A rockery revival is under way
A new generation of gardeners, inspired by social media, are buying boulders to create rock gardens.
Until recently rockeries had been written off as an old-fashioned idea. However, Monty Don, the well-known gardener and presenter of Gardeners’ World, recently expressed his own desire to create a rockery in his garden.
Other garden retailers and designers are also reporting the comeback. Rock Gardens are viewed as low maintenance and offer a welcoming home for wildlife.
Here are a few reasons why we predict rock gardens will be making a comeback:
- They are relatively low-maintenance; which is very appealing to busy homeowners who want to enjoy their gardens without a lot of work
- They can be used to create a variety of different looks; from formal to informal. This makes them a versatile garden feature that can be adapted to any space.
- They can provide several different habitats in a small area. A rock can be placed so that sun-loving plants make the most of its sunny face whilst shade-tolerant plants can nestle in its shadow.
How to create a rockery in your garden
If you’re thinking about creating a rockery in your garden, here are a few tips:
- Choose a location that gets full sun for most of the day. Rockeries need plenty of sunlight to thrive.
- Prepare the soil by adding sand and gravel to improve drainage. Rockeries need well-draining soil to prevent the roots of the plants from rotting.
- Source a good quality stone type in a range of sizes.
- Create a layered effect with your stone as this will create a more natural look and stop it from becoming top-heavy.
- Plant a variety of plants that are well-suited to the conditions of a rockery.
- Water regularly until the plants are established. Once the plants are established, you can reduce watering to once or twice a week.
- Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
With a little planning and effort, you can create a rockery that will add beauty and interest to your garden for years to come.
