How To Build A Rockery For Your Garden

Creating a rockery for your garden is a great way to get creative in your garden and gives you a chance to recycle old unwanted stone, bricks, tiles and paving slabs.

Building a rockery creates a great feature and suitable space to grow alpine plants. Alpine plants are best grown on slopes where there is loads of light and plenty of drainage.

There is no set way to create rockerys, they can be as big or small as you like and over time rockerys grow and change giving them a more natural look. 

Find The Best Location To Build 

Choosing the best location for your rockery is important espescially when planting alpine plants. These grow best in locations with the most light so stay away from trees and shrubs which can shadow over during the day. 

The Best Time To Start Your Rockery 

Rockerys can be built all year round however, winter / late spring is the best time to build your rockery because the ground is soft and damp , making it easier to place rocks and move soil. If you want to build your rockery at any time of the year make sure to try and build a few days after some heavy rainfall so the soil is easier to manipulate. 

Choose Suitable Rocks 

Reclaimed boulders, stone or bricks are some of the most commonly used stone as they can look the most natural. These can usually be found from a reclamation yard. You can view our recliamed stone at our yard based in Croftamie. 

Prepare 

Before you start building your rockery it's important to prepare the area, removing any weeds that can disrupt your structure. After clearing any weeds, lay a stabilising layer of rubble which will improve drainage and support the rocks. A layer of landscape fabric should then be placed to prevent weeds from growing and to keep the soil in place.

Place The Rocks 

Starting with the largest rocks at the bottom, start placing them so they start to build a peak, facing them in different directions so they build up a peak. Stablise the larger rocks with smaller ones and add a layer of weed-free topsoil. Continue to build up using small rocks and layers of top soil. Create different horse-shoe like pockets with smaller stone to create space to plant your alpines. 

Use Compost 

Compost for alpine plants is best consisted of weed-free topsoil , leaf mould and horticultural grit. Use it to fill the different pockets made earlier for the plant of your choice. 

Add Plants

​​Spring is a great time to fill your rockery with plants as it gives them time to settle in before winter. Where you place the plants depends on the type as they all have different needs but generally, those that live in cooler conditions should face north and plants that like the sun should face south.

Once you have created pockets and decided where they are sitting, gently place them in the pockets and firm the compost mixture over the roots and then lay a handful of gravel to improved drainage and prevent weeds. 

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We sell a range of reclaimed stone and gravel that you can use for your rockery. To view our stone visit our product page. To order, phone our office on 01360 660264.