Small Corner Rock Garden Ideas. I have been looking to have a smallish garden area, and I was thinking that it would be possible to build a raised bed, and then put rocks in the gaps between the rows. So then all the plants could live, like herbs or flowers. I imagine that this kind of arrangement would also look good by my front door, where my steps lead down to the sidewalk and street.
How to create a small rock garden in one’s backyard
Assuming you have a small yard, you can create a rock garden with some simple tips. You will need to buy rocks, soil, and plants. If you want to add mulch, gravel, or sand to your rock garden, be sure to purchase these materials as well.
1) Decide on the placement of your rock garden. Once you have found the perfect spot, mark off the area with string or landscape paint so you know where to stop digging.
2) Dig a hole that is about 6 inches deep and 2 feet wide. The size of your hole will depend on how many rocks and plants you plan on adding to your garden.
3) Add 3-4 inches of soil to the bottom of the hole. This will help drainage for your plants.
4) Place rocks around the edge of the hole, creating a border. Make sure the rocks are touching each other so they stay in place.
5) Add more soil to the center of the hole, filling it in around the rocks. Be sure to pack down the soil so it is firm and secure.
6) Plant your desired flowers or shrubs in the center of the garden. Be sure to water them regularly so they thrive in their new home!
7) Add mulch, gravel, or sand to the top of the soil. This will give your garden a finished look and help keep weeds at bay.
The different types of plants that you may want to include
There are many different types of plants that you can choose to include in your rock garden, and the best way to figure out which ones you want is to first consider what kinds of plants you like. Do you prefer sun-loving or shade-loving plants? Do you want low-growing groundcover, medium-sized shrubs, or tall trees? Once you’ve decided on the basic plant type, then you can start narrowing down your choices by looking at specific varieties.
Some popular sun-loving plants for rock gardens include Sedum (stonecrop), Diamorpha fragrans (spreading pygmyflower), Othonna capensis (ruby mist flower), and Delosperma cooperi (ice plant). Shade-loving plants that do well in rock gardens include Ajuga reptans (bugleweed), Arabis caucasica (rock cress), Asarum europaeum (wild ginger), and Pulmonaria rubra (red lungwort).
Low-growing groundcovers that are perfect for rock gardens include Ajuga reptans (bugleweed), Arabis caucasica (rock cress), Asarum europaeum (wild ginger), Delosperma cooperi (ice plant), and Sedum spathulifolium ‘Cape Blanco’ (stonecrop). If you’re looking for medium-sized shrubs, some good choices for rock gardens include Cistus hybridus ‘ Sunset’, Daphne cneorum (garland flower), Erica carnea (winter heath), and Lavandula angustifolia (lavender).
Finally, if you want to include some taller trees in your rock garden, consider Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ (coral bark maple), Araucaria araucana (monkey puzzle tree), Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Ellwoodii’ (Lawson cypress), and Juniperus sabina ‘Tamariscifolia’ (Savin juniper).
Things to consider when choosing plants for your rock garden.
When you’re choosing plants for your rock garden, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind in order to ensure that your plants will thrive. First, consider the amount of sunlight that your rock garden gets. If it’s in a full sun location, make sure to choose plants that can tolerate direct sunlight. If it’s in a shady spot, look for plants that prefer low light conditions.
You’ll also want to think about the soil type in your rock garden. If it’s well-drained, sandy soil, then you’ll have a wider range of plant choices. However, if the soil is heavy and clay-like, you’ll want to stick with plants that don’t mind wet feet.
Finally, keep in mind that rock gardens can be quite dry since they don’t hold water very well. This means you’ll need to choose drought-tolerant plants that can survive on minimal watering.
Examples of rock gardens around the world.
Some of the most stunning rock gardens can be found in countries with dry climates, such as Spain and Greece. However, you don’t need a hot, sunny climate to create a beautiful rock garden. In England, for example, there are many lovely rock gardens made with native plants that thrive in cooler temperatures and shady spots.
There are several different ways to approach creating a rock garden. You can choose to use large boulders or stones as your focal points, or go for a more delicate look with smaller rocks and gravel. Another option is to use a mix of both big and small rocks. And of course, there are endless possibilities when it comes to plant selection.
If you’re thinking of adding a rock garden to your yard, take some time to browse through some examples from around the world for inspiration.
Spain
The Alhambra in Granada, Spain is a prime example of how stunning a rock garden can be. The palace and its grounds are full of carefully designed gardens with beautiful fountains, pools, and plantings. The stones used throughout the property were carefully chosen for their color and texture, and the plants were selected to provide both visual interest and shade.
Greece
In Greece, rock gardens are often called phryganas. These dry landscapes are usually found in areas with little rainfall, such as the island of Crete. Phryganas typically feature low-growing shrubs, herbs, and succulents that can withstand long periods of drought. The rocks and gravel used in these gardens help retain moisture and keep the roots of the plants cool.
England
There are many lovely rock gardens located throughout England. Many of these gardens were created in the Victorian era, when interest in alpine plants was at its peak. You’ll find a variety of different styles on display, from tidy cottage gardens to more naturalistic landscapes. And of course, there’s always room for a few gnomes!
Conclusion
With a little creativity, even the smallest corner can be turned into a beautiful and tranquil rock garden. We hope that these ideas have inspired you to create your own special corner of peace and relaxation. Remember, the key is to keep it simple and allow the natural beauty of the rocks to shine through.
