How do I build a rock garden from scratch?

SwampCatNana 6/4/2012, 3:35 pm

I don't mean what do I plant, I mean how do I make the garden itself into which I will plant things?
I have a pile of largish rocks, 1 of which is embedded so cannot be moved. The rock at the top of the pic is the one which cannot be moved. The rock in the middle, in front of that rock is humongous but will be moved. All the other rocks have been moved to near the embedded rock. How do I build a rock garden from scratch? Dscf3118

How do I build a rock garden from scratch? Dscf3118

All the other debris has been removed and I'm just waiting for the guy to till everything.
So, how do I build a rock garden on which I can plant things? I already have some lemon thyme and a Mazus replans(tri-color).
Lee

boffer 6/4/2012, 3:58 pm

Step 1: Find a couple of strong young men who will work for the veggies that you haven't grown yet. Razz

J/K

A rock garden could be a circle of rocks that enclose garden dirt. Or, a layer of big rocks, filled in with dirt, another layer of smaller rocks on top, filled in with dirt, or...

Can you find a picture that gives us an idea of what you'd like to build?

SwampCatNana 6/4/2012, 4:43 pm

Here are 4 samples - there is one that is very round, I don't like the circle but like the make up of the garden.

How do I build a rock garden from scratch? Rck_gr10

How do I build a rock garden from scratch? Rck_gr10

How do I build a rock garden from scratch? Rck_gr11

How do I build a rock garden from scratch? Rck_gr12

This is the one too round:
How do I build a rock garden from scratch? Rck_gr13

**RoOsTeR** 6/7/2012, 6:22 pm

Being a site dedicated to square foot gardening as a means to grow vegetables, fruit, etc. Google may be your best option.

http://www.wildgingerfarm.com/BuildaRockGarden.htm

http://home.howstuffworks.com/lawn-garden/professional-landscaping/alternative-methods/build-a-rock-garden.htm

http://landscaping.about.com/od/rockgardens/ss/rock_gardens.htm

http://video.about.com/homerenovations/rock-garden.htm

http://www.landscapingideasonline.com/rocks-stones/rock-garden

SwampCatNana 6/7/2012, 8:54 pm

Thanks Rooster - I just thought of everyone hear first off.
Checking the links!
Lee cheers

landarch 6/8/2012, 12:45 am

Random and naturalistic looks the best in my opinion...then just add soil and plant the pockets inbetween the rocks...there are some shrubs that would look good in larger gaps as well as annuals/ perennials.

SwampCatNana 6/8/2012, 11:37 am

landarch wrote:Random and naturalistic looks the best in my opinion...then just add soil and plant the pockets inbetween the rocks...there are some shrubs that would look good in larger gaps as well as annuals/ perennials.

I actually found a site for rock garden plants. I name them all alphabetically, and there are 25 pages of them! However, they give the botanical names not the common ones.
Deciding on what to order is the problem now! Do I make it all one color, or more than one, or all colors? LOL
Lee

**gwennifer** 6/8/2012, 3:35 pm

Those are some great pictures that you found and that Rooster linked to.

#1 rule of thumb landscapers use with rocks: Rocks should be "planted". At least 1/3rd of a rock should be below the soil line for it to look natural sitting there.

You'll see the difference in professional landscapes and home jobs - people don't want to pay $$$ for boulders to be delivered, just to bury them. You've got a great selection there to start with, and with some already embedded you should be able to spot what I mean (if you didn't already know). So now it's just grunt work - haul those other rocks around the embedded one that you won't be moving until you are pleased with their arrangement - avoiding the circle shape that you've stated you don't like. Once you like an arrangment, settle them in properly, and fill in the middle for planting depth - adding more rocks on another layer. Post pictures when you're done!

**RoOsTeR** 6/8/2012, 4:36 pm

You can also look for little plants called steppables. They make great rock garden plants, and like the name implies can be walked on. Most of them are perennial and spread and release a natural scent when walked on. There are many types of thyme that work great for this.

SwampCatNana 6/8/2012, 6:48 pm

Thanks for the suggestions Gwennifer. You're right about the "planting" of racks. What I've read on the links from Rooster, that is what they do.
Had "fun" today. Moved a concrete slab about 10 feet and positioned it to hold some potted plants. Bought a level to make sure it is flat, not tilted. Took some doing but finally got it!
The slab is about 18" square so it's heavy!
Then the thunderstorm rolled in! I had a 12 minute ride in pouring rain, lightening, and thunder. I admit I was a bit afraid b/c the lightening was VERY close. Then I remembered - rubber tires = safe! Thank goodness I had one of those big yellow rain ponchos. Covered me and my scooter!
Lee

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How do I build a rock garden from scratch?

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