Eye candy combined with ease of cultivation: the dry rock garden has nothing but advantages. Give it a try!
The secrets of a successful rock garden
The rock garden is a very particular style where the mineral must be dominant. The arrangement of large blocks of stone must be natural and follow the slope perfectly. Prepare a plan beforehand and check the feasibility of the project in situ.
Choose a sunny location and a slightly sloping ground, or even a steep slope, rainwater will drain better, which is an advantage, because dry rock garden plants do not tolerate stagnant humidity nor too compact and heavy soils. Adding river sand to the soil will be necessary in this case, it will ensure the success of your project. The large rocks should be of the same nature and style for the effect to be successful. Also try to keep a guideline as to the shapes: flat or rounded rock garden, large boulders, everything is possible, but never mix the styles!
The arrangement of the rocks: a real art!
Boulders should be chosen in your area so as not to clash with the rest of the garden. Remember when choosing them that a large part (at least 1/3) will have to be buried to hold well to the ground, the blocks will thus have to be consequent. When placing them, start with the largest blocks so that the effect is as natural as possible, then place the smaller ones. Take a step back and inspect your rock garden from all angles to make any changes.
Now that the hard part is done, let's get on with the fun of installing the plants...
Suitable plants
The dry rock garden is ideal for gardeners with little time to devote to their garden. The plants that grow in it do very well on their own once installed and will not require any watering unless there is a really prolonged dry spell.
Don't forget to add river sand to the soil if it is heavy or clayey so that the roots never get wet.
As for the choice of plants, it all depends on your taste and of course on the climate. In mild regions and in the South, you will be able to create a rock garden of cacti and succulents without worry. For a successful effect, plant columnar cacti, large opuntias and slender plants such as yuccas or cordylines at the bottom of the rock garden. In the center, place imposing subjects such as a beautiful Agave ferox or attenuata whose spectacular bloom will amaze you. Fill in the small spaces with succulents, such as sedums, which will bring a welcome touch of color, or crassulas, whose many species allow for all sorts of fantasy.
Not everyone appreciates succulents: don't worry! The dry rock garden can be dressed up in many other ways. Anthemis will create beautiful and bright balls in the center of the rock garden, as will osteopermums which will soon form sumptuous cushions covered with large mauve, pink, white or even yellow flowers. Helichrysums and santolins will be at ease there, accompanied by lavender or rosemary to ensure a nice color contrast. In the foreground, you can install low plants such as gazanias, real little yellow, red or bright orange suns, or even perennial purslane and ficoides.
