How to Add Plants to a Gravel Garden

Now it's time for the part you've been waiting for—putting in your plants into the gravel. For this, you'll want to use drought-tolerant native plants with deep root systems. You shouldn't plant seeds in a gravel garden, since it's harder for the roots to establish.

"When we plant, we typically use 3.5 or 4.5 inch pot size perennials, because they're about the correct depth," says Epping. "If you use a gallon pot, they're actually too big and you have to end up shaving off some soil to get them in."

Lay out your potted plants in the areas you want them to grow, keeping each about 12 to 18 inches apart.
Remove the plant from the pot and hover it over a bushel basket.
Over the basket, peel off the top inch of soil to remove any weed seeds from the nursery before planting.
Dig about 4 to 5 inches deep, past the gravel and into the soil, and insert the root ball.
Fill the area back in with soil and gravel. The gravel should touch the crown of the plant (where the stem meets the roots).