About Rock Gardening

For most homeowners, the idea of including a nicely crafted garden is quite evident as it complements the building and creates such a natural atmosphere. Planting materials such as trees, shrubs and ground covers are often considered to add the perfect finish to a garden since they bring out some of the qualities that help us appreciate a landscape.How about rocks for the garden?

Rock gardens can be perceived as a great way of creatively combining plants and rocks/natural stone on the landscape to make it very attractive while still creating a natural setting as much as possible.

As it is, rock gardening is yet to be explored owing to the fact that it can be quite challenging in terms of selecting the right materials, plants and the techniques of blending it with the landscape. So what do you need to know before you embark on adding the perfect rock garden?

Locating the site

A wall boulder can be used for rock gardening

For starters, it is very important to select a great site to create your rock garden.Perhaps you have a

naturally rocky site in your backyard or a wall stone. This can be easily manipulated to form the rock garden. Locating the site for your rock garden is definitely the first step and perhaps the most important. The site should generally be in an open spot that receives sunlight for the better part of the day as it is crucial for the plants. The site should not be under large trees as they hinder light penetration. You will also need to consider the drainage of the site as this will influence the growth of the plants.

Selecting the materials

Investing in the right rocks/stones is also very crucial unless you already have some in your backyard. You may need to purchase second-hand stones from a local quarry since the stones will easily blend with the environment.

Combining different rock/stone colours creates more visual appealing. For instance placing rocks with contrasting colours or even those that complement each other. This can be quite entertaining for guests especially when you have an outdoor event at your home.

 Of importance is using a variety of rock sizes and shapes with the aim of creating a more natural setting as opposed to using similar sizes/shapes throughout. Feel free to consult with a professional in terms of placing and designing the garden itself as it may be quite a task.

Planting the garden

Plants used for rock gardening tend to be quite hardy and drought-tolerant, hence you will need to

engage the services of a plant specialist in choosing suitable plants. Plants that clump on surfaces are also great for your rock garden.

A variety of colourful perennials on a rock garden add beauty and texture.

Most rock gardens will tend to have perennial plants although a few annuals can be used. The important part is to use plant combinations that bring the best in your landscape as well as blend with the rock outcrop. Arranging the plants on the rocky terrain will definitely create a visually impressive plantscape.

Finally, be sure to carry out maintenance on your rock garden especially for the plants. Such as watering, weeding, feeding etc.

With these tips in mind, your rock garden should take shape and rock your landscape.

-photos courtesy of Bing