Stonescapes

We but look around us and we find inspiration for the desert rock garden. Some gardeners will tell you to use the same type of rock throughout your garden. This can make sense in states where there really is only one type of rock around. In the Sierra Nevada you find mammoth veins of single rock and mineral types, and these places are often sublime and worthy of garden plans, but there is something else our local mountains offer not nearly as common elsewhere: the rocky melange effect of many different types of rocks all thrown in together. We see such common exposure out along the country roads and scenic byways. Sometimes the canvas is beyond scope, larger than life with boulders the size of houses and views that take your breath away. Rock gardens are simply miniatures of these. We build them to match our dreams and visions.

1. Look at the rocks. Concentrating on the rocks more than the plants, jot down on paper what it is you like about what you see. Take a photo. You can find rocks at local retail outlets. Come to our shop for a wide selection of plants.
2. Start small and work from there. Choose a mixture of sizes to begin with. If you go for huge, get professionals to deliver the rocks. Remember, you can always add more later.
3. Build from the bottom up. You might want to add a drip line. Try burying the rocks a little. Create plenty of room between the rocks for soil. At this point keep the plants in mind. Decide from what angles and advantage points the plants will be seen.
4. Finally meld the two major mediums, plant and stone. You can cover the soil in rocks, too. River pebbles, course granite sand, etc. Experiment with what you enjoy. Water the plants well until they've established themselves. Notice whether the rocks are heating up and drying out the soil. Water accordingly.

Come in and visit our garden shop. Talk to us about desert rock gardens.

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Be sure to check out these pertinent topics:

• Alpine Rock Gardening Techniques
• Life in a Rolling Rock Garden
• The Art of Collecting Rocks & Stones
• Some Rocks Are Poisonous
• What About Collecting Local Plants?
• Related Rock Gardening Links