Types Of Rock Gardens And Planting Ideas. Part 1

Types Of Rock Gardens And Planting Ideas

Types Of Rock Gardens And Planting Ideas. Part 1

In this article I would like to tell you a little about rock gardens. There are a lot of options open to us these days to produce a fantastic garden if we put our minds to it.

Scree:A scree in nature is an area of loose rock at the bottom of a gully or cliff. Small stones predominate, but there may be some sizable boulders included. In this competition-free environment a number of splendid alpines may flourish, and there are ways in which a scree can be created in a homes garden.

The most satisfactory method is to dig out a strip of soil from a well , shade free part of a rock garden - ideally this should be between large stones and out as it descends. Inside this dug-out area place an 8 inch layer of scree compost ( one part top soil, one part peat or leaf-mold and 3 parts of grit or gravel ). Another place for a scree is at the boundary between a lawn and a rock garden. Use an edging to keep the small stones off the grass. Where a rockery is absent you can create a scree bed in a sunny spot in the garden. Remove soil from an area and fill it with an 8 inch layer of broken bricks or stones topped with a 2 inch layer of course sand or gravel. Add an 8 inch layer of scree compost to bring the level to the surface.

When planting, shake off as much compost as you can from the roots, when planting is finished place a 1 inch layer of chippings over the surface and under the leaves. A number of small stones bedded into the surface around the plants will improve the appearance of the scree. Recommended plants include Aethionema, Erodium, Penstemon, Phlox and Silene.

Raised Bed:This is an increasingly popular way of growing rock garden plants, easier, cheaper and less space-demanding than a rockery. A height of 3 ft. is recommended and the retaining walls can be made with bricks, stone, reconstituted stone or railway sleepers. Where space permits, an upper terrace or a series of terraces can be built on the bed to create extra interest and a place for trailing plants. Clear away any perennial weeds before you begin and lay a concrete foundation if the walls are to be more that 1 ft. high. Provide weep-holes at the base if mortar-bonded bricks, blocks or stones are the building material.

When the walls are finished, add a layer of bricks, rubble or stones if the soil below is not free draining. Cover with grit and fill with standard planting mixture. Leave a 2 inch space between the surface and the top of the retaining wall and wait a few weeks before introducing the plants. Top up if necessary. Choice and planting technique are the same as for the rock garden.

The use of trailing types to partially cover the top of the retaining walls is especially important. Cover the soil with a 1 inch layer of stone chippings - the use of larger stones is a matter of personal taste but the are an aid to plant growth because the plants themselves can grow over the rocks and create a wonderful look.

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