How to Put Down Rock Lawn/Desert Landscape

Rock gardens provide a simple, low-maintenance landscape.

Rock and desert landscapes are an easy way to create an attractive garden or lawn that needs little work. They can replace nearly any lawn or garden and can be used in any climate. Rock gardens provide tranquility are often seen in Buddhist sanctuaries. Rock gardens can have no plants or a few plants found in desert or hot, dry climates. Personalize the garden by adding unique decorative rocks that appeal to you.

Things You'll Need

• Black and white newspaper
• Black, synthetic mulch
• Gravel
• Decorative structures
• Plants
• Knife
• Shovel

Instructions

1. Remove the plants and structures that you don't want in the new landscape as well as any debris until only lawn is left.

2. Spread black and white newspaper over the entire lawn so it overlaps and each section has 10 sheets of paper on it. Unroll a black, permanent, synthetic mulch over the newspaper to hold it in place and secure the mulch around the edges with a border that follows the theme such as rocks. If a border is not desired, use landscape pins to hold the mulch in place. Use a small, solid rock border or fence if using sand to help contain it.

3. Spread either sand or small decorative gravel across the area as a foundation for the landscape. Various rock choices are available including pea gravel, river rock, crushed rock, cobblestone and lava rock. Choose one type of rock or use a combination to add texture and divide the garden. For example, pea gravel could make up the base of the yard but lava rock would make a separate walking path stand out. Gravel is easier to maintain than sand because it doesn't blow around in the wind or spread outside of the yard. Dump the gravel or sand in the center of yard and use a rake to spread evenly.

4. Add decorative elements to the landscape. Rock structures like upright rock slabs or marble statues work well. Add a simple bench and rock waterfall for a relaxing sitting area.

5. Plant easy-to-care-for perennials in the landscape for some foliage and color. Tall decorative grasses and native plants work well and need little care. Some lilies can be planted between rocks and will thrive, especially in sunny locations. Add cacti or other succulents into a garden with a desert landscape and the climate to support them. Push aside the gravel and cut an "X" in the plastic mulch to add a plant. Dig a hole for the plant and set it in the ground. Remember to water it regularly since the synthetic mulch doesn't always allow enough rain water to run into the ground.

References

• Colorado State University; Rock Gardens -- Alternatives to Turf; James Feucht
• Plant Talk Colorado: Perennials for the Rock Garden
• Colorado State University Extension; Xeriscaping -- Retrofit Your Yard; J.R. Feucht, et al.; May 2006
• Colorado State University; Mulching with Wood/Bark Chips, Grass Clippings, and Rock; David Whiting, et al.; Dec. 2009
• Plant Talk Colorado: Xeriscape Mulches