- Rockeries can be created in any landscape.Rockery Garden Bournemouth image by RJW from Fotolia.com
Garden rockery refers to rock gardens in a landscape. Rock gardens lend interest to different areas of the garden using well-placed rocks blended with a mixture of low-growing plants and ground covers. Garden rockeries are best located closer to the house or patio, since the small plants look much better from close up than from a distance. The plants used in rockeries are usually low and slow-growing and do well in dry areas. Here are some ideas for your garden rockery. - A miniature rockery fits well at the entrance of the garden and around the patios of small gardens. If well balanced and kept to scale, small rockeries look just as good as larger ones. Smaller rockeries have the advantage of being accessible from all sides, and should include some plants that flower at the same time, and some that will bloom at different times of the year. Evergreens also look good in miniature rockeries.
- Steep slopes can be a challenge to gardeners, and a rockery is the best solution for these areas. Use larger rocks and position them to create an attractive visual balance. The best types of plants for a slope rockery are those that spill over, as well as mounded plants and ornamental grasses. Succulents that thrive in the sun and dry soil are also a good choice.
- If there are steps leading up to your house, rockeries can be created along the steps, or large rocks can be used to build the staircase. This adds a more natural feeling to the landscape and increases the property's visual appeal. Creating steps out of rocks is probably something that you'll need help with, and it's best to use a professional landscaper for advice. Often the rocks are too large for manual lifting. After the rocks are in place, you can fill around them with low-growing plants, ground covers, and low to medium-height grasses. Also, it's best to use plants native to your area.
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