Ideas for Rock Landscaping in Arizona

Creating Variety Among Rocks

• In Arizona, a rock garden easily combines with the local flora. Cacti, succulents and other plants which require little water can be interspersed with rocks of various sizes to create visual interest and variety. If you have suitable transport, you can take advantage of the range of large rocks and boulders to be found in the desert landscape. Experiment with layout, using groupings of three and a variety of heights. You may opt to use small stones or gravel as groundcover, selecting a few large elements to add unique interest. To avoid needlessly moving heavy rocks many times, draft blueprints of your garden design before you begin.

Researching Native Species

• Experiment with different varieties of cacti and succulents to determine which grow the best among your rocks. Horticultural Extension services in Arizona are organized at the county level. Consult with your local service for tips on flora ideal to your location. The statewide extension also publishes a series of articles on Arizona landscape design, available in their archives online. You can also find information on protected native species such as desert willow and soaptree yucca. By familiarizing yourself with native species and species requiring little irrigation, you can maintain an easy-to-care-for rock garden that requires few natural resources.

Networking With Rock Gardeners

• Rock landscaping has promoted a worldwide following. The North American Rock Garden Society (NARGS) provides courses and publications with numerous tips for rock gardens of all climates and environments. NARGS' website currently features a wiki-designed encyclopedia on rock gardening, where members can exchange ideas and tips for successful rock landscaping. While the society does not currently have an Arizona branch, you can still tap the resources of the main society publications, as well as other branches that advise on gardening in similar environments. The Sierra Rock Garden Society in California focuses on alpine, high-desert gardening and faces similarly high daily temperatures as parts of Arizona.