Do you want to save water and take care of a problem dry spot in your yard? Then a rock garden may be just the solution you've been looking for. But what is a rock garden, and how can you create one in your own landscape? Here's a short guide to this fabulous yard feature.
The Basics
A rock garden is a place to plant greenery using rocks of various sizes as a base. Because of the large amount of hardscape, rock gardens require little water. This makes it perfect for an area of the landscape that gets full or mostly full sun. Rock gardens are generally paired with plants that also love full sun and need little water, so they are very low maintenance.
Building Your Space
So how do you start creating your rock garden? Begin by choosing a location that receives a lot of sun. The area can be flat or sloped, and it can have imperfections since you'll be covering up the area with the rock base. Prepare the ground and use landscape cloth so that its weed-free before you begin.
Many rock gardens are built upward with a natural berm so that plants have more ground to cling to and the drainage is better. You also want to be able to see your rock garden well, so angle it toward the viewing areas. Create a natural-looking slope using hard base materials, such as less attractive rocks, gravel, or even other yard debris. Then cover this with a layer of good soil and compost.
Choosing Rocks
Once your site is prepared, start choosing some "keystone" boulders and rocks to anchor the space. The size of these primary boulders will depend on how large the garden is and how far away it is from the viewing areas. Choose rocks that are large enough to serve as focal points but that will still allow smaller features (plants and grasses) to shine through.
Look for a variety of different rock sizes for a more natural look. Another way to make the whole garden look more like nature is to use rocks in odd-numbered groups. Even numbers (2, 4, or 6, for example) will look more symmetrical and less random. To give your garden personality, choose rocks that appeal to you and that have interesting characteristics.
For stability, boulders and larger rocks should generally be placed with about one-third of their bulk in the soil itself. Build up dirt and compost in small spaces around the rocks so you have something in which to plant your greenery. Place pebbles and gravel over any soil that's still visible.
Adding Plants
What plants should you add to a rock garden? Since this style is based on the look and needs of of high elevations, mountain and alpine plants are generally a good choice. Dianthus, aubrieta, and creeping thyme all have beautiful flowers and will creep in around your rock base. These ground covers will fill in spaces around the rocks, and you can trim them to help train them to go where you want.
Any small, hardy plant that loves sun can be added to a rock garden, so don't feel limited to traditional "alpine" varieties. Succulents are another popular choice, as they are easy to care for and thrive in harsher conditions. You could also add interest by including a few vines or ornamental grasses.
For help getting started on your rock garden, visit the landscaping material suppliers at
AA & Bob Allen Inc.
today. They're sure to find exactly what you want for your yard and will have many options to choose from.