Planting a Rock Garden
Planting into a rock garden is different from a typical bed — the rocks themselves shape drainage, microclimate, and where plants can actually take root.
Working with the Rocks, Not Around Them
Tucking plants into pockets and crevices between rocks, rather than planting only in open soil, makes full use of a rock garden's naturally varied terrain. These pockets often stay cooler and retain slightly more moisture than exposed soil, creating microclimates suited to different plants.
A gritty, fast-draining soil mix — often amended with extra sand or gravel — mimics the alpine conditions many rock garden plants evolved in.
A thin layer of gravel mulch around plants, rather than organic mulch, keeps moisture away from plant crowns and better matches the drainage rock garden plants prefer.
Choosing Plants That Fit
Sedum, hens and chicks, and creeping thyme are all classic rock garden choices that tolerate poor soil and thrive in the sharp drainage rocky terrain provides.
