How To Make A Rock Garden

Aim to use the most open position away from overhanging trees or tree roots where plants will receive sun for the greater part of the day.

How to make a rock garden. Additionally lay weed resistant fabric or several layers of old newspaper above the top layer of soil to allow water in but to prevent weeds from growing. In addition rock gardens provide the ideal place to showcase the small delicate and understated flowers that get overshadowed in other gardens. Rock gardens can be planted in almost any location using low growing native plants to create natural looking growth. Look for plants that are suited to your local climate.

Whether you are able to devote a corner of your garden to creating a rock garden or you are planning to transform the whole back garden it is worth considering the details of the microclimate. Here phil gives advice on how to create a rock garden in your own space. From wild ginger farm you d be surprised at how natural elements from around your yard can make amazing rock garden showpieces. Once the planting is done it is advisable to mulch your rock garden with pine straw or hardwood mulch.

After clearing the site for the rock garden leave it for six to 12 months before planting to eradicate perennial weeds create planting pockets of different compost mixes and sizes to increase the range of plants you can grow on your new rock garden and plant slightly proud to allow topping with a 5cm layer of grit around the plants which will act as a mulch. The boulders will sit inside the footing rather than on top of level ground which gives the rock garden a more natural look. Phil cormie is the new head gardener at newby hall in yorkshire which has just announced plans for a major renovation project of its historic rock garden. Rock garden designs can range from to sprawling naturalistic creations to faux dried river beds to rustic mounds of stones soil and plants it all depends on your preferences and the amount of space and rock you have to work with.

Other plants which make ideal candidates for rock gardens are sedums miniature daffodils muscari bulbs and hardy groundcovers such as creeping mazus mazus reptans creeping phlox phlox subulata dianthus and hen and chicks sempervivum. Step 5 look for plants that are suited to local climate. Rock gardens feature hardy drought resistant plants that work well with xeriscaping. How to build a rock garden.

If you happen to have a gentle slope in your yard that gets plenty of sun this is the perfect place to build a natural looking rock garden. If you have a small area often the best design is a simple round raised bed made of select rocks this design can fit neatly into any well chosen nook and will. Many rock garden plants require excellent drainage in order to flourish so make sure you research the ideal soil conditions for your plants of choice. To build a rock garden with weed prevention start by preparing your chosen site by clearing it of grass and tree roots and planning the area s drainage route.