A rock garden, as it’s name suggests, features the natural beauty of rocks as it’s central theme and focus. Plants in a rock garden work harmoniously with the rocks to complement and highlight their form. Usually, design and placement is important in a rock garden. Styles of rock gardens include Asian Rock Gardens, Alpine Rock Gardens or Arid Rock Gardens.

Key Features

• Rocks in organised clusters, walls or spaced apart
• Combination of large, medium, small and pebble sized rocks
• Plants that either compliment or contrast the rocks form
• Small or medium sized garden beds
• Often, but not restricted to, sloping garden beds
• Used to attract birds, insects and reptiles

Maintenance

Low to medium maintenance dependent on the choice of plants. Rock gardens are often selected due to poor soils and thus the soil can be built up around the rocks, the rocks holding it in place or the rocks take up space that would otherwise dry out and look unappealing. Rocks also help to protect plants and supply plants with heat when the sun hits them.

Tools

Gardening gloves, secateurs, shovel, garden fork and pry bar (for lifting up large rocks)