A rockery brings height, texture and the jewels of the plant world into a small space. Here's how to build one that lasts.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
A rockery is a landscape in miniature – a mound of well-placed stone planted with alpines, succulents and rock plants that unfold in a glorious sequence of colour. Done well, it's a stand-out feature even in a small garden.
Most rock plants want full sun and superb drainage, so choose an open, south-facing spot (a little afternoon shade is fine) and build the rockery up so water drains away rather than pooling. Drainage is the single most important thing for a rockery's health.
Lay rocks so they look like natural geology – with their grain in the same direction, tilted slightly backwards, and buried at the base rather than sitting on the surface. Build pockets of soil between and behind the stone where plants can tuck in.
Alpines and rock plants are tough but particular – they want lean, free-draining soil and plenty of sun. Aubretia, saxifrage, houseleeks, sedums, campanula and dwarf conifers give a long season of interest. Plant generously in the pockets so it fills quickly.
Finish with a mulch of grit or gravel over the soil surface. It keeps the rockery looking natural, suppresses weeds, and – crucially – lifts the crowns of the plants away from damp soil, which is exactly what alpines prefer.
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