How to Make a Simple Rock Garden

Basic Rock Garden

• 1

  Arrange the rocks in a pleasing design. For instance, place a group of five large rocks in the back corner of the yard and set up groups of three medium rocks in a random pattern around them.

• 2

  Fill in the area with smaller rocks, gravel or coarse sand. Raking the sand in patterns gives a zen garden effect; gravel acts as a weed barrier.

• 3

  Add height to your simple rock garden by creating a mound of earth for a hill, or use a hillside on your property to embed rocks in. Dig a hole a third of the height of the rock and make sure to seat the rock firmly so that it will remain in place. This gives a natural look to larger rocks in a rock garden. A rise of rocks works well for an herb or succulent garden or for small flowers.

Adding Plants

• 4

  Pour soil between rocks to create natural clefts for growing plants. Make a small hole in the soil with your fingers. Plant a small plant or moss in the soil.

• 5

  Press the the soil gently and firmly around the plant. Plant eye-catching or hanging plants near the top of the rock garden and shorter plants near the the base of the rock grouping.

• 6

  Water the plants immediately. Moss gardens work best where there is at least partial shade and plenty of moisture. Succulents make a good choice for a low-water garden.