The most difficult part of rock garden landscaping is hauling in the stone and placing each stone in the most attractive way. Once the stone has been placed in the space you have designated as your rock garden, small shrubs, perennials and annual flowers can find their place in time. The plants you choose will be largely dependent on the area you live in and the climate.
Useful Rock Garden Landscaping Ideas
Homeowners who are located in the desert southwestern area of the United States do not have much to choose from except plants that thrive in the desert climate and cacti. Even so, their rock garden landscaping ideas can create a very attractive focal point for their home, and one great advantage is that a desert rock garden will require very little maintenance. Although the water supply may be limited in arid regions, a small water fountain that recirculates water can add charm, and it can be turned on or off whenever the homeowner chooses to do so.
Rock gardens have many uses even in climates that are not naturally dry. Many people choose to surround the water feature in their landscape with a rock garden, and the stone and landscape material can be combined to create the illusion that the pond or waterfall has always been a part of their landscape. The relaxing sound of water trickling over stones is something that most people would love to have in their back yard.
One of the most used rock garden landscaping ideas is eliminating a steep slope or area in the landscape that is difficult to mow. Using a combination of large, medium and small rocks interspersed with attractive flowers and small shrubs turns a problem area into an attractive landscape feature.
Some homeowners are not sure how to deal with a low area in their landscape that collects and holds rainwater. This can be a problem when the area stays too wet to mow and tall grass and weeds begin to grow there. Creating a rock garden in the area is an effective way to solve the problem. It should be noted that plants that need a lot of water such as cattails or pampas grass should be planted there.
Creating a rock garden takes time even after the strenuous work of moving the rocks is done. Experts recommend that the ground be allowed to settle around the rocks for a season before placing the plants. This is especially important if the location is in a climate that experiences seasonal freezing and thawing. The dirt around the rocks can settle somewhat, and rain may wash some of it away. Sowing some grass seeds in the areas around the rocks may prevent erosion to some extent and provide a base in which to place the plants in the future.
Most people begin their rock garden with a short ground cover that will creep into the small spaces and cracks between the rocks. While the soil is settling and the ground cover is getting established, there is time to research which plants and flowers will work best for your rock garden landscaping ideas. Checking with the local gardening center for advice on which plants to choose is a great option, and the experts there can provide tips on when and how to plant.
Whether the rock garden is to be just a small feature in the landscape or an impressive undertaking, it is essential to become educated about the process ahead of time. There is nothing so disappointing as realizing the plan you have in your mind is not possible in your landscape.
