4 ways to breathe fresh life into your garden rockery

Published : 28/02/2020 - Categories : Default

Whether you have just moved into a new home and you’ve been lumbered with a neglected back yard rockery, or you’re looking to upgrade a rock garden you’ve had for years, this blog will give you some tips on how to transform this element of your garden into an eye-catching feature that will add intrigue to your outdoor space. 

1. Add a water feature

A water feature will make a great addition to your rockery, as it will add movement to an otherwise static arrangement. If your rock garden is on the small side, always choose a water feature that doesn’t overwhelm the space. 

A fountain makes a great central feature for your rockery if you’re working with flat ground – but if it’s situated on a slope, you could instead opt to build a meandering stream that runs through the rocks and plant life.

If your rockery is located at the edge of the garden, be aware of dangling trees and shrubs which may shed leaves into your water feature.

2. Create pathways

Many gardeners are now keen on the idea of incorporating a pathway through their rockery instead of using it simply as a visual element. Some of the most common materials used for pathways include crushed gravel and limestone, but for a sleeker appearance and better safety underfoot, washed gravel or paving slabs would be ideal.

If your rockery is located near to a wooden decking area, you could think about building a wooden pathway leading through your rockery and onto this usable surface. 

3. Experiment with different sized rocks

Oversized boulders and rocks make the perfect rockery feature stones and should be randomly placed to create the impression of spontaneity. Larger rocks often have a flat surface which can act as a shelf for flower pots, and their solid structure is perfect as a grip for climbing plants, which will add extra height to your rock garden.

On the other hand, you can incorporate tiny pebbles into your rock garden by lining borders or scattering aggregates throughout the rock arrangement. You can also try out rocks with different textures and shades; start with mixed glacier boulders, gabbro boulders and Yorkshire boulders.

4. Use broken pottery

Believe it or not, broken pots are now being used as a unique feature for rockery gardens this season. So, if you’ve smashed a few along the way when potting your bedding plants, you’ve now got a whole new use for them!

They’ll look great when laid down on their side within the rocks and surrounded by colourful wildflowers. When choosing suitable plants for your rockery, always research those that flourish in rough conditions without needing much soil to grow. Some good examples include orchids, philodendron and aechmea.

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