What’s the difference between a rockery and rock garden?
A rockery is just another name for a rock garden. Both are names for a raised feature built of rocks and soil that can be planted with alpine, dwarf shrubs and small perennials. A rock garden, also known as a rockery and formerly as a rockwork, is a garden, or more often a part of a garden, with a landscaping framework of rocks, stones, and gravel, with planting appropriate to this setting. Usually these are small Alpine plants that need relatively little soil or water.Whether it’s small or large, hardy or soft, a rock garden would be incomplete without succulents. These drought-tolerant beauties thrive in the small crevices of boulders and sport colorful foliage year-round.In addition to succulents, there are also many other types of drought tolerant plants that have adapted to thrive in a rockery garden, such as cacti and certain varieties of grasses. Versatile Design & Aesthetically pleasing: Rock gardening is like a creative adventure that you can customize to your liking.
What are the disadvantages of rock gardening?
Rock Cons: Very heavy and can be very difficult and expensive to install. Costs two to three times more than mulch. Needs a barrier, such as landscape fabric, between the soil and rock. However, as with anything exposed to the elements, landscape rocks can accumulate dirt, debris, and even algae, detracting from their aesthetic appeal. Regular cleaning keeps landscape rocks looking fresh and helps them last longer.The three cheapest options for landscaping rocks are pea gravel, river rocks, and crushed concrete. There are other options, including lava rock, which is more expensive, and slate, which can be brittle and break easily.Rocks can last for years in your landscape! One of the primary reasons rocks are a popular choice for landscaping is their longevity. Rocks don’t decompose. This means they can last for many years without needing to be replaced. With proper maintenance, your rock ground cover can look great for a long time.If you prioritize low maintenance and longevity, rock may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you value soil health, moisture retention, and temperature regulation, mulch may be the better choice. In some cases, a combination of both rocks and mulch may be ideal.
How to plant in a rockery?
Water your plants and place them whilst they are still in their pots onto the rockery. Allow enough space for their full size. Carefully take the plants out of their pots, and plant them into compost. Once firmly set into the compost, dress the top with gravel. Planting the rock garden Allow for the plants’ height and spread when fully grown. Remove the plant from the pot, tease out the roots slightly and remove any weeds from the surface of the compost. Make sure the plants are planted firmly in the compost mix and are top-dressed with gravel or grit.
What is a plant that grows on rocks?
Stonecrop, or Sedum, is a great balance of succulent and flower. The stems and leaves are fleshy and green, suitable for dry conditions and rocky soils. But most varieties will also grow clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in a range of warm colors – Angelina Stonecrop is popular for its yellow hues. SEDUM (Sedum spp. Sedum is a perennial succulent with fleshy leaves and clusters of small flowers that add late-season color to the landscape. These tough plants are tolerant of poor soils, drought, and are virtually maintenance free, making them a good choice for rock gardens.Creeping Thyme is one of best perennial groundcovers to use in between stepping-stones paths, as it’s extremely forgiving and tolerates both pet and human traffic well. If you’re looking for plants to fill in rock gardens or stonewalls, sedum is a perfect choice.