As a general rule a sloping rock garden shows itself better than a level one. It looks more natural, displays the rock and the plants to best advantage and provides a free draining environment. You are either lucky enough to have a natural slope or you may have to create one - we will explain later.

Types of rock formation to copy

Click on an image to enlarge and use the forward and back arrows to scroll through the types of rock formations.

Sloping Terrace	Outcrop	Mixed Rock	Cliff Face	How not to!

When you have looked at the selection of rock shapes and taking into account your preferences you can mix and match these types of formations.

Getting the Conditions Right

The whole of the rockery should be free draining so whatever your existing soil structure is like the following must be carefully adhered to for the best results.

a). Remove turf and any weed b). Remove 12" of top soil c). Add a 6" layer of brick rubble or large stones* for good drainage d). Then add 2" of fine grit or coarse sand e). Using the best of the top soil removed make up sufficient soil/peat/grit - mix to put down a 6" layer. 4" now and a further 2" later when the rocks have been set * If you need to buy this it is available from carriers or merchants as 'reject stone'. If you have really free draining soil then stage 'c' can be omitted.

Choose a day when the soil is reasonably dry. First strip off the turf and remove all perennial weeds. If you have a bad weed problem then use a glysophate (Roundup or similar) herbicide and leave the site unplanted for the recommended time. If your soil is terrible, perhaps very heavy clay, then to get the best results you will have to buy some topsoil in.

If you have a cement mixer on site this can be used for making up your top dressing mix.

Example caluculation if you require soil.
2" of topsoil over a 10' x 10' area = 16.5 cu. ft.(.62 cu. yds)= 1 ton approximately.