A rock garden is a small pile of plants. It is best to start in the fall, but spring is not impossible. Before winter sets in, the plants will be well rooted and ready to delight you in the spring. The real leaders in this field are the Japanese, and they know which stones and plants to place where to get really great results.
This type of garden takes a lot of time to set up as well as maintain, so it is best to think about whether this is the right approach first. Those with less time may prefer to garden in a smaller space. The least taxing spaces for rock gardens are stone troughs or simply containers.
Plants should be placed on the east or south side of the garden, but if this is not possible, they can be placed elsewhere. In any case, they should not be planted near deciduous trees. If a deciduous tree falls over, the entire garden will become unclean.
Before starting a rock garden, it is a good idea to prepare the ground with stones and create an image of the rock garden. The stones should be evenly distributed and placed at a slight angle or vertically, with the trench facing east or west. The soil needs to be well aerated, so mixing in sand is recommended.
Various types of rock gardens are available at garden stores. Before planting, moisture and habitat requirements should be investigated. Succulents, sedges, trefoil, and other plants that prefer direct sunlight will do well in a southern orientation, while alpine plants will struggle in this area because of their high moisture requirements. Creeping plants are best suited for the upper part of the rock garden, while plants suitable for partial shade are best suited for the lower part.
After planting, plants must be given adequate moisture. After watering, covering the surface with gravel, which retains moisture, is recommended.
If you want to create a rock garden but are not sure if you can do it, you can use the services of a garden center. There, an expert will design a rock garden according to your preferences and install it with your approval. They will also provide you with the necessary instructions for future maintenance.