Tammy Algood of the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service explains how to plant a miniature rock garden. Designed to resemble a scene or natural setting, rock gardens mimic nature. You can easily create your own miniature rock gardens in a container and display it on your patio or indoors, depending on the plants you choose. For an outdoor rock garden, select herbs, succulents or annuals. For an indoor garden, try low-growing tropical plants. When you're digging in your yard, on vacation or traveling, keep your eyes open for interesting rocks. You'll be amazed at the variety you find. The project described below combines herbs and annuals. Select plants with the same requirements for water and sun or shade and varieties that are low-growing or trailing so they won't obscure the rocks. Choose plants with foliage and bloom colors that harmonize with the rocks. Materials:
Container
Potshard to cover the drainage hole
Potting soil
Plants
Rocks
- The finished project will be quite heavy, so build it where you plan to keep it.
- Begin by placing a potshard -- or a piece of plastic window screen -- in the bottom of the container to prevent soil from washing out.
- Fill the container half-full of fast-draining potting soil.
- Select rocks with interesting textures and shapes, and experiment with their placement until you like the look of the container. Place the tallest rock toward the back of the container (figure A).
- Place taller plants toward the back of the pot, gently loosening their root balls before planting (figure B). If you like, move the rocks out of the way to make planting easier. After planting, water well.
GUESTS :
Tammy Algood
UT Agricultural Extension Service
5201 Marchant Drive
Nashville, TN 37211-5201
Phone: 615-834-5162
Fax: 615-832-0043
Email: Talgood1@utk.edu
Website: http://www.utextension.utk.edu
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