Crevice gardening is not the only xeric garden phenomenon to grab our attention of late. Gravel gardens are also daring to be discovered or reclaimed with greater intention. And for good reason – they are often better suited to our changing climate and to a wide array of plants. Ours at Green Spring Gardens in northern Virginia, horticultural Zone 7b, is located less than ten miles from Washington, D.C. It has offered a chance to try drought-tolerant succulents native to the southeastern and western United States, a smattering of Midwestern prairie plants, and a few forbs from Mediterranean climates. Many are plants that struggle -- or that we kill -- in traditional garden soils. We are also trying plants bordering on hardiness in our area to see if better drainage, especially in the winter, allows us to push a zone.
