Rockery is the ideal solution for model unevenness or create relief on flat surfaces, combining bulky rocks with adapted plants. Its secret is the naturalness: It imitates a stony landscape where species grow between cracks and terraces. In addition to its aesthetic value, it stands out for its low maintenance, its great water efficiency and its ability to promote biodiversity, something crucial in gardens with water restrictions.
What is a rockery and what advantages does it provide?
A rockery is a landscape ensemble that integrates stones of different sizes and forms with plants selected for that environment. The rocks act as humidity regulators, improve the sewer system and reduce the appearance of weeds when accompanied by gravel. Its nooks create shelters for insects, small reptiles and amphibians, favoring a small ecosystem, similar to the known ones biodiverse walls. It also resists well the high temperatures, consumes less water and adapts to difficult soils.
Where to locate it and how to prepare the ground
The ideal location is an area south or west facing, luminous, sheltered from the wind and without competition from Big trees or nearby hedges. The soil should have good drainage and not be overly dry. Start by removing the weeds and rotate the ground at least 30 cm, mixing it with gross sand to lighten it. If the subsoil is clayey, it is advisable to create a drainage network to drain away excess water.
To ensure stability, form a bed of 25 cm rubble and on top, add a layer of rooting substrate of about 40 cmOn slopes, work in levels: between one layer of stones and the next, make sure that the the land is horizontal so that water can infiltrate without dragging the substrate.
Choosing and placing the stones
The featured rocks can be limestones (warm tones, very versatile), pimples (rough texture that favors mosses and lichens) or whiteboards (elegant and modern look). Prioritize pieces of irregular shape and prevents its dimensions from being less than 60 × 30 × 30 cm in the main blocks; thus, the composition gains realism and stability.
Place the first ones big stones, leaving generous spaces for plant development. Bury at least half of its volume and orient the top with slight incline towards the slope to direct water to the substrate. Complete with medium and small stones to connect volumes and create planting pockets.
Plant design: when to plant and which species to choose
After placing the rocks, wait 2 to 4 weeks before planting to allow the soil to settle. Planting works very well at the beginning of spring, with moist soil, although in mild climates it also thrives in autumn. Distributed in irregular groups and in successive steps, seeking harmony of textures, colors and flowering times. Place the tallest species towards the lateral, leave room for growth and use gravel as cover to reduce evaporation.
For a coherent composition, follow a botanical pattern: groups bushes with bushes o upholstery with upholstery, and combine flowering cycles different to maintain interest throughout the year. Recommended examples: shrubs such as cottoneaster, heather o rhododendron; compact conifers such as junipers o yours; lively as aster, campanula, carnation y lobelia; and bulbous like crocuses, cyclamen o hyacinthIn warm and dry climates, the following prevail: succulents (cactus, yucca, aloe, agave) and creeping like apthenia, sedum o lampranthus. The aromatic (lavender, rosemary, thyme) provide aroma and pollinators. In Mediterranean gardens, even a olive small can give structure without breaking the scale.
Step by step: efficient and durable assembly
- Delimitation and excavation: Mark the area and remove the substrate needed to level or create terraces. Add a base of gravel or coarse sand to ensure drainage.
- Stone structure: Place the larger stones on the base, fitting them well; combine with medium and small pieces to achieve a natural look and leave planting spaces.
- Filling and substrate: complete with the mixture of earth and sand; where necessary, improve with light organic matter.
- Plantation: Place the species provided according to their water demand (more resistant in high areas and those that require more humidity at lower altitudes). Water to settle and eliminate airbags.
Simple maintenance for a healthy rockery
Irrigation is occasional; most plants, once established, tolerate drought. Apply mineral mulches (gravel) to minimize evaporation and unwanted sprouts. Perform light pruning to maintain shape and remove dry parts. Check the stability of the stones after heavy rains and the drainage system continues to function. In cold areas, protect with leaf litter or bark if occasional frosts are expected.
Some species for rockeries:
- Shrubbery: Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea nana', Cotoneaster, Heather, Hebe macrantha, Rhododendron, Teucrium, Chamaerops humilis (palmito).
- Dwarf conifers: Chamaecyparis, Juniperus, Tuya, Pinus mugo.
- Perennial plants: Dwarf asters, Astilbe, Alyssum, Campanula cartatica, Carnations, Delphinium, Gypsophila, Lobelia, Phlox subulata, Saxifraga, Sempervivum, Thyme, Veronica, Viola.
- Bulbous: Crocus, Cyclamen, Hyacinth, Iris (lily), Daffodils, Scilla, Muscari, Tulips.
- Succulents and xerophytesCactus, Aloes, Agaves, Lampranthus, Yuccas; excellent for warm, dry climates.
A well-planned rockery transforms any garden: it takes advantage of uneven ground, reduces water consumption, increases wildlife, and offers a changing landscape year-round. With good orientation, careful drainage, properly placed stones, and a suitable plant palette, you'll enjoy a corner with great character y Least effort.
