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	a, Gravel Garden in high summer
	The Gravel garden at Knoll is situated in a very sunny dry corner of the gardens backed by tall trees and shrubs. Started more than 8 years ago it is well stocked with plants that like the ultra dry conditions including many grasses at their peak from summer onwards.

	b, Goodbye to the lawn
	Originally just flat grass that couldnt wait to turn brown at the first hint of summer the area was first marked out and then sprayed with Round-Up to make sure all the old growth was dead.

	c, Soil prepared and sculpted
	The area was dug over by mechanical digger to remove any compaction and to aerate the soil so young plants would establish quickly. The digger created slight mounds for planting with the dip in between suggesting a dry river bed. Mounds can also help with drainage in the winter. Finally the area was lightly rotovated and raked for a smooth final surface before gravelling.

	d, New plants and gravel
	It looks bare!! No membrane was used which should not be necessary if all weeds have been removed prior to planting. Some planting was completed before laying the gravel approx 50cm deep by wheelbarrow. More delicate plants were added later. It is important not to get soil on the surface of the gravel otherwise weeds will germinate.

	e, One year on
	Although the whole area looked very stark when just completed, the young plants grew very quickly and soon made more of an impact. Looking after a Gravel area is pretty easy especially as there is not much weeding to do. The Gravel Garden may get watered once or twice a year, otherwise it has to fend for itself.

	f, Long lasting beauty
	This striking picture taken in December proves just how beautiful and long lasting plants in gravel can be; complete with some rusty metal sculpture of course! Grasses used here include Pennisetum macrourum, Muhlenbergia rigens, Miscanthus nepalensis and Stipa Gold Fontaene.