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The more sunlight in your garden, the better it will be for your rock garden. The less trees and shade, better chances of a succulent growth of cacti and other such rock plants. Read on for tips on planning your rock garden

Planning

• Choose a sunny spot. An ideal place is one that is away from the overhanging branches of trees. Rock gardens need a lot of sun and wind.
• Rock gardens should always be on a little slope. Create an artificial slope if need be.
• Even though rock gardens usually have plants that are found in mountainous regions, it is easier if you use plants that grow well in local conditions.
• The proportion of rocks and plants are of personal choice. Some people prefer more of rock while others prefer plants to dominate. Pick your preferences.
• Rock gardens don`t need very fertile soil. So you can save the best of it for your vegetable or flower gardens.

Preparing

• Add the soil before you add the rocks. Thus you will have a strip of soil, which will accommodate the plants and the rocks.
• Choose mud that is a mix of equal proportions of sand, humus and soil.
• Avoid any kind of clay in a rock garden.
• You should take great care to make sure that water doesn`t stagnate in your rock garden. That is the reason why clay shouldn`t be used. If you do find water stagnating, add more sand to your soil.
• Choose rocks that are porous and light in weight. Plants grow better amongst sandstone or limestone rocks. But it has been found that local plants grow well with locally found rocks.
• Now place the rocks artistically. Let each of the large rocks lean on the other.
• If the rocks are cracked or broken, turn them over to their better side.
• The space between the rocks should be V shaped. It should be wider at the top so the plants have place to bloom.
• Scatter a few smooth pebbles around - a little away from the big rocks.

Planting

• After you have the soil and rocks in place, you can bring in the plants.
• You can either use seeds or transplant little seedlings in the strips of soil.
• Choose small plants with bright flowers. Large plants could hide the rocks and spoil the look of your rock garden altogether.
• Aim for a natural look. A garden shouldn`t look contrived. It spoils the effect.
• Always start off with plants that are easy to grow. When you taste success, you may want to move on to more challenging options.
• You can make it as simple or elaborate as you like. Gardening is a relaxing pastime that many people look forward to. It is a natural therapy.