The short answer
To lay pebbles in a garden: mark out the area, install an edge so the stones stay put, clear and level the ground, lay a weed-control membrane if you want one, set any plants in place, then rake the pebbles into an even layer about 2 inches (roughly 50 mm) deep and rinse them to remove dust.
Step by step
1. Plan, mark and edge
Decide where the pebbles will go, whether in a bed, along a path or around a seating area. Pebbles and gravel are a staple of modern, minimalist grass plantings. Outline the shape with string, spray paint or a hose. Then fit an edge, such as bricks, timber or metal landscape edging, set so it holds the stones in. Edging standing an inch or two above the surrounding ground helps stop pebbles spilling into lawns or paths.
2. Prepare the ground
- Remove grass, weeds, roots and debris with a spade or hoe.
- Dig down far enough that the finished pebble layer will sit roughly level with the surrounding surface. About 2 inches (50 mm) is common.
- Rake and level the soil. On paths or areas that will be walked on regularly, compact the soil, and consider a thin compacted sub-base layer for stability.
3. Add a membrane (optional)
Weed membrane, also called landscape fabric, is often recommended to block weeds while letting water through. If you use it:
- Cover the whole area and overlap seams by at least 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches).
- Pin the edges down with landscape pins.
Membrane is not essential and has downsides in planted beds. It can make planting, dividing and mulching harder, and over time soil and leaves collect on top so weeds can root in the pebbles anyway. For paths it makes more sense than for borders full of plants. Either way, pull weeds when they are small.
4. Plant first, if you are planting
If the bed will include shrubs, ornamental grasses or perennials, set them in place before the pebbles go down:
- Cut an X in the membrane, fold back the flaps and dig the planting hole.
- Plant at the same depth as the plant sat in its pot (see how to plant ornamental grasses).
- Keep pebbles a few centimeters away from stems and crowns so moisture does not sit against them and cause rot.
For plant suggestions that suit stony, dry beds, see grasses to grow in a gravel garden.
5. Spread and rinse the pebbles
- Tip the pebbles onto the area and rake them into an even layer.
- Aim for roughly 2 inches (50 mm). Much shallower and the membrane or soil shows through; much deeper and walking and maintenance get awkward.
- Rinse with a hose to remove natural dust and bring out the color.
How much pebble you need
Multiply the area (length by width) by the depth you want to find the volume. Suppliers usually sell by weight or by bulk bag, and many have online calculators that convert volume into tonnes or bags. Order a little extra to allow for settling and uneven ground.
Keeping a pebble bed tidy
- Rake the surface level now and then, especially on paths.
- Remove fallen leaves and other debris promptly, since decomposing material feeds weeds.
- Top up thin patches once a year or so.
If your goal is a low-water planted bed, you may also like the broader overview of drought-tolerant ornamental grasses for dry sunny gardens.