Rock garden planting ideas
22 Rock Garden Ideas & How to Tips
Enhance your landscape with this low-maintenance solution. By Janet Loughrey, Garden Writer & Photographer
A rock garden can add height and depth to a flat area. Add a waterfall or other water feature to enhance the natural appearance. Designer: Philip Thornburg, Winterbloom Landscaping. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
Adding a rock garden to your yard is a creative way to add depth and dimension to a flat or mundane space, or to introduce an element of surprise. The rugged appearance of rock adds earthy appeal, connecting a manmade landscape to the natural world.
Rocks can be used to define a slope, act as a substitute for a lawn, or become a solution to an area where little will grow. Different areas of the yard such as walkways and beds can be outlined or separated with an attractive arrangement of rocks, pebbles or gravel. A rock garden can range from a complex large-scale project with many aspects and layers, to something as simple as a small corner adorned with gravel and river stones. Even a container can become a miniature rock landscape.
Rock gardens are low-maintenance and lend year-round structure to the landscape. In order for your finished project to have cohesion, it should be well thought out and designed. Here are some basic principles to get you started, along with a list of recommended plants.
PLANNING A ROCK GARDEN
Think outside the box. Even a front yard can be the site of a rock garden, such as this entryway shown here. Designer: Philip Thornburg, Winterbloom Landscaping. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
Choose and evaluate your site.
Where would a rock garden look best in your yard? Is the site in sun or shade? Will plants need regular water, or will it be a drought-tolerant landscape? Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Even a front yard can have a rock garden.
Research.
Gather ideas by looking at photos of rock gardens on the internet and by visiting local gardens. Make an idea board or list with attributes you want to include.
Draw up a design.
Once you have some basic ideas, make a plan and draw a rough sketch. For a bigger project, you may want to consult with a landscape designer. Larger rocks are a challenge to lift and set in place, so it’s crucial to know ahead of time where you want them.
Consider scale.
Use materials that are in scale with your home and yard. Big boulders can overwhelm a small space, while small stones will get lost in a sweeping landscape.
Choose a style.
Rough irregular rocks add rugged natural appeal, while smooth pebbles or clean white gravel lend a more formal appearance, such as with Japanese rock gardens and Zen rock gardens. Create a look that complements your home’s style as well as the rest of the yard.
Keep it natural.
Take a cue from Mother Nature by making the rock garden look like it belongs. This will make the design more visually pleasing and cohesive with the rest of the yard. Random groupings of stones will look more natural than placing them in neat rows or organized patterns.
Incorporate a water feature or stepping stones to enhance the natural appeal.
HOW TO BUILD A ROCK GARDEN
Vary materials such as pebbles, gravel and stepping stones to make a more visually interesting landscape. Designers: Adriana Berry, Plant Passion Design. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
Make a list.
In order to have the right materials on hand, make a list of what you need.
Source materials.
Peruse local garden centers, home improvement stores and specialty rock suppliers to see and compare materials before buying. For the budget-minded, Craigslist and Freecycle often have listings from people looking to get rid of rock materials. Consider rock quarries or natural areas that allow rockhounding.
Vary the rocks.
To create contrast and visual interest, vary the size and shape of the rocks. Use a mix of materials such as stones, pebbles and gravel.
Placement.
Use a few well-placed larger rocks as primary focal points to anchor the space and install those first.
Allow space between the rocks for plants to grow. Smaller complementary stones or gravel placed around the larger rocks will unify the design.
Keep color in mind.
Select larger rocks in lighter hues so the landscape doesn’t feel dark and heavy. Vary the color and tone of other materials to lend contrast and visual interest.
Instill order.
To keep the design from looking too busy, choose rocks with complementary colors and shapes. Lay out swaths of the same pebbles or gravel rather than mixing too many materials together.
HOW TO PLANT A ROCK GARDEN
This rock garden features plants that thrive in partial shade, including ferns, bleeding heart, hellebores and ‘Bowles Golden’ sedge (Carex). Designer: Philip Thornburg, Winterbloom Landscaping. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
Soil matters.
Create an environment that is hospitable to your chosen plants. Alpine plants and other drought-tolerant plants will need sandy soil with sharp drainage. Others, such as ferns and hostas, will need richer soil and more moisture.
Pick the right plants.
Choose plants that will thrive in your climate. Traditional rock gardens include varieties that are alpine in origin, as the conditions simulate their native habitat. Rock garden plants tend to be smaller to complement the scale of the rocks. Use perennials, ornamental grasses and small shrubs to add vertical height. Creeping groundcovers will soften the appearance of the hard rocks. Add sturdy bulbs such as narcissus, wild tulips and alliums for contrast. Incorporate evergreen dwarf and creeping conifers for year-round interest. For a shade garden, choose mosses, ferns and hostas.
Complement and contrast.
To lend cohesion, choose plants with harmonious or complementary colors to the rocks. Use a mix of plants with flowers and foliage interest and combine upright and creeping forms.
ROCK GARDEN PLANTS
| Sun | Shade | |
|---|---|---|
| GROUND COVERS | Sedums, succulents, creeping thyme, snow-in-summer (Cerastium), creeping phlox, gold alyssum (Aurinia), ice plant (Delosperma). | Mosses, creeping Jenny, ajuga, deadnettle (Lamium), vinca, sweet woodruff. |
| PERENNIALS | Sedges and other small ornamental grasses, dwarf conifers, dianthus, rockcress (Aubrieta), columbine, speedwell, lamb’s ear, bellflower (Campanula). | Ferns, coral bells, hostas, hellebores, astilbe, lungwort, columbine, barrenroot (Epimedium). |
| BULBS | Species tulips, narcissus, crocus, squill, reticulated iris, alliums. | Snowdrops, narcissus, muscari, squill, crocus, anemone, tuberous begonias, caladium. |
MAINTAINING A ROCK GARDEN
Designer Burl Mostul, Villa Catalana. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
Water.
Rocks absorb heat, especially in a sunny site, so plants can dry out quickly. Make sure plants receive adequate water, especially during hot spells.
Fertilize.
Some plants such as alpines and succulents need little or no supplemental fertilizer, while others such as coral bells and hostas will benefit from a boost of nutrients. Research your plants needs and fertilize accordingly.
Weed.
A layer of smaller rocks or gravel acts as a natural weed suppressant, helping to keep the landscape low-maintenance. Keep areas free from weeds so plants don’t get overwhelmed or deprived of water and nutrients. Eventually, plants should fill in enough to suppress most weeds.
Prune.
Cut out dead growth and remove spent flowers to encourage new growth and keep a neat appearance.
ROCK GARDEN IDEAS
Keep rocks in scale with the yard. In this small space, rocks are stacked to create a sculptural water feature, while a single boulder placed strategically on the other side of the path helps balance the composition. Designers: Barbara Hilty and Adriana Berry. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
See more of this garden, including before/after photos and plants used.
Photo by: Proven Winners.
Designer Burl Mostul, Villa Catalana. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
Pick a style that matches your home and landscape. This Asian-style rock garden evokes a sense of calm and order. Designer: Helena Wagner, 4 Seasons Gardens. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
Creeping groundcovers such as woolly thyme can be used to soften hard rock surfaces. Gardener: Karen Olberding. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
Large scale rock garden or hillside terrace. Designer: Burl Mostul, Villa Catalana. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
Leave spaces between rocks for plants to grow. Gardener:: Karen Olberding. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
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Rock garden ideas – 20 ways to create a modern rockery |
There are so many wonderful rock garden ideas that will enable you to create a beautiful rockery – however big or small your garden.
Adding a rockery is one of the best backyard landscaping ideas to add interest to a design, but has many other benefits too.
'Planting a rock garden is the best way to turn a potential eyesore into an oasis of beauty and life,' says Marjorie Beausoleil, founder of Ethos Seed Company .
'Rock gardens are a fact of life in many areas, such as my native New England, because of the extremely rocky terrain most houses are built on. Maintaining a lawn around these areas makes for strenuous work, often with poor results.
'Landscaping ideas with rocks can be used to create a focal point in an area that would otherwise be forgotten, or worse, invaded by weeds.'
It's also a brilliant solution for areas prone to drought, as many popular rock garden plants are well suited to a drier climate.
Learn how to build a rockery, and in no time at all you will create a stunning landscaping feature in your backyard.
Rock garden ideas
These wonderful rock garden ideas will provide all the inspiration you need to start creating your very own rockery, or incorporating elements of this aesthetic into your flower bed ideas.
1. Integrate steps into your rock garden
(Image credit: Mark Scott)
Stone steps are a natural extension of a rockery, and help to make the overall scheme feel more harmonious. This is also a particularly good solution if your yard slopes.
When adding steps to a garden, it is important that the stones have a rougher, or more riven texture, to ensure the surface is non-slip.
‘Any stone that is too sleek when it rains or too sharp for safe general maintenance should be avoided. Stones like limestone or granite typically serve better and are also visually pleasing,’ says Mark Feldman, chief home officer at Riverbend Home .
Annually clean the steps to remove any algae, which can make the surface feel very slippy when it rains.
In this design, the garden is set over two tiers, with a secluded dining area to the upper section. The scheme plays with scale, mixing larger boulders and mid-size rocks with a border of smaller stones that leads the eye upwards.
2. Choose drought-tolerant plants
(Image credit: Misilla dela Llana)
Rock gardens are the ideal solution for warmer climates and areas prone to drought. But you need to choose the right greenery to make it work, focusing on drought-tolerant planting.
'At a time when conserving water has never been more urgent or responsible, rock gardens are a phenomenal way to achieve a high-impact look while saving this important resource,' says Misilla dela Llana, author of Four-Season Food Gardening, who partnered with Sunset Plant Collection to create her rock garden.
'Plants’ textures and movements really pop when placed against the dramatic backdrop of rocks. For my garden, we selected various drought-tolerant plants that complemented each other. Platinum Beauty Lomandra made a beautiful addition with its eye-catching variegated leaf blades.
'Other plants in my rock garden include hens and chicks and other succulents, daylilies, bearded iris, aquilegia, Serbian bellflower, juniper, and bergenia.
'
3. Use a rock garden to highlight a stream or pond
(Image credit: Darren Warner)
Whether you are fortunate enough to have an existing body of water in your backyard, or are looking for garden pond ideas to add to your design, a rock garden is the perfect way to highlight it and make it feel like an integral part of your scheme.
While most rock gardens are compatible with drought-resistant plants, when planting on the banks of a waterway, you may need to look at plants that will thrive in wetter conditions, especially if the soil is prone to going boggy
This design is bordered by a stunning mix of low-maintenance plants, including ornamental grasses, ferns, irises and rosemary.
4. Plant a herb garden rockery
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Add an aromatic herb garden to your rockery for a scheme that is both beautiful and useful. ‘Some culinary herbs make great choices for rock gardens because of their ability to thrive in poor conditions,’ says Marjorie Beausoleil.
‘The iconic thyme, which thrives in rock gardens, fills the space near the edges, dripping down gracefully and providing the gardener with a refined herb for the kitchen as well. I also love to grow Greek oregano, chives and sage in my rock gardens, as their blooms are particularly lovely and their foliage attractive.’
There are so many wonderful herb garden ideas to make this a productive space – but it’s best to focus on low-maintenance perennial varieties.
Marjorie also points out that fragrant herbs are also mosquito repellent plants – this works best if you rub the foliage between your fingers when passing.
5. Break up a large lawn with rockeries
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If your yard has a large lawn, then adding rockeries is a great way to break up the expanse, and will add height to different areas.
Larger rocks will be better suited to a big space, acting as eye-catchers – or focal points – on the landscape.
Rocks are also used in some of the best garden path ideas, and look fantastic bordered by alpines, succulents or low-growing shrubs.
Think about the mature height of the plants you use, and how different varieties will work together. 'Focus on tall, stately plants on the back of your rock garden, then go with shorter and shorter plants toward the front,' says Marjorie.
'Use a variety of texture and colors, but try to keep to a single palette for harmony.'
6. Create a zen garden to mimic waves
(Image credit: Davin Eberhardt)
'One way to bring rock gardens to life is to include the Japanese practice of raking gravel to mimic water – called samon,' says Davin Eberhardt, founder of Nature of Home .
These zen gardens typically feature carefully arranged rocks, along with neatly pruned trees and shrubs, water features and moss. At the heart of this is a section of gravel or sand that can be raked as a mindful activity.
'Traditional Japanese gardens use a type of sand that is more like gravel, adds Davin. 'The larger size allows it not to be affected by wind and rain. But, you can use whatever gravel is available in your area of similar size.
'Flat river-rocks can also be leaned on one another to mimic the look of a flowing stream.'
Remember to put down a weed barrier before installing the stone.
7. Plant to attract pollinators
(Image credit: Ethos Seed Company)
‘Using the often neglected rock wall and rocky landscape found in many backyards as a pollinator and beneficial insect habitat has many great benefits,’ says Marjorie.
‘The plants I use in my own rock garden and along my rock wall are all native plants and are chosen specifically for their uses in providing habitat to beneficial insects as well as a food source for pollinators.’
Good options include easy-care plants like catmint, which provides summer-long blooms and ample nectar for pollinators.
Yarrow's lacy foliage is attractive to both us and pollinators, providing a perfect habitat for ladybugs, while its tiny umbel shaped blooms attract many species of native bees and pollinating wasps.
‘It grows fast and can spread aggressively, so be careful where you plant it as it can overtake more delicate plants,’ says Marjorie, who also recommends echinacea, blue hyssop and bee balm.
8. Use a rock garden to add privacy to a seating area
(Image credit: Delgado Stone)
If you're looking for rock garden ideas that will also serve a practical purpose, then consider creating a rockery that will act as a surround to an outdoor seating area.
Not only will this make the space feel like a calmer place to relax, but it will also help to reduce wind chill in an exposed site.
In this stunning design by Delgado Stone , an outdoor fireplace has been created to complement a large rockery incorporating a zen water feature.
'Natural stone requires very little maintenance, which will help save on landscaping costs, and it's durable so it will not need to be replaced,' says Mike Wolfe, the brand's chief operating officer.
'When done properly a rock garden adds beauty and ease to any property, and will also add value.
'An ideal rock garden will be centered around a stone that is already in place on the property. If that is not an option, then select stone you will like looking at for a long time and that will look good even as the home or property changes.
'
9. Plant an aromatic lavender rockery
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Lavender is one of the best plants to add to your rock garden ideas as it is hardy, low maintenance and thrives in poor soils.
As a Mediterranean plant, it is naturally acclimatized to rougher, drier landscapes.
Its fragrant purple flowers also stand out beautifully against stone and are highly attractive to precious pollinators including bees and butterflies.
Learning how to grow lavender is easy – it rarely needs watering or fertilizing, and only needs an annual prune to keep in shape.
10. Choose a feature stone
(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)
When planning your rock garden, consider the effect just a single sculptural rock can create – particularly when teamed with statuary or a water feature.
Bear in mind that all stones are not alike – consider the different textures and colors, and the effect that will have on your garden.
Water-worn limestone is currently very popular, and when laid by an expert this produces really beautiful effects.
There are great advantages in using local stone, especially when considering landscaping cos,. It is almost certain to harmonize with its surroundings, but care must be taken to see that it will withstand wet and frost without crumbling or flaking.
11. Plant succulents for an architectural element
(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)
Plants are pretty amazing things, and none more so than succulents, which have adapted their structure to hold on to water so they can survive in inhospitable dry conditions, extreme heat, and with very little maintenance.
This plant group is a diverse as it is fascinating, including the likes of aloes, cacti, houseleeks and agaves. Most succulents use their fleshy leaves to store water, but some also use their stems and roots, and the leaves tend to be thick and waxy to reduce evaporation.
Look for succulents that are borderline hardy, like Aloe striata. If your garden is frost-free you should be able to grow these outdoors all year round.
But don’t worry if this isn’t the case – lots of succulents, such as houseleeks and sedums, are similarly hardy.
Excess water can be a problem, so whether you are planting straight into the ground or using raised garden bed ideas in your rockery, you’ll need to improve drainage amongst the rocks by adding plenty of grit and gravel.
12. Invest in hardy 'seaside' plants
(Image credit: Future / Alex Ramsay)
Plants that thrive on the coast are tough and exceptionally hardy, therefore they make the perfect addition to rock garden ideas.
Gardening by the sea presents particular challenges – gale-force winds, salty air, bright light and poor soil conditions. The plus points of coastal growing are that maritime plants tend to be drought-tolerant and untroubled by pests and diseases, useful if you are planning a dry garden.
'Hardy seaside flowers will beautifully adorn a rock garden. They will provide a variety of colors and interesting textures to embellish the surroundings,' says Jason White, CEO of All About Gardening .
'Flowers that thrive in coastal conditions will also survive similar tough conditions in a rock garden, meaning they have the same drought-tolerant and sun-loving characteristics.
Hydrangeas, lavenders, and portulaca are hardy seaside flowers that are drought-tolerant and thrive in sandy, well-draining soils.
'Their subtle colors and dainty beauty are a great contrast against rocks.'
13. Plant ornamental grasses in your rock garden
(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)
Ornamental grasses fit into any garden style adding grace, texture and movement to garden border, and if planted en masse they bring a delightful musical note to the garden when they rustle in the wind.
They also work equally well in rock garden ideas, creating instant interest and drama among the rocks.
When planning how to grow ornamental grasses, think of using them to fill gaps that are emerging, or combining them with late-flowering perennials such as sedum, asters and any stems of Verbena bonariensis.
Alternatively, put those with showy, evergreen foliage to good use by weaving them in between plants with bold architectural outlines.
14. Embrace the unkempt look of a moss garden
(Image credit: Future)
Inspired by serene botanical Japanese garden ideas, the mossy rock garden is set to be the latest trend for solving problems with patchy, yellow grass and overgrown lawns.
In fact, many argue that moss is fundamentally better than grass, plus it does an amazing job of cleansing the air of pollutants.
Moss gardens are also more eco-friendly, lower maintenance and durable, and while it's not the traditional Western way to garden, it is gaining credence.
‘Moss gardening is traditional in Japan and has been very popular in North-West and North America,’ says Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the Royal Horticultural Society .
15. Create a natural appearance with boulders – the Japanese way
(Image credit: Future)
In traditional Japanese gardens, rocks, stones and oversized boulders are used to create islands, cliffs and mountains that can also act as garden shade ideas, and their shape and placement call for great expertise.
What you don’t want is too much uniformity or consistency; quite the opposite in fact. The best stones are ones sourced from nature.
To make your own natural rock garden, look to riversides, in the forest, or by the ocean for stones with the right kind of shape.
16. Get ahead with alpines
(Image credit: Future)
Alpines are a good choice for younger gardeners: their Thumbelina-scale – along with the variety of shapes, textures and colors – seems to fascinate children.
Alpine plants have contributed to miniature landscapes for years and they’re having a revival.
The majority of alpine enthusiasts use rock gardens replicating their natural habitats to grow these mini mountain plants. Since the 1980s rockeries have been out of favor with less committed gardeners, as they have gained a reputation of being fussy and old-fashioned.
But as gardens are getting smaller, it could be time to take a fresh look at this past trend and take inspiration from the alpine landscape in our small garden ideas.
Easy alpines can be acquired from garden centres and the most popular ones include primulas, thymes, saxifrage, pulsatilla, sedums, campanulas and the dainty maiden pink Dianthus deltoides. Shrubby alpines like Daphne alpine and Hebe buchananii can be used to add height.
17. Ace your layout
(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)
When arranging plants, choose taller plants for the back of the rockery – perhaps taking inspiration from tropical planting or Mediterranean garden ideas – scaling down in size to smaller plants at the front
After planting, top dress bare soil between the rocks with a layer of grit or fine gravel. This trick will help keep rain from washing muddy soil on to the plants and stop them from rotting around the crown.
18. Introduce an element of water
(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)
Creating a water feature or pond around a rockery brings something really special to the garden, encouraging wildlife and offering the opportunity to introduce new foliage.
For planting, specialist water garden designer Anthony Archer-Wills advises considering elements of vertical garden ideas too: ‘Aim for large, bold climbers with strong foliage contrasts that look effective from a distance.
'For example, plant the white bulrush, Schoenoplectus in subsoil, taberneumanni ‘Albescens’, with blue pickerel weed, or the beautiful blue Iris laevigata ‘Dorothy Robinson’.
'The key is always to mimic the natural arrangement of weathering seen in nature,’ says Thomas Freeth, of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
19. Get the basics right
(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)
Given the right setting and some creative thought, a rockery can become your garden’s most stunning feature. A free-draining site and sunny aspect is best for most alpine plants, so a south- or west-facing site that is well clear of overhanging trees is ideal.
You can also create a rugged hillside effect by incorporating a rockery into your sloped backyard ideas.
Use stone or a soft, porous rock, such as limestone or sandstone, as over time these rocks will weather into interesting shapes and resemble the sorts of rocky outcrops found in nature.
Select rocks carefully, looking for flat, rough-shaped ones. It’s best to use large rocks, as ones that are too small ruin the effect and can make a soil mound look like a plum pudding.
20. Create a small rock garden
(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)
Rock garden ideas are not only reserved for large, expansive spaces. Recycle old basins and pails, and use plant pots to create a minimal landscape that will sit perfectly in a small space, even as part of grassless patio ideas.
Simply choose rock garden plants – succulents, cacti, and miniature bulb plants like the Japanese iris and daffodils – and scatter gravel or small pebbles around the plants. Then, display your miniature rockery on a table, patio or balcony garden.
How do you make a rock garden?
Chris Bonnett, gardening expert at Gardening Express , says: ‘Rockeries are easy to build from scratch and can be designed to fit in any garden.
’ However, there is some light preparation that should be done first.
‘To prevent unwanted shoots from popping up in your rock garden, dig up any organic material like weeds and grass,’ Chris says. ‘Once the space is clear, set about laying out a perimeter of rocks as your rockery base.’
Once that’s done, all the fun of arranging, planting and experimenting with garden decor ideas can begin.
To be entirely satisfactory, rock garden ideas must appear natural in relation to their setting. A rockery must be well proportioned; it must also be constructed so as to suit the plants which are to adorn it, and it must be suitably situated with regard to the proportions of the gardens and the house.
Think about how rocks look in nature – and then try to recreate this in your garden. That means avoid arranging rocks in straight lines, for starters. Instead, go for clusters of various sized stones in a similar color.
What do you put in a rock garden?
'Rock gardens can serve as a canvas for planters, sculptures, fountains, and certain plants to amplify your backyard and bring life to your home in general,' says Mark Feldman.
There is a wide choice of plants available that will work in a rock garden, but you must consider your local climate and how much work you are prepared to put in.
'Plants that work well in a rock garden include those that do not require much watering and can sustain themselves in direct, hot sunlight, as well as in freezing temperatures,' adds Mark.
'This includes cacti, aloe plants, and other tall grasses that are native to mid-western states like Arizona and New Mexico.'
How do I start a small rockery?
‘Rock gardens do not have to be on a grand scale or include monumental works of earth and stone,’ says Thomas Freeth, rock garden supervisor at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Rockeries can even be incorporated into the smallest of front garden ideas, like this tiny rockery tucked in beside the front door.
(Image credit: Future / Jason Ingram)
Freeth also has some advice if you are planning a small garden rockery: ‘A small bank in a garden or even a good stone or concrete trough will do.
However, all rock garden ideas will need good drainage and a permanently aerated substrate, to facilitate the long, searching roots that these plants require.’
When it comes to the materials, ‘local stone in all shapes and sizes, building aggregates and even recycled bricks or reclaimed material can all be tried,’ says Thomas.
‘As long as they are inert and allow for air spaces in the rooting environment that won’t close up over time, they are good.’
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
Alpine slide in the country - 20 best ideas - Roomble.com
2022-01-30T11:25:00+00:00 2022-01-30T12:03:21+00:00 Alpine slide in the country - 20 best ideas 2022-01-30T11:25:00+00:00 They built an alpine slide, but do not know how to fill it? Lost in the variety of colors? Our article will help you choose the best plants Alpine slide in the country - 20 best ideas
Have you built an alpine slide, but don't know what to fill it with? Lost in the variety of colors? Our article will help you decide on the choice of the best plants
The choice of flowers for an alpine slide should be approached with all seriousness, because the more competently the planting is done, the less worries will appear in the future. How can this be achieved?
First of all, the same rules apply to the rock garden as to the usual flower bed. That is, the selected plants should be combined not only decoratively, but also physiologically - they should not overwhelm each other.
It is equally important to take into account the flowering time, it depends on what colors your slide will shine in certain months.
Additional subtleties when choosing plants for a rock garden arise from the fact that, like any self-respecting mountain, it rises up, albeit not by much. Environmental conditions change depending on the height and inclination of the slide. It is usually divided into three tiers: upper, middle and lower.
Start planting from the top layer to avoid trampling the lower ones. The top of the hill has specific conditions: strong lighting, high temperature of the stone and dry soil. This dictates the choice of plants in favor of low-growing ground covers that will strengthen the top without shading the rest of the plants. The list of suitable plants is quite long.
An excellent option is all kinds of stonecrops that form cushion-like bushes. They have a variety of appearances, ranging from stonecrop Evers with bluish leaves, coupled with red inflorescences, to stonecrop acrid with bright yellow flowers and green leaves.
They reproduce vegetatively, by leaves or cuttings, and planting is possible in spring and autumn. Stonecrops are remarkable in that they bloom all summer, but they are often grown as ornamental foliage plants.
Iberis is distinguished by dense white inflorescences, which are formed in the second year at the beginning of summer. Some species, such as Iberis evergreen, bloom twice a season. Seeds are sown immediately in open ground in April-May. These delicate green curtains do not require special care.
The spicy aroma of perennial cloves will ennoble the alpine hill from June to July. The plant is planted in May, both with seeds and seedlings. Carnation requires regular watering and fertilization with complex preparations.
Alpine Edelweiss blooms in July-August. Star-shaped inflorescences are surrounded by gray-green, pubescent leaves below. Propagated by seedlings.
Creeping thyme begins to bloom from June. Seeds are sown in early spring; if at the same time you immediately add compost, then top dressing is no longer needed.
Rejuvenated is an ornamental deciduous plant that retains leaf rosettes throughout the season and is indifferent to the quality and quantity of soil. There are green, red and red-brown forms. It feels good almost anywhere in the alpine hills, but under the sun it acquires the brightest color.
The middle layer has more moderate conditions than the upper one. Sufficient soil moisture and partial shade lead to the fact that you should choose light-loving plants that can grow in partial shade.
One of the best solutions is phlox. It reproduces both by seeds and vegetatively. Does not tolerate stagnant moisture in the soil, prefers partial shade and top dressing before and after flowering. It is better to choose creeping or bush species, such as styloid phlox.
Woolly Chistets (sheep's ears) is planted as an ornamental leafy plant, perfectly sets off other flowers and, moreover, is very fluffy and pleasant to the touch. Propagation by seeds, cuttings or seedlings.
Young plants are not pubescent, so do not despair ahead of time. It blooms with small purple flowers that do not have a decorative role, so many cut off flowering shoots at the time of bud formation.
Three-veined Anafalis flowers from July to September. Reproduction in spring or autumn, by seeds or vegetatively - by planting parts of the bush. It tolerates the neighborhood with other plants so easily that in the fall it is necessary to cut off the shoots so that it does not grow too much.
Carpathian bluebell blooms from June to September. Does not tolerate excessive moisture. In early spring, it requires fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizer. Reproduction by seeds and vegetatively - by cuttings or dividing the bush.
Crocus is one of the most beautiful primroses, but by mid-June there is nothing left of it but a bunch of withered leaves, so other plants should be in the composition next to it. Crocuses are sensitive to watering regime, do not tolerate waterlogging.
The bulbs are planted in autumn and can remain in the ground without replanting for up to five years.
Cushion forms nice cushions. A scattering of delicate funnel-shaped flowers lies among slightly pubescent leaves and looks like a continuation of a forest clearing. Askolka as a whole is unpretentious, but loves the light. Reproduction by seeds.
The bottom layer is ideal for plants that love moisture and shade. An example is the saxifrage, which has bright flowers against a background of inconspicuous greenery. It is undemanding to care, moreover, overfeeding leads to the fact that the culture becomes loose and defenseless against infections.
Compositionally, not only herbaceous plants look good at the foot, but also shrubs, among which creeping and dwarf conifers, such as juniper, fir, spruce, and pine, are especially attractive. They are planted in spring or autumn on the slopes of various exposures.
It is important to remember that stones are an integral part of an alpine slide.
Therefore, take care that your plants do not hide the beauty of the stones.
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Do-it-yourself Alpine Hill at the Dacha - 34 diagrams and Photo how to make - My Ideas for Dacha and Garden
Alpine hill in front of the houseAlpine hill, as part of landscape design, will attract attention in any garden. Many would like to create a rock garden in their backyard, but do not know which side to approach it from.
In this material I have collected the experience of leading designers and gardeners, plus added my own experience and. From this article you will learn how to make an alpine slide with your own hands in the country, what plants to plant, how to arrange stones.
What conditions are required for the good growth of all flowers.
For all the seeming complexity, any summer resident can create an alpine slide on his site.
Alpine hill as a design element
Alpine hill or rock garden is like a piece of a mountain landscape that imitates the real slopes of the Alps - with stone ledges and motley herbs. By the way, the name stuck only with us, in the West such slides are called rockeries.
The idea of an alpine slide in the corner of a summer houseI still found those times when these slides were called rockeries in our country , and already in the early 2000s design schools gradually introduced the term rock garden. Got accustomed! And now, instead of the English term, we use a completely native phrase - alpine hill.
Large alpine hill Everyone imagines a classic rock garden in the form of a rocky hill, but this is not entirely correct. The word "rock garden" is as close to the Alps as the word flower garden is to flowers. There are many types and structures of flower beds among the stones, I will not go deep into the wilds of design nuances and will tell you about the slides in general terms.
Alpine slide design schemes
I offer one of the possible design options for the slide. In the example, large boulders are given, and plants are planted between them.
1 - yew, 2 - climbing rose, 3 - lavatera, 4 - wormwood, 5 - sage, 6 - lavender, 7 - sunflower, 8 - santolina, 9 - rosemary, 10 - Roman chamomile, 11 - lemon thyme, 12 - creeping thyme.
Scheme of the Alpine slideThe diagram above shows the location of the Alpine slide on a site with a slight slope. Pay attention to drainage, especially if you have waterlogging risks in your area.
Scheme of an alpine slide in sectionA This diagram shows a traditional slide in the form of a small elevation. The yellow color in the diagram indicates the land, fertile soil.
Do-it-yourself small alpine slide Gravel is poured inside, you can even pour construction debris. But I think the best option is wood saw cuts, branches, logs. This will allow to accumulate moisture, which is so lacking in the slide even in rainy summers.
Where is it better to make an alpine hill in the country
Alpine hill in the countryAs a rule, a place for an alpine hill is allocated in a favorite corner of a personal plot, the most sunny and picturesque. The ideal position is next to a patio or seating area, so you can admire its appearance during gatherings and tea parties.
In the photo: an example of how natural stone can look harmoniously on the site.
Very often alpine slides are harmoniously combined with a small stream, a mini-waterfall and an artificial reservoir. Lovers of free landscape planning will appreciate this design element, which recreates the beauty of the nature of the mountains, which are famous for their unique charm.
Decorative alpine slide in the countryThe main stages of creating an alpine slide with your own hands
For the base of the alpine slide, you will need to lay a layer of crushed stone, expanded clay or broken red brick.
Do-it-yourself rock garden Then you should pour a layer of earth 15-20 cm, which will consist of a mixture of soil, peat, coarse sand and a small amount of pebbles or crushed granite.
Only after that you need to lay large stones of irregular shape - the more picturesque the appearance of the stone, the better. Stones are partially buried in the soil.
What flowers and plants to plant on an alpine slide
When arranging an alpine slide, you will need to find out which plants and flowers are suitable for this. Since not all plants like stones and poor rocky soil. And not all flowers will look organic and natural on the hill.
Alpine slide plants and flowersThe diagram above shows the main plants and flowers used in alpine slide plantings.
Photo example of a large alpine slide with bouldersIf you want your rock garden to really resemble the slope of the Alps or the Pyrenees abounding in wild flowers, you can plant on it: forget-me-not, saxifrage, daffodil, edelweiss, saffron, violet, primrose, narcissus.
Often an alpine slide is combined with a waterfall. There are also rarer, uncommon types of flowers that will decorate your rockery: haberlea, yankeya, ramonda - plants of the Gesneriaceae family. These are small flowering plants, now rare in nature. They are also called "super dwarfs".
Planting flowering plants between stones will allow you to focus on them. The contrast of gray stone and bright colors is the most successful move.
Small alpine slide made of flat stonePlants are planted in specially prepared soil: soddy soil, peat, crushed red brick, small pebbles. The lower leaves should touch the soil when planting. It is recommended to cover the ground under them with flat pieces of granite.
Even a few large stones at different levels in the flower bed will give the flower garden originalityIt also makes sense to select plants for alpine hills taking into account the time of flowering. Calculate plantings so that at any time of spring, summer and autumn your rock garden will be decorated with flowering plantings.
Large rockery - alpine slide Raised ground requires more frequent watering and increased attention to itself. Don't leave your planter in hot weather without watering for long periods of time. If you go away for a week, then set automatic watering. Or, as I said above, use thick saw cuts and branches to lay inside the slide. They perfectly hold moisture and give it away gradually.
For beauty and "natural" appearance, you can plant gentian, backache, dryad, cyclamen, corydalis, soldanella on the hill.
Alpine hill - ideas for givingAt a time when there are no flowers on the hill, coniferous plants will decorate it. You can plant juniper - it is a frequenter of the mountain slopes, as well as mountain pine and thuja. These conifers can be attached in tubs and watered separately, so they have enough moisture for a longer period.
I wrote more about plants for rock garden in this material - I advise you to read it too!
Care of the alpine hill
Such elevations visually raise the flowers and harmonize the site in general. Beautiful, bright and original.
You will need to regularly water and weed the rock garden from weeds, as well as fertilize the plants in the form of mineral fertilizers.
Even a simple flower bed with stones looks more elegant and stylishAlpine slide can become dominant if you surround it with a beautiful green lawn. Even if it is small, this will not detract from its merits.
Read also how to grow a thick lawn on your yard.
The aesthetic pleasure of a blooming rock garden is incomparable! The design combines all five elements - earth, water, air, fire (sunlight that heats stones) and ether (scents of flowers). Therefore, the slide is the perfect embodiment of the creative ideas of the summer resident, the expression of all the experience with plants that was obtained in the past.
Get inspired and try to make an alpine slide on your site with your own hands. Surprise yourself and all guests with beauty. I'm sure you'll hear a lot of positive feedback.
Possible problems
Usually, creating an alpine hill, you immediately encounter a problem related to the climate. In summer, plants burn out, and in winter their roots very often freeze out.
It turns out more worries than joys. But there is a way out. Namely, the creation of a horizontal alpine slide. For the Moscow region and St. Petersburg, this is the right decision.
What is the horizontal version of the alpine slide
Firstly, it is a collection of undersized perennials, the so-called alpine plants, and secondly, stones. The location of the stones should be considered very carefully.
Larger and taller ones are located in the background, and smaller stones diverge from them, for example, in the form of a fan or any other figure, half sunk into the soil. They can be replaced with crushed cobblestone or limestone tiles.
It is important that the rock garden is built from the same type of stone or from stones of similar colors. To avoid motley chaos is absolutely useless. Stones should create a backdrop, and flowers should play with colors.
Layered stones look great, especially if you manage to lay them so that the layers of the same color fold into winding lines. Do not forget the main thing: your rock garden should look natural and harmonious.
Pebbles and stones with sharp broken edges should not be used - both are very difficult to combine.
An example of a “wild” alpine slide
An example of a wild alpine slide with your own handsA pine tree and tall grasses are planted in the background. In the middle are medium-sized, beautifully flowering annuals, in front are decorative fescue tussocks.
Alpine slide drainage
Drainage is very important for a horizontal alpine slide. On the site, a place is selected that is not flooded with melt water in the spring, the top layer of the earth is removed to a depth of 20 cm according to the size of the future rock garden.
A layer of medium-sized crushed stone 10 cm thick is laid down, and the same layer of sand is laid on top of it. All stones are sunk into the sand, and holes are dug under the plants and filled with nutrient soil.
The holes should be of such a size that the root system of the plant will feel comfortable in them in the future.
Alpine hills - ideas for givingChoosing plants for an alpine hill
After laying the stones, the soil of the rock garden should be carefully watered so that the stones "grown", and only after that the plants are planted. The choice of plants, as I said above, is quite large.
But you need to take into account the features of horizontal rockeries, namely, that in this case it is recommended to plant taller and dark-colored plants in the background, and undersized delicate and light shades in the front. In the background, dwarf coniferous crops will look great.
Light-loving or shade-tolerant plant species
Depending on whether your rock garden is in the sun or in the shade, you need to choose light-loving or shade-tolerant species accordingly.
