Rock Garden Design and Planning

To build, or not to build, a rock garden is the question with us. Answerman, what counsel? Can you fit this kind of garden properly into your home landscape without the effect of being unnatural? Is there a bank or slope that could be utilized in making the garden? Have you access to natural rock material that could be used? If the area is all level, is there a section where low, natural rock outcrops could be simulated? The extent of the garden will be determined by the time, labor, and money that can be spent on it. A rock garden is costly to build and time-consuming to maintain. These are the facts that need to be considered in deciding to built - or not to build.

Will I have as much color in a rock garden as in other kinds of gardens? The floral display will be concentrated between early spring and mid-June. From then on your enjoyment will come mostly from pleasing mats and mounds and spreading foliage effects; these are decidedly worth while.

How can I best fit a rock garden into my place? Use, if you have it, a somewhat steep slope, not overhung by foliage. A natural ledge of porous rock, of acceptable, weathered appearance, and provided with deep fissures, is idea. Where such a ledge lies buried, it pays to expose and use it.

What exposure is best for a rock garden? For easy-to-grow, sun-loving plants, such as many sedums, pinks, and rock-cresses, any exposure but a north one. For gardens containing also more finicky, choicer plants, if along a building or a fence, an east exposure; otherwise, an open slope facing east or northeast. As between south and north slopes, choose the latter.