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Unusual rockery

jenifluffjenifluff Posts: 1
edited August 2020 in Garden design
I have a very unusual rockery, it is filled with massive 2-3 ton boulders, so moving it isn't an option. It is incredibly unsafe to try to walk over it because it is on a steep incline. So what to do with it? Right now it is covered in weeds, more than last year after we cleaned it up and blitz't it. Fall will be the time we can get to it busy fixing our new extension the builder decided to do poorly. 
I would like to do something with the rockery to make it pleasing to look at as you come up the drive, but what? We didn't like vinca, nor heather, but would consider something vigorous, but what? 🤔 We are looking to put something on it, that will grow and we just need to snip every year (other than vinca 😂). IF it helps the opposite side of the driveway will be ferns and lavender as it has a proper raised bed, we will be rooting out the wild fuchsia, as lovely as it is, it is growing so fast.
I did wonder if different types of ferns on a slope that looks like a Munro might look nice? 
Thank you for your expertise it is alway useful to talk to folks!

Kind regards,

jen

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Can we see some photos please 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Loads of things will suit, but we need to see it. The aspect is important too.
    Alpines, in particular, will work, and some small evergreens will be useful, particularly if you see it from the house. I have Harebells [Campanula rotundifolia] in the garden, because I love seeing them when I'm out, and they're tough as old boots. Easy from seed, and they'll seed around too. 
    I'd be wary of adding anything so big and blowsy that it covers it completely, too. The planting should enhance, rather than completely cover. You can create pockets of different soil types and moisture levels too, which will give you more scope.  :)
    Things like Arabis, alpine Phlox and Aubretia will all suit.

    Saxifrages in particular would be great, and in keeping with your 'Munro'  ;)


    The Harebells are at home in moist or dry, shade or sun. Very useful for among rocks


    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    And  the size would be useful as well. If its just a wee bit then rockery plants might do but with your weed problem, you would be eternally weeding which is not what you want. If its a fair size I would plant creeping (prostate) junipers over it all. That would give you evergreen ground cover with no maintenance apart from trying to keep the weeds under control.
    I think it would be worthwhile to get on top of the weed problem first before any more planting. If you are not against it, use weedkiller, the kind that kills on contact and and may need to spray a few times before the end of the season depending on severity.  
    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
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