Pet Peeve

On my short lunchtime walk today (between two rain showers), I came across this front garden. It's one of several in our area that have recently been converted into low-maintenance 'gravel gardens'. 
 
I'm always sad to see a flower patch or hedge disappear and something like this take its place. Hot stones and dead spaces, offering nothing to insects, birds or even earthworms. 

Some German states and cities have already prohibited them, but here it's only recommended to keep gardens as natural as possible. Clearly not enough to keep people from changing their green spaces into little deserts.