Lavandula angustifolia and rosemary both come from dry, stony Mediterranean hillsides, where they cope with sun, poor soil and spells of 40°C without daily watering. Lavender and rosemary naturally prefer nutrient‑poor, sandy or gravelly soil that drains fast and never stays cold and wet for long. How to use gravel mulch around lavender and rosemaryIn traditional dry gardens, gardeners start by giving these shrubs the right home. This simple topping keeps the collar of the plant dry while water drains away quickly. Whether you grow these herbs in beds, containers or window boxes, that stony ring copies the dry, stony conditions they naturally favour.