DIY Rock Garden Ideas
California is slowly but surely heading out of the heat season which gives more time to do some landscape work (since most of us rather spend the hot days at a pool or beach than doing some labor work right)? If you are unsure which plants you want to use throughout the seasons or want an artistic statement piece keep on reading…
Rock garden are beautiful and you can get a lot for your buck, including artistic freedom. Colors, paddern, rock size variations, there are a lot of options to choose from. But what exactly is considered a rock garden you might wonder? A rock garden showcases any kind of rocks, stones, boulders laid out in your own unique design and you can add some drought tolerant plants, fountains or even sculptures. Sounds fun doesn’t it?
There are different types of rock garden you can pick, here are some of our favorites:
Xeriscapes: These rock garden require little to no water to maintain since they are filled with rocks (duh) and some drought tolerant plants like succulents. These are used a lot (especially in our landscape designs) as hardscape borders to separate different areas and materials (from lawn to concrete or between patio and backyard spaces. Very cost sufficient for what you can get.
Alpine rock garden: This type tries to mimic conditions of the plants origins by using boulders and larger stones around gravel beds where the plants are planted.
Zen garden / Japanese rock garden: If you decide to build a Zen garden for yourself you should definitely think of the design beforehand as this garden is always thought through in every detail, bigger boulders and rocks symbolise mountains, animals or islands where the fine raked gravel represents flowing water. The Zen garden encourages meditation, peace and gratitude.
Here is a list of materials & tools that you will need for either of these gardens:
Rocks, stones & boulders in all a variety of colors, shape and sizes that suit your design
Trowel and shovel
wheelbarrow (for those heavy rocks)
Sandy soil / well draining soil
mulch
plants
Now let’s get started:
First of plan your design and decide on what kind of rock garden you want to build. Measure the space and try out a few different shapes, you can lay down some yarn or something similar to test the shape in your desired location. Easiest and most cost sufficient will be if you decide on native boulders and rocks. Anything exotic has to be shipped and adds a lot more to your expenses. Local stores like Southwest Boulders and Siteone have a big variety on rocks and stones. Measuring is important so that you can decide how many rocks etc. you will need. Now is also the time to pick your plants and or water feature location.
Prep your area: If you picked a spot with lawn for your new rock garden make sure to dig up the sod and clean out the area. Level out the space.
First layer of rocks. This part is very important but since those rocks aren’t going to be visible I would suggest you using the least favorite rocks for that bottom layer. Leave room for the plants and statement pieces that you are planning to use.
Add soil. Make sure to use some good quality soil and add into the spaces between the rocks and boulders and especially where your plants will go.
Second rock layer. This layer is the get creative and have fun with it layer. Choose your prettiest rocks and color variations to add to your rock garden. Experiment with different designs and layout. Now is also the time to plan where your statement pieces will go.
Finish by adding your plants. Grab your shovel and dig your holes where you want to place your drought tolerant plants. You can add some weed preventative fabric (make a slit to fit the plant root through and place) before adding your plants to ensure that nothing is interfering with your soil. It’s a good idea to plant three of the same type of plant together for a cohesive design (this is called rule of three and we stand by this for our landscape design for every project).
Add those statement pieces and finishing touches (colorful special rocks, borders/metal edgings, bridges/statues and others)
And here you go, enjoy your beautiful rock garden. By the way rock gardens have a ton of benefits to them, just to name a few: Save water, low maintenance, increase your overall property value, great for the environment and looks beautiful year round.
