Rock Gardening
Article by Jack Landry
Rock gardens are a relatively new form of gardening and landscaping. They exhibit a different kind of beauty and upkeep.
These gardens are a form of art and a dear hobby to many people. Gardening has become a beloved pastime for the older generations especially love spending time creating beauty.
This form of gardening is also a time efficient alternative for those with naturally rocky terrain. Instead of removing the rocks, they can simply utilize them.
Rock gardens originated in the Swiss Alps where tourists fell in love with the rocky terrain and the plants that lived there. They began to replicate this landscape in their own homes and yards when they returned home.
These rock gardens varied in shape and size and texture. Depending on the size of the yard, these gardens can be elaborate affairs or simple decorations.
You can include waterfalls and ponds, or simple flower arrangements and statues. Rock gardens can take on a Japanese Zen garden theme, a rock-only theme, or another theme all together.
The rock garden will reflect the expertise and personality of the owner. They are a great way to add your own personal touch to your home.
When beginning your design of your rock garden, consider using the rock that is already found in your area. This rock will be relatively cheap because of its local availability and it will naturally fit in with the surroundings.
This natural look is an important touch. However, there should still be a wide variety of rock types from which you can make your selection.
It is also advised that you should select several different types of rock to add a variance in color and texture to your garden. This is part of what makes the garden a form of art.
After you select your rocks, arrange them the way that you would like them to look. Before doing anything else to the garden, allow these rocks to settle down for a few weeks as this will impact the soil and other surroundings.
A few rocks may need to be moved if they are not stable enough. This time will also allow you to develop how you would like the rest of the garden to look.
The plants you decide to add to your rock garden will need to be able to survive in your climate. These plants should also fit in with your rock garden and the natural scenery.
Keeping these things in mind, add your personal touch through the plants you select. These plants could be your favorite flowers and the design you have developed.
It will be important for the plants to have the right kind of soil. They will need a rich, light textured soil that has the ideal draining qualities.
Rock gardens tend to develop water stagnation, which harms the plants found in the rock garden. Natural soil enriching materials, such as compost or manure, are the most ideal when developing the soil to plant as they will drain away the water more effectively.
However, the plants do need water. You may consider installing a timed watering system to save time.
On the other hand, a watering can may be your most economical option as there are generally very few plants in a rock garden. Of course the plants may need plant food, weeding, and other typical maintenance procedures.
After these plants are planted, let them develop for a few weeks. This will give you an idea of what the finished garden will look like and help them develop roots before too much is done to the garden.
When the plants are firmly established you can add other decorations to the garden. Strategically place matching lawn chairs or tables around your garden.
You may consider purchasing a water fountain or setting up a waterfall. Water completely changes a setting.
If you decide that you do not like your rock garden, try adding an ornamental piece that involves water. Water can change something ugly into something beautiful.
Place statues and family decorations in other strategic locations to make the garden interesting and to firmly state the garden is yours. Be careful not to overload the garden with accessories, or this will undermine your previous hard work.
Rock gardens can be richly rewarding and an economic form of landscaping.
About the Author
Jack R. Landry is a former landscaping architect and has authored hundreds of articles relating to the industry and Las Vegas landscapers. He owned his own landscaping business for over 15 years.
Contact Info:Jack R. LandryjackRLandry@gmail.comhttp://greengurulandscaping.com
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