It is often said that beauty lies in simplicity. Rock gardens embody that saying. With a bit of thoughtful planning, what initially seems like a bland mixture of rocks and plants can, in skilled hands, quickly turn into the peaceful retreat that any home needs.
If you’ve been playing with the idea of building your rockery for a while, you’re in luck. Below, we will walk you through the whole process of making a rockery. We will also share some maintenance tips to keep it looking gorgeous for months and years.
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Why should you consider building a rockery?
Rock gardens are a relatively low-maintenance solution you can use regardless of your free space.
But don’t be fooled by their initially plain looks – depending on how each rock is positioned, rockeries can provide a suitable habitat for an astonishingly wide range of plant species.
For example, a rock’s south-facing side can be suitable for growing sun-loving plants, while shade-tolerant species will feel right at home protected by the shadow of its north-facing side, as James Allan at Puma Landscaping Edinburgh points out.
“Some rockery plants that simply love the sun are Dianthus, Sisyrinchium and Verbascum. Alpine campanulas are particularly recommended, they have a carpeting habit and produce lots of blue, white and purple bell-shaped flowers,” says James Allan.
“For the shadier side of a rockery, there are plenty of options too. A few plants that will thrive on the north side include Aquilegia, Brunnera, Campanula, Cyclamen, Lysimachia, Omphalodes, Pulmonaria, Tellima, Tiarella, Vinca, and hardy ferns.”
When is the best time to make a rock garden?
While every season is suitable for making a rock garden, spring is the best time to cultivate your rock garden construction. This way, you will not only enjoy a rich choice of plants but also give the vegetation enough time to grow healthy root systems.
This will enable it to prepare for the damp English winter. Of course, you can also prepare the foundation during winter and add rocks and plants later.
How to determine the best spot for your creation
Before doing anything, research your microclimate. If you’re wondering, a microclimate is basically a tiny variation in the “general climate” that is unique to your area. No matter how tiny, these quirks can make or break a garden. Studying them closely will ensure your rockery remains healthy and captivating.
When building a rockery, there are some rules of thumb to remember:
- Try to find an area without overhanging trees or tree roots. This will ensure that your plants receive a healthy dose of sunlight throughout the day.
- Find a spot with excellent drainage. Otherwise, you may need raised beds to create suitable conditions for Alpine inhabitants.
- Beware of frost pockets. If you live near hills or the terrain is marked by many dips, hollows, or dells, you may have to take extra measures to protect your garden. During chilly evenings, such locations can “trap” cold air, which will then sink to the ground and accumulate in low points of your garden, subjecting your plants to dangerous frosts.
Additionally, ensure you create planting pockets between main rocks by adding a layer of topsoil among the rocks to support plant growth and stability.
Designing your rock garden
Designing a rock garden requires careful consideration of the space, climate, and plants you want to feature. Here are some tips to get started:
- Consider the slope of your garden: Use the natural slope to create a cascading effect with your rocks and plants. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps with proper drainage, which is crucial for a thriving rock garden.
- Think about plant selection: Choose plants that thrive in your garden’s specific conditions. Alpine plants are an excellent choice as they are well-suited to rocky environments and require plenty of drainage.
- Variety of rocks and stones: Use a mix of large and small rocks to create a natural, layered look. This mimics the natural environment of alpine regions and provides different microclimates for various plants.
- Landscape fabric: Consider using landscape fabric to prevent weeds and retain moisture in the soil. This will save you time on maintenance and help your plants thrive.
Types of plants that will go well with your rockery
Rock gardens mimic the right conditions for alpine plant species since they live in areas where rocky mountain slopes, sandy soil, heavy rocks, good drainage, and plenty of sunlight are easy to come by.
However, this doesn’t mean your options are limited to evergreens. Traditional rock gardens often incorporate alpine plants, which thrive in high elevation and rocky conditions, making them an excellent fit for such landscapes.
Here are some of the more attractive plants you can grow based on seasonality:
- Spring flowering (evergreens): Euphorbia myrsinites; Gentiana acaulis;
- Spring flowering (deciduous): Arabis ferdinandi-coburgi; Primula rosea;
- Summer flowering (evergreens): Dianthus alpinus; Phlox douglasii;
- Summer flowering (deciduous): Asperula lilaciflora; Erigeron aurantiacus;
- Autumn flowering (evergreens): Sternbergia lutea; Zauschneria californica;
- Winter flowering: Crocus laevigatus, Aquilegia laramiensis; Moltkia petraea.
Check out more of the most popular rockery plants here.
How to build a rockery from scratch
Prepare for the task ahead
Sketching a quick plan of the area you want to transform into a majestic rockery is just the start of making a rockery.
You will also need to take into account several other factors, such as whether the terrain is level (if it is, you will have to improvise a slope or a mound for proper drainage), if there is any underground pipework you need to worry about, how much sunlight and shade your rockery is going to receive at all times all year round and, of course, what’s the most “scenic” angle you can view it from.
Of course, you also need to remember the size of your project. If you’re planning on building a large-scale rockery, you will most likely need to hire excavators and other professional equipment to create optimal drainage conditions for your leafy inhabitants.
Smaller projects can usually be done with regular gardening tools. However, it might be wise to pack a crowbar as well since it will help you lift bulky rocks.
Gather the required materials
Here is what you will typically need to build a small to medium-sized garden rockery.
- A crowbar for moving the biggest (keystone) rocks around;
- Shovel for moving soil, rake for spreading compost and a trowel for planting;
- A selection of alpine or other suitable plant species;
- A mix of weed-free topsoil, horticultural grit and leaf mould;
- Permeable landscape fabric/polythene sheet or inverted turves;
- Broken pots, small stones, old bricks, and other hardcore materials;
- Rocks of varied sizes (preferably locally sourced, such as slate, granite, or sandstone).
Bring your rockery to life
- Mark the boundaries. Use pegs and a string to define the area where your rockery will be raised. You can also get marker spray from your local hardware store.
- Remove weeds. These parasitic plants simply have to disappear. Start by handweeding them and using a herbicide to kill more resilient weeds, such as bindweed or ground elder.
- Add a 15-cm-deep base. Set the stage for your rockery with broken bricks/pots, gravel or pea shingle. The base will improve drainage and act as support for the rocks. Ensure that the topsoil you use is free of small weed seeds to prevent future weed growth.
- Separate the base layer from the compost. You can do this with a layer of permeable landscape fabric. This will also discourage weeds from growing between the rocks. Alternatively, you can also use a polythene sheet with small holes made at 10 cm intervals or inverted turves (matted earth formed by mixing grass with plant roots).
- Place the large rocks first. Use your spade to dig out small hollows for each stone, then take the crowbar and move your keystones into position. Figure out which direction your garden is facing (north, south, west, or east) to place your rocks at just the right angles and create the perfect microclimate for your plants. Use large rocks as foundational elements to create a natural, sloped aesthetic.
- Mix your compost and add it around the rocks. Use the mixture to fill in the areas underneath and the gaps between each rock to keep them firmly in place.
- Grab a rake and spread the compost. Spread out the mix evenly across the entire rockery space, making sure not to compact the mix in the process.
- Add the living components to your garden. Start by placing your potted plants in the desired spots in your garden. Once you’re happy with the arrangement, gently transfer each plant from its pot to the compost mix, and top-dress them with gravel or grit.
- Add a mulch layer and small rocks on top. Cover the area with tiny stones. This will hold the compost in place and give your space that distinct rockery garden look.
Building on a slope
Building a rock garden on a slope can be a great way to create a natural-looking feature. Here are some tips to get started:
- Clear the area: Start by removing any debris or weeds from the slope. This will give you a clean slate to work with.
- Stable base: Use a mix of large and small rocks to create a stable base for your garden. This will prevent soil erosion and provide a solid foundation for your plants.
- Level surface: Consider using broken bricks or smaller stones to create a level surface for planting. This will ensure your plants have a stable environment to grow in.
- Even spacing: Use a level to ensure rocks are evenly spaced and level. This will create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing rock garden.
Planting in pockets
Planting in pockets is a very effective way to create a natural-looking rock garden. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Stable base: Use a mix of small rocks and soil to create a stable base for your plants. This will provide good drainage and support for the plants.
- Choose suitable plants: Select plants that are well-suited to planting in pockets, such as alpine plants or succulents. These plants thrive in the well-drained conditions provided by planting pockets.
- Allow for growth: Plant the plants in a way that allows for their mature size and spread. This will ensure that each plant has enough space to grow and thrive.
- Well-draining compost: Use a well-draining compost mix to prevent waterlogged soil. This is essential for the health of your rockery plants.
Mulching and watering
Mulching and watering are important steps in maintaining a healthy rock garden. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Mulch layer: Use a layer of mulch, such as gravel or grit, to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds. This will help keep your rock garden looking neat and tidy.
- Regular watering: Water your plants regularly, but make sure not to overwater. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.
- Drip irrigation: Consider using a drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots of the plants. This is an efficient way to water your rock garden and helps prevent disease.
- Avoid wet leaves: Try to avoid getting water on the leaves or stems of the plants to prevent disease. Watering at the base of the plants is the best approach.
Pruning and inspecting
Pruning and inspecting are important steps in maintaining a healthy rock garden. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Regular pruning: Prune your plants regularly to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth. This will keep your rock garden looking its best.
- Inspect for issues: Inspect your plants regularly for signs of disease or pests. Early detection can help prevent serious problems.
- Clean tools: Use a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears to prune your plants. This will make clean cuts and reduce the risk of disease.
- Disinfect tools: Make sure to disinfect your pruning shears between cuts to prevent the spread of disease. This is especially important if you are pruning diseased plants.
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Some alpine rockery words of maintenance wisdom
With your rockery complete, it’s time to learn how to preserve its majestic appeal in the long term. For starters, you need to know that just because your garden is mostly made of rocks doesn’t necessarily mean it’s immune to pests and future weeds.
Some of the troublemakers you should keep an eye out for are ants, birds, slugs and the most serious offenders of them all – aphids and vine weevils. If the latter two are giving you a major headache, check out our guide on how to combat these pesky insects using natural methods.
To maintain your garden healthy, you also need to:
- Promptly remove any fallen leaves and cut back any overgrown plants come autumn;
- Identify, label, and cover any plants that are not likely to survive the winter on their own;
- Enforce weed control measures every chance you get, regardless of the season;
- Be careful with your watering regime to avoid root rot issues down the line.
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Just like any garden, even the unconventional rockery landscape will very much rely on your undivided love and attention for its survival.
From picking the right tools and plants to preparing the area for your to-be garden, you need to be dedicated from start to finish if you hope to end up with something truly special.
So, take a deep breath, make a checklist of all the things we’ve mentioned thus far and you should be looking at a “Rock Garden of the Year” nominee in no time.
By following these tips, you can create and maintain a beautiful and healthy rock garden that will be the envy of your neighbourhood.
Did we miss anything? How about you – do you have any rockery building tips of your own? Let your voice be heard by writing us in the comment section below and make sure to follow us on social media so you don’t miss out any future bits of gardening wisdom.
