#HILLBILLY ROCK LANDSCAPE HOW TO#
#HILLBILLY ROCK LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL#
#HILLBILLY ROCK LANDSCAPE FREE#

Crevice gardensĬrevice gardens have become popular in recent years. Make sure the plants are planted firmly in the compost mix and are top-dressed with gravel or grit.įor ideas on which alpine plants to use, please see our page on rock garden plants. Remove the plant from the pot, tease out the roots slightly and remove any weeds from the surface of the compost. Allow for the plants’ height and spread when fully grown. Water the plants and place them in position while still in their pots. This can be adjusted for individual plants’ requirements.

One part loam (ideally sterilised loam, but in a pinch garden soil can be used).

Leave the areas between the stones unfirmed and add the specially made compost over the area to create planting pockets.

Bury the stones up to a third of their depth, firming them in place.

#HILLBILLY ROCK LANDSCAPE FREE#

Soil-based potting media such as John Innes No1 with added grit (up to 30% by volume) are weed, pest and disease free Use weed-free top soil for the top layer of the rock garden, working it underneath and between the stones to set them firmly in place.The rocks should tilt backwards, with the strata running the same way. Aim for a naturalistic look when setting the rock in place.

Support them with smaller stones or bricks underneath.

A crowbar will help move the stones into their permanent positions.

Use a spade to dig out hollows to set the stone into.

Position the larger of these first and place the remaining ones so that the strata look natural.

Select large stones to act as ‘keystones’.

To create as natural a rock garden as possible

Alternatively, use a polythene sheet with holes punched at 10cm intervals, or permeable landscape fabric.

To prevent the base layer from mixing with the compost, spread a layer of inverted turves over this, if available.

Build a base 15cm (6in) deep of coarse rubble, broken bricks, stone, ballast or pea shingle.

Ensure that the area is weed-free, by hand weeding or using herbicide.

Mark out the area using marker spray from a builders’ merchant or with dry pale sand poured from a bottle.

#HILLBILLY ROCK LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL#

For larger projects you will need the help of a professional landscaper, but smaller projects are quite feasible.

Choose stone in a range of sizes so as to construct a natural looking outcropĬonstruction of your rockery may seem rather daunting.

They are now protected and quarrying prohibited These pavements are a scarce and finite resource with a unique flora.

Limestone from natural 'limestone pavements' was widely used.

Sandstone is an example of a suitable rock, widely available, that is not too alkaline (limestone) or hard and dense (granite).

Buy salvaged or second-hand natural stone.

It will look in keeping with the surroundings and it is easier to go and choose the most suitable pieces from the quarry or landscape merchant. Rock gardens are quite an investment in hard materials such as rock, stone, gravel or slate.Ĭhoose local stone if possible.

Sketch a plan of the proposed rock garden, bearing in mind the gradient, any underground pipework, the amount of shade and how you might best view it. Choose a position where the drainage is perfect, unless you are prepared to build raised beds or enhance drainage in other ways.It is better to have fewer hours of sun per day than the whole day in light shade.Aim to use the most open position, away from overhanging trees or tree roots, where plants will receive sun for the greater part of the day.Whether you are able to devote a corner of your garden to creating a rock garden or you are planning to transform the whole back garden, it is worth considering the details of the microclimate.

#HILLBILLY ROCK LANDSCAPE HOW TO#

How to build a rock garden Choosing the site

Malvern Autumn Show - 22–24 September 2023.

RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show - 5–10 September 2023.

RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show - 18–20 August 2023.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show - 2–6 August 2023.

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park - 19–23 July 2023.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival - 4–9 July 2023.

Hillbilly rock landscape