The rock garden – small mountains and survivors

When it comes to rock gardens, opinions are divided: enthusiasts are fascinated by the various structures and design possibilities, while critics point to the lack of food supply for insects like bees and others.

But a rock garden can be much more than a thoughtless collection of stones. It's not about filling the garden with stones to avoid maintenance. It's about creating small mountains where a variety of plants can grow and thrive.

A rock garden radiates a special calmness and natural beauty. No wonder, as stones are among the most natural materials available. However, to ensure that the rock garden doesn’t turn into a gravel pit, garden owners should choose a specific type of stone. The selection is vast, which makes the decision challenging. Slate, gneiss, river pebbles, limestone, granite, diabase, or marble rubble—how can one decide? Within a garden, however, one type of stone should be chosen. Some types of stone also combine well with others. Depending on personal taste, one can consult experts at specialty stores. These often have small gardens set up for inspiration. Variety in the rock garden can also be introduced with rocks and stones of different sizes. For instance, a boulder or broken stone can be surrounded by smaller rock pieces. To ensure their stability, they need a deep gravel bed. After all, the boulder shouldn’t topple over when a light breeze blows. Conveniently, the gravel bed also serves as a drainage layer for the plants in the rock garden. Speaking of plants!

Anyone who has thought that plants cannot grow where stones lie has been mistaken. There is a wide variety of plants that are perfect for a rock garden and feel right at home there. Classic residents of the rock garden are plants that have low site requirements, tolerate dryness and nutrient-poor soils, and are low-maintenance. Like any other garden design, there are the classics in the rock garden—the old-timers that belong in every rock garden. Gentian, edelweiss, heath carnation, cinquefoil, and broom are the absolute all-time favorites in rock gardens. Succulents bring a Mediterranean flair to the rock garden. If you prefer a more floral touch, the cushion bellflower, rock stonecrop, and phlox are great choices. Or how about combining all of the plants together? Also, grasses are an essential feature in a rock garden. Hairy sedge not only feels at home in its native steppes but also thrives in rock gardens here. And one plant, in particular, belongs in the rock garden: the garden saxifrage.

When it comes to the rock garden, the first thought is usually about the stones that will find their place in this special garden. The second thought goes to the plants that should grow in the rock garden. And what comes next? Even though it might not be the first thing that comes to mind: many rivers originate from mountains. That’s why stones and water naturally go together. No wonder that some rock gardens feature a water feature. Whether it’s a stream or a pond is entirely up to the garden owner. If there’s a slope nearby, it’s easy to create a stream, framed by stones and blooming with plants. But even a flat garden can benefit from a stream with the help of a few rocks. There are no limits to creativity. The stream can emerge from a large boulder or end in a pond surrounded by stones. Water in the garden creates accents and fits perfectly into the natural charm of the rock garden.