How to Create a Rock Garden

Recreate the look of a rugged mountain landscape in your backyard by creating a rock garden. If landscape is sloped, rocky, shaded or extremely dry, a rock garden may be an ideal choice. Traditionally, rock gardens were created to cultivate mountain plants found in the Swiss Alps. For a minimalist and calming effect, a Japanese zen rock garden may be the right choice.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Choose the types of rocks and stones for the rock garden. Softer rocks tend to be more effective in obtaining the natural, weathered look desired in a rock garden. Also, keep the type of rocks uniform in terms of texture and color.

2. Begin the search for stones by simply asking around. Often people are willing to give stones away for free since they are hard to transport and dispose of. Many construction companies are willing to give rocks away when they are found at their construction sites. Rocks can also be purchased from quarries.

3. Arrange the stones. For a more natural look, make sure the rocks appear to be well-grounded. Stay away from patterns. If a Japanese zen garden is the goal, the amount of rocks used should be minimal.

4. Choose the plants for the rock garden. They are usually smaller species that prefer dry soil with less water. The plants should be generally low maintenance. A wide variety of plants can work, depending on the climate in which the rock garden will exist. In colder climates, use traditional alpine plants. For warmer climates, consider using plants such as cacti.

5. Prepare the soil for the plants by mixing sand with the soil. Plants that live amongst rocks need to be in extremely dry soil that drains quickly.

6. Arrange the plants in a natural way. To achieve this, avoid symmetry, patterns and even distribution.