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Rock Gardens: The Comeback

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.
  • The rise of social media has played a large role in the resurgence of rockeries. People are now finding images of beautiful rockeries on Instagram and Pinterest and being inspired to create them in their own gardens.

How to create a rockery in your garden

If you’re thinking about creating a rockery in your garden, here are a few tips:

  1. Choose a location that gets full sun for most of the day. Rockeries need plenty of sunlight to thrive.
  2. 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.
  3. Source a good quality stone type in a range of sizes.
  4. Create a layered effect with your stone as this will create a more natural look and stop it from becoming top-heavy.
  5. Plant a variety of plants that are well-suited to the conditions of a rockery.
  6. Water regularly until the plants are established. Once the plants are established, you can reduce watering to once or twice a week.
  7. 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.

CONTACT US!

Contact Hanbeck Natural Stone today to discuss your rockery garden project.