How do I go about making a rockery in my garden?

I want it in the corner and about 3 ft by 4 ft. What plants can I use? I also have some small garden ornaments but don't know where to place them.

How do I go about making a rockery in my garden?
1 Select a site that's as sunny as possible, or that's in the sun for at least half the day during winter. Lift the grass as turf sections and set aside until required.



2 If the ground's flat, build up the site with all that non-toxic waste you've been wanting to get rid of for so long. You can use anything, from old bricks to cracked sinks.



3 Lay the turf upside down over the rubble and firm down. Fresh soil will be needed to raise the level further still. If possible, this should be mixed with coarse grit (4mm to 6mm is ideal) and some generous handfuls of bonemeal or a similar slow-release fertiliser.



4 Now bed in the rock. Use local rock if possible, as it'll look more natural. Place it in lines, with rocks touching to imitate the natural home of plants. Bury at least half the rock to help the plants' roots remain cool in summer and survive any drought.



5 Top dress the bare soil with gravel that matches your rock. This prevents the soil drying out too quickly and stops the small plants being splashed with mud during heavy rain.



6 If you can, let the garden settle for a few months before planting. This way, any subsidence can easily be repaired without disturbing the planting.





With careful planting and the inclusion of bulbs, a rockery can look attractive from spring right through the summer.



The plants themselves can be very varied, with dwarf conifers and shrubs as the permanent framework, and alpine plants and bulbs inserted in the gaps. Alpine plants are often from sunnier climates, where they grow in the stony soil of mountain clefts, and they thrive in the raised, well-drained conditions of a rockery.



First, plant one or two dwarf conifers, such as Juniperus communis 'Compressa', and dwarf shrubs such as Genista lydia, the bright yellow broom.



Once the conifers and shrubs are in place, plant the alpines. Gentiana verna, Rhodohypoxibaurii (various forms), Saxifraga 'Tumbling Waters', Helianthemum (various forms), thyme (especially Thymus 'Doone Valley'), Lewisia cotyledon and Geranium sanguineum are some of the varieties used in the Help the Aged garden.



Alpine plants used to be available only from specialist alpine nurseries. Today, however, they're readily available from most garden centres.
Reply:Well you need 'Rockery guy' he comes round and arranges the rocks for you and pours some dirt between the cracks.

Dont try it yourself you need a college degree in rocks..or something.
Reply:Get some rocks....
Reply:http://www.successfulgardening.co.uk/alp...



This link will give you some good ideas.
Reply:umm use tamato plants and place the ornaments around them.
Reply:OK. Most people make a mound of earth, add rocks, then plant stuff. DON'T DO THAT!



Get rocks as big as you can manage. I'm serious. Huge boulders that take 2 people to lift. Pile those up. Fill the gaps with soil. Plant to taste. Small alpine plants look great!