Create a Rock Garden in the City

Did you know that rock gardens are a great way to express yourself in a small space? Like any garden, no two are the same so you can feel free to let your imagination take charge. Rock gardens thrive in nearly any region, including the city. In fact, because of their smaller size, rock gardens are ideal for fitting into small spaces. Rock gardens are low maintenance and drought tolerant, which works especially well for busy city dwellers. Were you aware that rock gardens are not limited to growing just alpine plants? You may be surprised to learn that many plants actually enjoy the company of rocks. Rock garden plants can be as diverse as the garden itself, from annuals, perennials, and bulbs to grasses, shrubs, and small trees. Rock gardens are one of the few types of garden designs where you'll find both sun-loving, heat and drought-tolerant plants growing alongside shade-loving, cool and moist-tolerant plants-happily.

How does this work? Within rock niches and pockets, exist many different microclimates, all with different needs. Plants also have different needs, so finding some that match these little habitats is actually quite easy. Dwarf marigolds, ageratum, poppies, and blanket flowers are among some of the ideal annual selections. Perennial favorites include daisies, bellflowers, lady's mantle, yarrow, columbine, ice plant, sea lavender, lamb's ear, and more. Some commonly used bulbs for rock gardens include crested iris, allium, crocus, tulip, cyclamen, and Siberian squill. Fountain grass, azalea shrubs, and creeping juniper help provide even more beauty in the rock garden. Rock gardens can also provide year-round interest and greenery, especially when dwarf conifers like cypress or Siberian spruce are implemented into the design. Choose a variety of shapes for adding dimension and additional interest. Don't forget those succulents. They always make natural choices for the rock garden. Century plant, sedum, houseleek, jade plant, and cacti are among those most used.

So how do you get started? Plan, plan, plan. Choose rocks that are natural to your area. And you thought a rock was just a rock. Not so. Rocks, of course, are going to be the most important visual element of the garden. Examine your surroundings and the types of rocks found there. You want your rock garden to mimic nature, blending into the environment, not sticking out like a sore thumb. Work with rocks, not against them. Chances are you probably already have more than a few on hand. Research plants suitable to your area as well. While this may seem time consuming, it will actually save time and money later. You don't want to plant something that won't thrive. Design your rock garden for all seasons, choosing plants that provide unique interest at varying times. However, make sure that all plants chosen share similar growing habits.

Rocks should not only be natural looking but positioned as if arranged by Mother Nature herself. Always place the largest rocks in the garden first. Arrange groups of rocks, in varying sizes and shapes, through out the rock garden. Make sure all rocks are securely placed by partially burying them. Allow rock surfaces to slant back slightly into the ground. Prepare plant pockets, filled with suitable well-draining soil, before adding any plants into the rock garden. Important points to consider as to the placement of plants are the type of rocks used. For instance, porous rocks like sandstone and tufa are good for alpine and moisture-loving plantings. These rocks keep the roots cool and moist as they absorb water. Nonporous rocks, such as marble and granite, are ideal for the more drought-tolerant and heat-loving plantings. Also, choose plants in scale with the size of the rock garden, arranging them in a natural manner as well, spilling over rocks or nestled within crevices. Don't forget to mulch when you're done. While fine gravel or pebbles are ideal, as they are more natural looking, shredded bark or other organic forms of mulch can be used as well. Rocks can often soak up a lot of heat, making the rock garden hot and taking moisture away. Adding mulch will help retain moisture while keeping plants cool.