Mother nature uses dirt and stones to grow everything!

All manner of things will grow in lean, rocky or pebbly soil, especially plants that prefer really good drainage. That includes a good many Mediterranean and xeric plants, most of which are very appropriate for your area.

I'd also suggest finding and reading Beth Chatto's excellent book, the Gravel Garden. Should be good source of inspiration as well as explaining the many benefits of this type of planting.

I feel your pain! You just want to be sure to get the number of rocks down to a reasonable number otherwise digging in the bed will forever be a chore, but the plants probably will not mind.

- Brent

I would test the pebble layer to be sure it drains well before planting.

Make sure there's no landscape fabric underneath.

Check out Lee Valley's rock rake.

I'd put a little energy into figuring out what that concrete thingy is. At least to the point of eliminating options like septic tank or other useful things. Then mark its boudaries for future reference. You just never know when you're going to want to know more about your property, and it might be a good idea to disclose it if you ever resell.

KarinL

Heck, you can throw down some compost/soil and plant right on top, if it comes to that.

No, really. I've got a whole shade bed planted on an old gravel parking area that never got used for parking. (So it wasn't compacted.) I put several inches of composted leaves/manure down, mixed in a little topsoil, and planted it up. You should SEE the hydrangeas this year! If I can find hte digital camera (it has gone walkabout again) I'll post some pictures.

THAT said...I do feel your pain. I have that nasty white landscape rock down over black plastic in places in my back yard. I hate and despise it...and as soon as I have A Plan I'm going to dig it up and get rid of it. DH tells me I may not mess with it until I have A Plan. (Capitals and all.)

melanie