What are rock gardens? Delicate but hardy alpine plants on cold European
mountainside? There is no rule that says you can’t build a rockery in the
tropics. In cold areas true alpines flourish, but in warmer zones swap these
for any number of suitable paints. Almost any low growing plant can be used:
dwarf shrubs, trailing perennials, annuals, bulbs, ferns, groundcovers and
more.
Planning counts. Choose site, rocks and plants with care. Plan the whole thing out on paper: the general shape and style of the garden; where major rocks will go; what sort of plants you want to show off; the overall feeling. Use bush and creek beds for inspiration. florist manila delivery in USA with the help of philippinesflowersdelivery.com/
Preparing the site
First decide where, choose an open, sunny site, though a semi open position is fine if you like shades lovers. Choose a spot reasonably well protected from strong winds, as rockeries dry out quickly; not too close to trees as their roots and overhanging branches cause problems; not in damp or very dry parts of a garden. The size is up to you, though keep in mind that the finished results should have pleasing proportions about three to four times as wide as it is high. Rock gardens are perfect where you already have a natural outcrop of the rock, or any slope, where water drains away easily. Even on flat ground, as long as the rockery is raised above soil level, drainage is no problem.
The best type of soil is friable loam, tending towards sandy loam. Improve the consistency of heavy clay soil by digging in organic matter, compost, peat moss or old farmyard manure. If your soil is a really solid clay, buy topsoil and build the rockery on that. Light soils seldom need additives. Making soils rich mean plants may grow too well, quickly out growing their sites. A little peat moss to increase moisture retention is needed. Do make sure to dig out persistent weeds. Difficult to remove later, they will compete with plants for nutrients and water.
Choosing and positioning the rocks
Aim to make the garden look as natural as possible. Choose rock that is at home in your setting, and try to stick to one type; a “Geological collection” of novelty rocks will look artificial and call attention to themselves, detracting from plants. Choose light weight, porous rocks, such as sand stone or slate, which absorbs moistures.
Planning counts. Choose site, rocks and plants with care. Plan the whole thing out on paper: the general shape and style of the garden; where major rocks will go; what sort of plants you want to show off; the overall feeling. Use bush and creek beds for inspiration. florist manila delivery in USA with the help of philippinesflowersdelivery.com/
Preparing the site
First decide where, choose an open, sunny site, though a semi open position is fine if you like shades lovers. Choose a spot reasonably well protected from strong winds, as rockeries dry out quickly; not too close to trees as their roots and overhanging branches cause problems; not in damp or very dry parts of a garden. The size is up to you, though keep in mind that the finished results should have pleasing proportions about three to four times as wide as it is high. Rock gardens are perfect where you already have a natural outcrop of the rock, or any slope, where water drains away easily. Even on flat ground, as long as the rockery is raised above soil level, drainage is no problem.
The best type of soil is friable loam, tending towards sandy loam. Improve the consistency of heavy clay soil by digging in organic matter, compost, peat moss or old farmyard manure. If your soil is a really solid clay, buy topsoil and build the rockery on that. Light soils seldom need additives. Making soils rich mean plants may grow too well, quickly out growing their sites. A little peat moss to increase moisture retention is needed. Do make sure to dig out persistent weeds. Difficult to remove later, they will compete with plants for nutrients and water.
Choosing and positioning the rocks
Aim to make the garden look as natural as possible. Choose rock that is at home in your setting, and try to stick to one type; a “Geological collection” of novelty rocks will look artificial and call attention to themselves, detracting from plants. Choose light weight, porous rocks, such as sand stone or slate, which absorbs moistures.
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