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Rockery designs ideas


Rock garden ideas – 20 ways to create a modern rockery |

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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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Arrangement of rockeries in the garden: recommendations, nuances, ideas

When you look at a well-groomed rocky garden, so "naturally" overgrown with ornamental plants, it seems that there is nothing complicated in its arrangement. But this is a misleading impression.

Everything is important in making a rockery. It is necessary to select interesting rocks, achieve their color combination with pebbles, include plants in the composition that can simultaneously emphasize the beauty of the stone and not get lost against its background. Without special knowledge, this is quite difficult to do. nine0003

Here are some ideas and tips to help you create an interesting rock garden.

Combination of rockery with a recreation area

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Rockery on the site - beautiful, fashionable, practical

Rockery is a close relative of the alpine slide, but, unlike it, is created in a horizontal plane, sometimes with a slight slope. Like a rock garden, it imitates mountainous terrain - rocky scree, gorge, exit to the surface of rocks. Since this is primarily a rocky-gravel composition, boulders and decorative filling are given the main attention. Plants also serve as a spectacular addition. nine0003

Rockeries are much more democratic than rock gardens, and this is their advantage. In addition to the traditional alpine flora, conifers, grasses, wormwood, ornamental shrubs are welcome in their design.

Why are rock and gravel gardens so popular?

Rockery size may vary. But on a standard plot of 6-10 acres, it is not advisable to break a large rocky garden - it will look ridiculous and tasteless. Much more interesting are thoughtful miniature compositions that combine the beauty of stone and plants. We propose to talk about such methods.

Rockery imitating a mountain stream

Ideas for inspiration

When designing a rockery, it is important to remember that it is part of the overall picture of the garden, so it should be organically connected with the lawn, set off by paving, and connected to the reservoir. The more natural it looks, the better.

1. Imitation of a rock outcrop

If there is a small hill on the site, you can create a landscape corner that resembles a rock outcrop on the soil surface.

To solve the problem, you will need several medium-sized boulders. It should feel like they have grown into the ground. To do this, they are slightly “drowned”, and the sole is decorated with crushed stone of the same rock as the main stone. nine0003

Plants are positioned so that they seem to grow out of crevices, breaking through a rocky embankment. Slow-growing conifers are usually planted on the "rock" - mountain pine, stunted spruce, juniper, as well as ampelous and ground cover plants of the alpine type - sedums (sedums), saxifrage, saxifrage.

The basis of the composition shown in the photo below is gneiss rock with an interesting layered structure and an unusual color that combines light blotches. To imitate scree, “stone bark” was used - crushed stone of a fine fraction from the same stone. nine0003

Against the background of bluish green thuja, it seems that the boulders are cast in silver. Stones literally attract the eye - you want to look at them, touch the rough surface. Blooming sedum adds a sense of warmth and sunshine to the mountain landscape.

Decoration of a rockery in the form of a rock outcrop

2. A rocky corner near a pond

Two elements can be combined in a rockery - mountains and water. Stones, as a rule, frame one of the sides of the reservoir, preferably southern or western, so that the plants receive enough sun. If a recreation area is provided next to the water, a rocky corner is broken from the opposite side so that it can be viewed from the best viewing point. nine0003

Large boulders are needed for a large pond, but if the pond is small, it is better to refuse overall boulders, otherwise it will turn into a puddle against their background.

Even a few large stones can make a picture, but they must be interesting. Look at the photo, how beautifully the decorative chip reveals the structure of sandstone, how unusual the combination of gray and sandy yellow looks. The final touch is an amazing silver-gray bush that enhances the naturalness of the composition. There are many perennials of this shade. For example: decorative wormwood, seaside cineraria, sapling, eryngium. nine0003

An example of decorating a reservoir with blocks of sandstone

3. Stony and gravel composition

Rockery does not have to be large, sometimes a small fragment is enough to draw attention to one or another corner of the garden. Typically, such a composition is placed in a well-visible place, for example, against the background of a parterre lawn or in the bends of garden paths.

Marble looks luxurious in rocky and gravel gardens. In the photo below, it is a warm sandy-beige shade with a horizontal pattern on the chips. In unison, a backfill of caramel-colored marble crushed stone was selected. It dilutes a uniform color scheme and plays the role of an accent of a rich purple shade. This is a creeping perennial plant that will not create problems in care and will delight with bright colors all spring and the first half of summer. nine0003

Instead of purple, you can also plant pink shaving or choose other plants of the same type, such as saxifrage.

Rocky-gravel composition with marble

Landscaping project for
plot from Sad-dizain

Details . Laconic rocky gardens in the English style look interesting in such places. nine0003

A beautiful structural block, specially crafted to present it from the best angle, is placed on top of a gravel bed. Crushed stone is selected from a rock similar in structure, matching in color or playing in contrast. Nearby are planted cereals with bluish-green foliage, beloved by the British, decorative wormwood, dwarf coniferous trees or bushes. It turns out stylish and elegant.

The dominant of both the first and second groups is a picturesque block shaded by bushes of Alpine sheep

5. Compositions with exclusive stones

The rocky garden is an art object. How do you like this idea? It is quite possible to realize it if you use decorative stones from the Exclusive category. Each of them has a unique shape - one looks like a piece of petrified wood, the other looks like a sculpture carved from stone, the third looks like volcanic lava frozen in a bizarre bend.

An example of such an object is shown in the photo. An unusual hollow block of terracotta hue resembles a piece of ancient Greek amphora thrown ashore from the depths of the sea. The impression is enhanced by the snow-white marble pebbles "Bianco Carrara", and the plants are selected so as not to distract attention from the stone. Unpretentious arabis with delicate greenery and small white flowers looks elegant, but it is only a frame for the main picture. nine0003

An example of decorating a garden with unique natural stones

As you can see, even with a minimal set of stones, you can create stylish compositions. Moreover, a small rockery is more thoughtful. You never get tired of looking at it as a work of art, and every time it reveals new facets.

description of species. Photo instructions on how to plant rockeries on the site

Garden composition or "rocky garden" is a rockery. It has become one of the most beautiful elements of landscape design. The combination of stones and everyone's favorite flower garden and dwarf plants. Rockeries are often placed in an open space for viewing, terraces. nine0003

It looks like a rock garden, but there are two differences: you can place rockeries on flat terrain, any crops will do, not necessarily alpine ones.

Three basic styles for rockeries

You can create a rockery with your own hands, there are the following types:

Temporary rockery is easier to perform, it is arranged on a flat plane or on a hill. You can plant dwarf seedlings, which will later turn into lush bushes. First you need to draw a planting diagram, keep in mind that the planted plant will grow and require more space. nine0003

Stones, as well as dumping, will be temporary, when the bushes grow up, they will need to be replaced with larger ones.

If you want to decorate your garden plot for many years, you need to choose a stable look. To create a rockery, you will need large stones or group small ones. Stones divide rockeries into mini-zones, so it is easier to control the growth of ornamental plants without violating a single composition.

For this type of rockery, it is better to choose slow-growing plants, conifers are not too demanding. From shrubs, small spireas, beautiful barberries or cinquefoil are suitable. nine0003

For lovers of dynamics - changeable rockery. A small area is suitable for him. Plants for rockeries of this type are only large plants, they will be the basis of the overall composition. Then it will be possible to plant other shrubs or ornamental plants.

Proper location of the rockery

Choosing the right place is an important part of the design of the rockery, it affects the aesthetics of the garden. The best option is a small mound or slope. In this place, rockeries look natural. It can also be interesting to arrange in the form of a cascade, mountain valleys, etc. Rockeries are used not only as a design element, but also to prevent soil erosion. nine0003

Recommendations of specialists when choosing a place for a rose garden:

Basic rules for creating rockeries

Professional designers always adhere to a number of rules:

1. Drawing up a scheme of rockeries.

2. Marking the area, you need to remove 20 cm of the topsoil, remove all weeds and roots.

3. Make a drainage system out of broken bricks, gravel or rubble will do, top with sand well, then compact the soil. This will protect the flower garden from excess moisture and weeds. nine0003

Important! Garbage from building materials cannot be used as drainage, it will only harm plants.

1. Pour the substrate over the sand, into which the stones will be laid and the plants will be planted. The substrate is easy to prepare: crushed stone and river sand are well mixed with garden soil.

2. It is better to choose stones in natural shades so that they more emphasize the beauty and brightness of plants. Large stones look much more impressive than small ones. Stones should be half buried in the soil so that under pressure they do not swing and fall out. nine0003

Rockery layouts

For the beauty of rockeries from any point in the garden, you should choose the original layout of the stones. They should be turned away from the plants outwards.

To complete the composition, it is better to take stones of the same breed. Small stones must be securely fastened with glue.

Plants

Proper selection of ornamental crops is the hallmark of a garden. Plants for rockeries are suitable for any, it is important that they stand out beautifully against the background of the overall landscape design. nine0003

Tip! It is better to choose plants that bloom in different months.

In spring, the first flowers are snowdrops and wonderful crocuses. Then tulips bloom, then muscari. With warm days, they will give the beauty of a stalk, sunshine, tenacity, beautiful and phlox (styloid). They look great against the background of greenery.

For a stone embankment, it is necessary to choose not capricious sedums, young adults, saxifrages, as well as ground covers.

The best for rockeries are conifers, they emit useful essential oils, the properties of which are innumerable: they calm the nerves, strengthen the immune system, etc.

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