A rock garden can be an interesting addition to any garden, however large or small. The important thing to get right in a rock garden is to ensure there is sufficient drainage. Do not be tempted to just half bury some rocks in a bed and call it a rock garden – it’s not a rock garden, it’s some rocks in a bed!

If you are building a rock garden you need to start with a foundation of rocks and stones. A layer of stone to ensure good drainage from the start is a good base to work from. Then you can add a few large rocks that will protrude from the top of the garden, and fill in the spaces with increasingly smaller rocks. Eventually you can cover the stones in a layer gritty soil, creating pockets between the rocks in which your plants will grow.

Sandstone and limestone are the most common stone to use for a rockery, but you may prefer to use local stone.

 
Alpine plants and heathers will thrive in a good rock garden. Plant a few creeping ground cover plants to quickly fill in spaces and creep over the rocks, giving a natural look. Aubretia, creeping broom, sempervivum (also known as houseleeks), helianthemums (also known as rock roses), sedums and lewisia are all good plants to start with. Visit your local nursery or garden centre for more advice on plants.

 

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