Rock Gardening Tips

We really enjoyed writing these rock gardening tips as rock gardens can be attractive and fun to build.

The biggest challenge with this type of gardening is probably the drainage and choosing the right plants - and of course getting sizeable rocks to your garden if you do not have them on site already.

When considering a rock garden, the most natural place would be in a sloping area where it is easy to "tumble" the rocks and where water can run off.

Visit our main page on Rock Garden Designs for more detailed information on building a rock garden.

Take a look at the tips below for maximum effect.

Top Rock Gardening Tips

• Setting - A good rock garden placement is in a sloping area that is near a stream, or running water or an artificial stream you create yourself. Natural plant life will grow between the rocks and not fail if you have great drainage.
• Soil - The soil where you plan your rock garden should be gritty in texture instead of using smooth, composted soil or potting soil.

  The soil should also not be tightly packed but loose to allow natural plant life to flourish.

• Preparation - The site you choose for your rock garden should be excavated first and then line the underneath of the garden with small stones and rocks.

  The main, or larger rocks, should be placed around the smaller rock base to ensure that plant and flower life will grow up and around for the best appeal.



• Rock Spacing - An innovative type of rock gardening is where you mix large and smaller rocks and give them a unique look by spacing them apart with your own artistic eye.

  Play around with rock designs before you commit to one design.

• Rock Types - Unless you are lucky enough to have rocks already on your property, rock gardens made of limestone are your best bet. You can also use granite rock and can find both at your garden center.

  Once your rocks are set, dig tiny pockets in between the rocks so plant and flower life sprouts through.

• Sowing - Mix your soil with sand and don't try the "sowing seed" method. Instead buy bedding plants or Alpine plants that thrive in rock gardens.

  For flowers, perennials are the best choice because of lower maintenance required.

  Geraniums and verbena are beautiful for any rock garden mixed with heather or ivy for a flowing effect.

  To ensure you are choosing the right mixture of plants and flowers that will grow in a rock garden, ask the experts at your garden center for advice.



More Rock Gardening Tips

• Foundation is Key - The foundation of your rock garden should be built first and drainage should be checked prior to adding soil, plants and flowers. Never just place a bunch of rocks into the earth on a level area and expect a rock garden to thrive. You must have a good foundation that has the appropriate drainage before you begin to add to your rock garden.

• Streams - If you want your rock garden to have that special touch, you can build your own stream with some polythene lining and one inch plastic tubing and a water pump.

  Or, check your local garden center for stream or irrigation kits to place in your rock garden. These kits usually come with everything you need to make your rock garden exceptional.

In these days of energy conservation, a rock garden is not only easy to maintain but requires less water if you plant water-wise specimens and rely on the natural elements of the sloped area.

We hope these rock gardening tips will be of help when starting your rock garden!

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Rock Garden Designs

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