Rock gardens are unique landscape features that showcase a sort of interesting plants and rock . They are versatile and adaptable to any size yard . A simple excogitation is a few plants and some small or medium - sized rocks . An luxuriant design is multi - level with tumid boulder , pathways , plants of all size , sculptures or a water feature , such as a pond , stream or falls . Gardeners frequently select succulents for rock-and-roll gardens because of their tolerance for drouth , full sun and pitiable land . succulent equal the low - alimony appeal of a rock garden .
Characteristics of Succulents
Succulentisthenameforavariedgroupofplantsthathavetheabilitytostorewaterin theirstems , roots , fleshyleavesor petal . Mostsucculentsgrowslowlyandhavelittleneedforpruning , staking , fertilizingorpestcontrol . Succulentscomein awidearrayofshapes , sizesandcolors . Somehavebright , showyflowers andspinesorneedlesgrowingfromtheirmainstems , branch , foliage or flower petal .
Diversity of Succulents
Popular type of succulent are agave ( Agavaceae ) , aloe ( Aloaceae ) , ice plant ( Aizoaceae ) and cactus ( Cactaceae ) . ' Hens and chick ' ( Sempervivum tectorum ) is a well - known succulent that thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 3 to 8 .
There are thousand of succulent cultivars found in over 40 different plant kinsfolk . Every shape , sizing and coloring material of plant life is found among succulent . Agave is the most various group , having plants that are perennial in almost every climate zone of the United States . The cactus family has over 2,000 species growing from the Arctic Circle to the United States ' border with Mexico .
Warning
Many succulents have sharp needle or spines that can cause trauma . expend prophylactic or leather gloves to protect your hands .
Building Principles
The idealistic plaza for a rock garden is a * * hillside , rude slope or patio . * * Building on an slope facilitates water drainage , and allows the topsoil to dry out quickly . If a terraced area or hillside is not available , make an intimate raise layer garden with unpredictable curved sides .
Select a location that receive * * full sun most of the daylight . * * Full sun helps territory dry out and minimizes the risk of diseases cause by mildew . Choose a siteaway from lawn sprinklersand residual dripping from rain , such as under eaves or tree diagram limbs .
Stay percipient of treesas they absorb a great lot of piss , create shade and have sidelong base that could invade the rock garden . * * Do not overbuild . * * Rock garden ask maintenance , so start with a size of it that is easily manageable .
Design Principles
The beauty of a rock garden lies in its power to * * portmanteau with surrounding scenery . * * A rock-and-roll garden set in the midriff of lush gullible smoke looks out of blank space . Rather than having locoweed edge your tilt garden , provide for an18 " perimeter of gravelto serve as a transitional area or footpath .
settle beforehand of clock time which succulent to plant . If you prefer to add some formality to the garden , use succulent in a individual radical such as all century plant or kalanchoes ( Kalanchoe blossfeldiana ) . If you favour a assortment of plants , choose cultivars with some characteristic in plebeian , such as undimmed flower or leave with appendages of hair or spines . Consider section off area to sport a collection of related plants . utilize plants with vary heights , placing tallest plants in the background .
With newspaper and pen , plan the architectural plan for your tilt garden . let in the anatomy , size of it , dimension and placements of every element of the garden . Allow room for the plants to develop and mature .
Use rocks of one geological eccentric to impart a natural look . For large gardens , incorporate one or more boulders 200 pounds or larger . entomb the boulder with 1/3 of its mass underground .
