Rock Garden

Rock Gardens are areas for ornamental plant communities designed with natural features. These gardens portray the most natural settings.

What is a Rock Garden?

At its best, a rock garden is a subtle mingling of plants in a natural setting – quite different from the miscellaneous collection of stones sometimes seen with a few plants scattered amongst them.

The goal is not to produce a quick effect or color in all seasons, but rather a setting for a myriad of low, compact plants that seem to enjoy the growing conditions provided by the rocks. This can be moist and cool, or hot and dry. In a small space, a rock garden allows one to grow a great variety of perennials, low shrubs, and even some bulbs and annuals.

Rock Garden on Display

A sloping ground offers a good place for a rock garden at the same time, offering erosion control with the beauty of the plants. Some plants will thrive in hot, sun-baked, shallow soil, while others enjoy the cool, deep pockets between the rocks. In a larger plot, paths and stepping stones can be utilized. A pool can be a valuable addition as well.

The rocks themselves can be those that were present at the site or they can be brought in – but it is best to try to utilize native types. Rocks should be used in a horizontal position rather than tipped upright, and the bottom third should be buried in the ground. At least a few of the rocks should be quite large, though an assortment of smaller ones could be used as well. They are best laid out in a random fashion, rather than a distinct pattern.

What plants can be used?

Almost any small plant will fit. Ground covers, low creepers, dwarf evergreens, and shrubs are well suited to the rock garden, as well as some spring bulbs, perennials and annuals. Plants that trail look best when falling from the top of a rock. Interspersing an annual until the perennial plants fill out is a good option. Some foliagetype plants fill in between rock crevices nicely.

The greatest care required is the usual weeding and watering. Beyond that, the empty spaces that occur as a result of the inevitable demise of a plant should be filled. Of course, perennials that become overgrown must be divided as necessary. Little must be done for winter protection of a thoughtfully planned garden.