Rockeries, combining the beauty of flowers and stones, are increasingly gaining popularity in landscape design. This jewelry comes from Japan, where masters were engaged in this art. It was believed that the rock garden gives calm and serenity. Gradually, stones began to be used for decoration around the world. 
Source: 7dach.ru
What style to choose
The following styles of rocky gardens are distinguished.
- Landscaping. Imitate the appearance of cliffs and vegetation around it.
- Artistic. They are a model of idealized mountainous terrain.
- Collectible. Created only for growing vegetation.
To make the rockery happy for a long time, take a closer look at the site and decide on the style.
- If the site is sunny, there is drainage and uneven terrain - feel free to choose any style.
- If the site is too humid, it is best to create a swamp with stone-lined shores and hygrophilous plants.
- You can create any rockery on the shaded area, but when choosing plants, stop at the forest ones that feel good in the shade, for example, ferns, hoofs and so on.
- On a completely flat plot, create a semblance of an alpine meadow or build an artificial hill.
- If your territory has a steep slope - imitate a mountain range with a stepped descent, cascades along which a stream can flow look good.
- In a low-level area, create a semblance of a ravine with a rocky hill. This technique gives the illusion of greater height.
Types of rockeries
Consider the most popular and spectacular views of rocky gardens.
Architectural rockery
This type is characterized by wide multi-level terraces, which should be strengthened with retaining walls, made of natural stone and connected by stone stairs. From plants, it is better to choose conifers and slowly growing shrubs. Creating such a rockery requires a professional approach.
Rocky hill
It looks like a low stone hill, which must be compositionally connected with the rest of the territory, for example, using a paved path. She must look natural.
Landscape rockery
This is a fairly large stone composition. It may consist of imitations of rocks, gorges, water cascades, rocky slopes, and so on. It requires a lot of space.
Terraced slope
If your territory has a natural slope, design it in the form of elegant terraces, fixed with retaining walls made of stone.
Cliffs
Such a rockery can be a part of a large composition, or it can also be a solo. It is created from very large stones, processed by time. When laying them, leave crevices into which plants will later be planted.
Hillside
It has the appearance of a scree fixed with dwarf pines. Complement the image of a mini copy of alpine meadows.
Mountain valley
To create this landscape, large stones dig into the ground asymmetrically. Paths are laid in the garden. It is necessary that they be as natural as possible. For landscaping, it is good to combine dwarf conifers and creeping plants.
Alpine lawn
The main features of a site suitable for such a rockery are drainage and sun protection. Of plants, you can use only those that are characteristic of the high Alps - edelweiss, creeping willow, carpet saxifrage, and the like.
Forest ravine
For such a landscape, a natural decrease in relief is necessary. To strengthen the slopes, you can dig large stones. Forest shade-loving plants will give completeness to the landscape, moss will look good.
Gorge
It is optimal to create it between the slopes of the hills, which are laid out with stones, and dwarf rock plants are planted in places between them.
Wall
This is usually a slope support. You can make a freestanding wall of stone. Rock plants are planted in the space between them.
Water cascade
For its construction, it is best to take stones from natural reservoirs, they are already processed. The bottom of the stream is well covered with pebbles, and the walls of the pools are treated with clay.
Swamp
Will perfectly fit on a slightly boggy area. To create it, it is necessary to remove the top layer of soil, which is poured along the edges, forming hills. Dig granite stones into the shores. To approach the swamp, create a special walkway or build wooden bridges.
Mixborder
The beauty of plants in the flower garden is emphasized by several dug up stones, which will seem to be buried in flowers.
Japanese garden
To create such a rockery will need skills and taste. Groups of stones should look like natural collapse, they should have moss and lichens on them. In such a rockery, you can harmoniously fit the body of water. You should carefully approach the choice of plants - they must fully match the landscape.
Miniature rockery
It is created on tuff stones. Super dwarf plants are planted directly on the stone. When choosing a ground cover, stop at slow-growing.
Home rocky garden
Such a rockery is created in any ceramic container and is kept at home. Succulents are good for plants.
With the thoughtful organization of a rocky garden and good care, it will delight you for many years.
