finally, and this is more applicable to those who want to have a gravel garden but don’t have enough space, using pots and planters allows you to create one even in environments where doing it otherwise wouldn’t be possible, e.g., in an apartment complex.

How to Choose the Right Gravel for Your Gravel Garden

Picking the right gravel requires more consideration than you’d imagine. There are several factors that you should take into account, including:

• Purpose: Gravel can be used in a number of ways in your garden, not only as what you’ll use to plant your plants but also as a pathway, as a decoration, and more.
• Climate: Your location can also impact which gravel is best for your plants. If your area gets a lot of rain, coarser gravel might be a good idea, as it will help with drainage, while dryer areas might benefit from finer gravel.
• Aesthetics: Gravel comes in a number of colors and textures, so you have the opportunity to choose those that will fit the look of your gravel garden the best.
• Budget: There are so many different types and companies offering gravel that you will be able to find one (or more) that fits not only your personal preferences but also your pre-established budget, regardless of how big or small it might be.

These are just a few things you should think about when looking for the right gravel for your gravel garden.

Choosing the Right Gravel Garden Pots

Picking the right pots and planters for your gravel garden is not different from choosing which ones to use on your patio, in your office, in your living room, etc. - and it all comes down to a few factors:

Material

Gravel gardens are cultivated outdoors, which is why the pots and planters you decide on need to be made of a material that is durable enough to withstand extreme weather conditions. For example, fibreglass and fiberstone planters are more suitable for that than ceramic pots that tend to be more fragile and break more easily.

Visual Appeal

Visual appeal might not be the most crucial thing to consider, but it is still a pretty important one, as you need to like your gravel garden. Think about the color, texture, shape, height, and size of your ideal pots. Here are some questions to ask yourself.

• Would you prefer for your pots to stand out in the gravel garden, or do you want them to blend in? For the first one, you’ll need to pick pots and planters that are within the color scheme of your outdoor space, while in the second, it’s the opposite.
• Do you want your gravel garden to give off more of a modern feel or a delicate and classic one? For the first one, better options would be square and rectangular planters, while for the second one, round will do the job.
• Do you want all of your planters and plants to be on the same level, or do you want to use different heights? Mixing small and tall pots and plants can help you create more dimension in your gravel garden.
• Do you want all the pots and planters you decide on to have the same texture, or do you want to mix things up? The first option will create a cohesive look, meanwhile the second one will add an interesting aspect to your space.

Plants You Want to Plant in Them

This is probably the most important aspect of choosing the right gravel garden pots, as not all of them will be suitable for all plants. There are certain plants that need to be put in bigger containers, as otherwise they will not grow well, so if you’re set on a specific plant, make sure that it is suitable for the pot size you’re considering.

The same goes for both plants that you’re planning on growing in regular soil and just add to your gravel garden grown outside as a way to warm up the space, as well as those that you want to add to a gravel garden that you’re going to grow in a planter.

Some examples of plants you can use for your gravel garden include succulents, herbs, and ornamental grasses. As for other plants that you can plant normally in pots and add them as focal points of your gravel garden, we would recommend annuals such as california poppy, calendula, verbena, or begonia, among others.

Examples of Gravel Gardens Ideas with Pots

The first example shows someone’s effort to create a Zen garden using only gravel, gravel-friendly plants, and a pot with a small bonsai tree. Using the same colored pot as the ground creates a cohesive and calming look that allows the greenery from the plants to be the main focus.

This is a perfect example of how using colorful pots that might not be in the best condition anymore can help you create a cheerful and visually interesting background that adds fun to your otherwise plain gravel garden. At the same time, you’re helping the environment by reusing the pots and giving them a second chance.

The final example shows how you can combine a lot of different plants and pots in one setting and achieve a design that, at first, might seem a little messy, but is actually very coherent. The occasional pops of color also add dimension to the space.

The Bottom Line

Gravel gardens are a perfect way of growing plants for those who have trouble keeping plants alive or simply don’t have the time to take care of a garden properly. There are many plants that will have no trouble surviving in dry conditions, such as gravel, many of which will also bloom, creating a beautiful arrangement that requires significantly less maintenance than regular gardens.

The beauty of gravel gardens is that you can let loose, and aside from plants, you can use a number of other items to make it truly yours. Pots and planters are some of those. You can either use the ones you already have or buy completely new ones that will be more suitable for your vision.

However, when going with the second route, make sure that the planters you choose are of high quality - only that way you can ensure that they will last you for a long time instead of having to replace them within just a year. At Pots, Planters & More, we understand the importance of quality, which is why our products are made of the highest quality materials, bound to last you for years.

Take a look at our selection and enrich your gravel garden with our high-quality planters today.