Rock garden good choice for sloped ground

A rock garden substitutes for the former cherry tree in this space
Close-up photo of the annual flowers; blue Torenia, top, and polka-dot, bottom center.

A sloped part of the yard was a challenge to the homeowner: How does one go about making this an attractive space?

The answer: A rock garden.

This garden replaced a wild cherry tree that was dying on the spot. First, the tree was cut down and hauled away. Secondly we bought rocks, and rocks, and rocks, from the "rock shop" on Northwest Boulevard, Davenport. Cobblestone was the choice.

The biggest "cobbie" rocks rim the area, while the medium-sized ones took up the inside space. This was augmented by small cobbies.

Also added where a few dozen round stones, in a robin's egg blue color. This added interest to the array of colors.

Five spots were established in the rock garden. Planted were three types of succulents such as hen-and-chickens, and alternanthera -- noted for colorful leaves. Two spots are reserved for annuals, which include hypoestes, (this is a pink and white polka-dot plant) and Torenia fournieri, the wishbone plant, which is blue.

The hypoestes polka-dot plant was found in the "fairy garden" display in a local garden shop. This tiny annual was perfect for the small space available.

This Rock garden is a grand addition to the backyard and keeps in the rock tradition of the overall landscape plan. There are rock borders to all the gardens and the tall birch trees on site, filled with mulch and smaller plants.

The garden is near the base of a hill. This rock garden helps aim excess water down to the drainage system.

But it's also attractive to many types of weeds. Keep in mind, weeds can be described as plants in the wrong location. But rock gardens seem to have a lot of these!


The Cliff Notes version of how to establish a rock garden:


1. Decide where to place the rock garden in the yard.


2. Buy rocks, lots of rocks. One good choice is cobblestones, called cobbies. Large cobbies are used for the perimeter, medium and small sizes for the interior. A colored stone adds interest.

3. Remove grass and pull weeds in the space.

4. Place the rocks by, basically, mashing them into the soil Clay soil will stick to the rocks so shifting is minimal.


5. After the rocks are in position carve out areas for plants. Five such areas work well, with a mixture of succulents and annuals.



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