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Rock Gardens

Growing plants in rock gardens has long been practiced as a form of gardening. It was introduced to the United States from England in the 1920's and became very popular. Early rock gardens were developed in the English tradition, with emphasis on the beauty and composition of both rocks and plants. In later years, a fresh approach was introduced in the Japanese style with stress on openness and simplicity. The purple Creeping Phlox is a classic in rock gardens. It blooms early in the spring and is the opening act for most rock gardens.

A rock garden may be defined as an outcropping of rocks - natural or devised where small plants are used. Usually it is on a slope and although the plants chosen generally come from rocky places, many are low growing perennials, annuals, bulbs, and shrubs. Small shrubs, usually under two feet high, fit well into the rock garden.

Many gardeners are fortunate in having natural rock gardens, where their choice treasures are brought in and arranged in an artistic manner. In other instances they are constructed with rocks and boulders that have been hauled in. Today’s rock gardens have changed to meet the needs of the times. Simplicity and ease of maintenance is a key note. On the whole, the rock garden needs little care, no hoeing or cultivating and very little weeding. Once weeds are pulled up and thick mulch is applied, a minimum of feeding and watering is needed to keep plants healthy and looking their best.