Rock Garden Design: Alpine Beauty in Your Backyard

The Appeal of Rock Gardens

Rock gardens showcase tough, low-growing plants in a setting that mimics mountain environments. They're perfect for slopes, dry areas, or anywhere you want low-maintenance beauty with year-round interest.

Site Selection

• Choose a spot with excellent drainage
• Slopes are ideal—water runs off naturally
• Full sun suits most rock garden plants
• Avoid areas where water collects

Building the Foundation

1. Remove existing vegetation and amend soil for drainage
2. Add gravel or sand to heavy clay soil
3. Position largest rocks first, burying 1/3 to 1/2 in soil
4. Create pockets between rocks for planting
5. Top-dress with gravel to keep crowns dry

Classic Rock Garden Plants

• Creeping phlox: Carpet of spring color
• Sedums: Succulent foliage, drought-proof
• Sempervivums: Hen and chicks in endless varieties
• Dianthus: Fragrant, heat-tolerant
• Aubrieta: Cascades of purple spring flowers
• Thyme: Fragrant, low-growing, attracts bees
• Ice plant: Brilliant flowers, extremely drought-tolerant

Design Principles

• Use rocks of consistent type for natural appearance
• Position rocks to appear as natural outcroppings
• Create different microclimates with rock placement
• Allow plants to soften rock edges
• Leave some bare rock for visual rest

Maintenance

Rock gardens are low-maintenance once established:

• Weed regularly while plants establish
• Water deeply but infrequently
• Remove dead foliage in spring
• Divide overcrowded plants every few years
• Top up gravel mulch as needed