A rockery is an attractive feature to any garden. Learn how to build a rockery - the right way.
A rockery can be a stunning feature of a garden, complementing cascading waterways or providing a back drop for plants and shrubs. As a bonus, constructing a rockery is a project that will allow you to utilise those slabs of waste rock that you didn't know what to with. To construct your rockery, you'll need a bristle brush, a garden trowel and a shovel. Of course, you'll also need an adequate supply of rocks. It will also pay to get hold of a strong trolley in order to move heavy stones around your garden site. To get sufficient supplies, you really have three options:
(1) Purchase natural stones from your local garden center. This can, however, prove very expensive.
(2) You can purchase cheaper hollow-cast reproduction rocks, which will give a natural impression when placed creatively in your garden.
(3) Find your nearest quarry and purchase the stones you need directly. This will be the most cost effective option. You can even get the quarry to deliver your rocks right to your garden site.
Follow these steps to build your rockery:
(1) Once you have decided on the location of your rockery remove the grassy cover with a spade. Now lay large, flat rocks to form your front edge. Compact soil in between the rocks, to form a flat, level platform.
(2) Lay an irregular pattern of rocks, set slightly back from the first. Use your imagination here to create a visually appealing setting. For instance, you may wish to create a steep embankment on one side of your rockery and a gradually sloping area of wider rocks on the other side.
(3) As you lay your stones, be sure to compact them firmly in place and to brush the soil off the rocks as you go.
(4) Plan out areas within the rockery where you can plant shrubs and dwarf trees.
As you lay your rockery, try to create a layered illusion rather than a haphazard effect. The finished product will look far more natural if you take the time at the outset to carefully position the placement of each of your stones.
Rockeries can be made to fit any space available. If you don't have the room for a large rockery, you can create a good result with the create use of shrubs and just a few strategically placed rocks.
Remember the essentials of heavy lifting at all times when working with rocks. Keep your feet together and lift with the muscles in your thighs, keeping your back as straight as you can. For lifting extra heavy rocks, make use of a rope sling which you can slip around it and lift in conjunction with a partner.
