Gravel

Open Space: When replacing lawn with gravel, remember that the same amount of open space laid to gravel looks much more bare than lawn.

As a general rule, a garden should be approx. 1/3 planted and 2/3 open space, so in a gravel garden don't forget to incorporate plenty of plants.

Strip the lawn by hand (hard work) or using a hired turf stripper (much more fun), and rake the soil, removing any lumps.

Incorporate organic matter if the soil is poor, to get planted areas off to a good start, and to help with excessively wet or dry areas. (Organic matter opens up clay soil, since the particles are larger than in the clay, and also binds together sandy soil).

You may also wish to incorporate some horticultural grit, or even think about drainage.

Lay landscaping fabric or membrane over the whole of the surface to be graveled, or instead use stonedust as a base.

Finally, cover with about 2 - 3" gravel. Set out your plants, and push the gravel back, cut a cross in the membrane and plant into the soil below.

Type of Gravel: If you intend to walk around on the gravel, choose one which is not too rounded, so that it can bed down and remain firm underfoot, instead of being kicked about.

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