Rock Garden

Definition & advice

What is a rock garden? Which plants to choose? How to set it up and maintain it?

Here’s all our expert advice!

What is a rock garden ?

The principle of a rock garden, also called «alpine garden», is to reproduce a natural mountain garden. A successful rockery blends perfectly with the rest of the garden without giving the impression of having been brought back. This is why we try to represent as faithfully as possible the mountainous landscapes, the rock gardens are generally sloping. 

There are a multitude of types of rock gardens, from raw and wild rock gardens to the more modern white rock gardens, including the small waterfall in natural stones. To this variety of styles is added a great diversity of usable plants. For example, Mediterranean rock plants that support the sun and heat blend perfectly with rock minerals.

What plants for a rock garden?

For a rock garden, it is possible to use several varieties of shrubs and plants. When it comes to shrubs, it is best to prefer species that grow slowly and crawl to give dynamism to your lawn. For example, Japanese maple corresponds very well to the criteria and needs of the rock garden. As for the plants, some perfectly correspond to the theme of the mountain such as the Alpine aster, the sedum or even the campanula. Perennial blue seed flowers are often a great success for this type of gardens. Creeping plants are also very popular, and can spread in your lawn to give a more natural and organic effect to your soil; this is the case of phlox or thyme creepers.

Where to set up your rock garden?

Rock gardens are generally sloping. When your garden is not inclined, it is necessary to make «the slope effect» using small rocks and stones, sometimes even to design a concrete hold. Once the effect is obtained, we can put stones of larger sizes. They must be placed in the opposite direction to the slope, to give relief. Between these are generally positioned plants and shrubs.

The advantage of the rock garden is that it tolerates a large thermal amplitude. Its components can indeed withstand hot and cold, in dry or wet climates. This is why a rock garden can be imagined both in the sun and in the shade.

How to make a rock garden without maintenance (or almost) ?

The maintenance of a garden is often a determining criterion for its composition. One of the advantages of the rock garden is that it requires little attention. It is indeed made up of plants that are accustomed to poorly nourished soils. The rocks in the massif - reminiscent of a mountain landscape - further reduce maintenance.

It is also advisable to add natural granules to protect insects and gallinacea.

A landscaper for the design of a rock garden ?

The design of a rock garden may require the intervention of a professional for an ideal and sustainable result, as they are technical gardens. Because it is necessary to imagine and to draw the slope of the rocks, making it appear natural while being secure. These two expected are essential in the creation of a rock garden. 

Moreover, it is also necessary to have a good knowledge of the plants and rock flowers that grow in the mountains, in order to respect the balance necessary for its realization.

SIMONSON LANDSCAPE can accompany you in the design, but also in the integral realization of your rock garden. Whatever your garden project, David and his team will be happy to advise you for a rock garden that will meet all your expectations. Do not hesitate to contact us by phone, email or contact form: we look forward to discovering your project !

SIMONSON LANDSCAPE, a specialist in rock gardens, received the Prix de la palette végétale in Chaumont-sur-Loire (41), the Audience Prize at the Festival de la Côte d'Azur at the Villa Rothschild in Cannes (06), and the Special Jury Prize of the European Garden Heritage Network (EGHN) with the Terres de Promesses garden for the Jardins de la Paix in Souain-Perthes-lès-Hurlus (51) with Arts & Jardins Hauts-de-France.

Do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to answer your questions and to accompany you on your rock garden project!