When creating paths through or to a rock garden, it is best to make the widths of path vary at points, instead of making it uniform throughout the entire path. By creating variation, the pathway becomes much more eye-catching. Consider placing islands of rockwork in or near the expansion points on the pathway. You can bring the soil level up to these rocks to create tiers, resulting in irregular pockets of rock gardens.
It is best to create rock gardens at different levels, but not in a series of parallel terraces, as this looks artificial. Instead, the bold rock pieces should be used at different intervals, creating ramparts, where trailing plants can be added. Delicate plants that blanket the rocks will create a picturesque setting!
When adding items to a rock garden, like statuary or wall fountains, it is important that they continue to match the rock theme.
Rocks should not be buried to deeply into the ground, but should be buried about ¼ of the rocks height, which will securely anchor the rock. The placement of the rocks need to have some order, and should not just be set in a random fashion. It is also best to place all flat rocks in a slightly tilted position, to create the natural tilt of rocks in nature.
Rocks should not be set on ends, if possible. If height is what is desired, place a few bold masses together instead, with some smaller pieces leading up to the mass, as this is what occurs in nature. The bare pockets of soil should vary in size and shape as well. They should never be a repeated form.
If your rock garden needs steps, create rough steps from stone. These steps may be built of flat rock pieces, their crevices being filled with soil, in which rock-foils and stone crops may afterward be encouraged to grow. Be careful with overloading the soil, as it will run down your steps with each run.
The addition of steps always looks best if placed between two adjacent mounds, then just placing steps to a higher elevation. Visit a well made rock garden to get an idea of this process. This will help you understand how to create a natural look, and how to place your rocks effectively.
In recent years, the building of rock gardens has greatly increased. A rock garden allows you to grow and showcase a wide variety of low stature plants, that would be covered and get lost in your border or flower beds
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Some rock gardens focus simply on the rock formations, and are done so perfectly that they appear to be a natural rock outcropping. Other rock gardens are created to showcase specific small plants. The garden can be expensive, costing hundreds of dollars depending on the desired effect.
The idea behind creating a rock garden is to create something that looks natural, and appearances that appear artificial should be avoided. The advantage of working with Mother Nature is that she will do her best, if cared for, to hide any shortcomings!
