Hi

I have recently had all old & overgrown plants removed from my front gardens. I am prepared to keep it as a very simply and easily maintainable garden while I will keep more plants in my back garden. Basically my idea is to put a membrane there to prevent weeds, and then cover it with gravel / stone / slate .... After that I am prepared to put in a few plants - about 3 to 5 on each side, I think. I wanted to plant some very low maintenance plants e.g. some ornamental grass. However, I have no knowledge about those grass at all. I also have no idea how to design the layout, e.g. try to get rid of the square as I hear from time to time.

My front garden is simply two squares in front of the house and on the two sides of the front door. That means there is a small straight path lead to the door and the two squares are on the two sides. Sizewise - not measured it yet but I think it is about 50 sq feet each side.

Could you help with a) how to design it with gravel / stone etc .... b) what plants I should get ... c) how to place the plants - which one at the front, at the back etc...