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Maybe it's a small patch of land in the backyard that you just can't get anything to grow in. Or a sharp slope in the front that you don't want to leave as just grass, but can't figure out what to place there. Why not consider a rock garden as a unique way to personalize your yard and be different from your neighbors?
First, let's take a short look at the history of the rock garden. The first gardens were built in Japan and china, with more care placed on odd rock formations that dominated the garden and few plants. But as time went on different vegetation began to be added to the concept as well as a variety of rocks and stones, not necessarily misshapen. Nowadays a rock garden has as many plants as rocks!
So what sort of rocks are you looking for? Well, the first and best place to look is in your own backyard! Large rocks that you may have tossed aside while building that vegetable garden can prove to be an interesting addition, while smaller rocks can fill in the gaps. Ideally you're looking for limestone or some other porous rock that will allow moisture to soak through the dense material and feed the plant life. As well, look for depressions in the rocks that can hold enough dirt for keeping such small plants as mosses and lichens alive over time.
But before you put down your rocks, you need to prepare the soil. Unlike most regular gardens a rock garden requires a special mixture to allow water to drain away from the surface quickly and efficiently. A good mixture would be one part of high quality topsoil, one part fine gravel (about 3/8th inch) or coarse sand and one part of peat. This will allow moisture to be channeled away from the surface as fast as possible. As well, it gives your garden area a special appearance, akin to loose sand. At closer glance you will be able to see the different elements, but this mixture will not work anywhere else in the garden, so keep it for your rock garden alone. Be sure to consult with your local greenhouse experts in regards to your area and what mixture is best for your garden. Certain areas may require adjustments of the mixtures due to climate and moisture content.
Why do extra work for special soil? Well, the plants that you are going to be placing around and on your rocks are more than likely to be suspectible to overwatering and will rot and die if too much moisture is around and on them. By creating a natural drainage system you can funnel the water away from their delicate roots and infrastructure, allowing them to survive better.
Of course, this soil does not lend itself to good plant nutrition, so you will have to fertilize your plants instead of leaving it up to the natural ecosystem. But you can also kill your garden with kindness, so be sure to use a fertilizer with a slow-release system to allow your plants to feed at a healthy rate and not overdose and die on your kindness. As well, you can overwater your garden so give them a good soaking once a week and let them rest.
Now that we've laid the soil foundation, let's look at where to place the rocks! First, start at the lowest part of your garden and place the rocks going upwards to the highest part. Make sure the large rocks are anchored firmly in the soil by digging a small hole and depositing them in, covering at least half of each rock to create a secure foundation. You don't want your rocks floating away in a stiff rainstorm or rolling down the hill in a windstorm! After you place the rocks in a formation to your liking, walk away for a few days and allow them to settle in the garden. While you may not see any major shifts, you might see the need to add some extra soil here and there, as the shifting rocks and soil may expose some gaps in your garden.
Now let's talk about plants! Rock gardens can supply a home for a variety of plants, but your decision will depend on your climate and local weather. Do your homework before heading to the greenhouse and make sure that any plants you choose will thrive in your natural climate before adding them to your garden. A favorite choice is usually low growing perennials, such as the Balloon Flower, the English Daisy and the Forget-Me-Not which will brighten up your garden as they burst into life each spring. But you should also consider some plants that will supply visual entertainment year-around, such as mosses, annuals (Desert Bluebell, for example) and heathers. By placing some of these plants directly into the small indentations on the rock that you've filled with soil, you can create a wonderful garden that is unique to your neighborhood. But be sure to keep an eye on these plants for the first year, as climate changes can wreak havoc on delicate flowers and also affect the soil composition of your rock garden. Seek out local experts in your area to see what works best for your area and climate when creating a rock garden.
A rock garden can brighten up any area of your yard or garden, adding a visual treat with large rocks providing natural flowerboxes for your favorite plants. With a little planning, a little research and some investment in the right soil, plants and rocks you can create a beautiful addition to your neighborhood.
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