How to Landscape with Packed Gravel

Prepare the ground to add your feature. Cover the area with mulch to choke out the grass and weeds. Leave the mulch over the area for up to two months. Alternatively, use a sod cutter to dig up the grass and weeds.

Remove the mulch or just pull it to the side to add a natural border to your feature. Pull any surviving grass and weeds and dig down six inches with a shovel to get all the roots. Roll your excavated area flat.

Line your feature with larger rocks to form the frame for the gravel. Alternatively, build a wall for your frame by stacking smaller rocks around the boundaries of your feature.

Fill your feature with at least 4 inches, but preferably 6 inches, of gravel. Thicker layers cost more money but save you time spent on weeding out the grass and weeds that eventually poke through the gravel.

Fill your gravel packer with water and roll it over the top of the gravel at least two times. The packer makes the gravel feel as solid as cement. If you can't find a gravel packer to rent or buy, pack your feature by walking over it repeatedly until it feels solid.

Place larger rocks, potted trees, shrubs or plants on top of the gravel in a garden feature. Add a bridge feature over a gravel pathway for added flare and for the convenience of not having to mess up the gravel with your lawnmower (push it over the bridge). Bridges are available at landscaping stores.