Species tulips grow well in rock gardens.
The smaller stonecrops (Sedum spp.) are at their best filling in between rocks.
Many common garden perennials have shorter varieties that do well in the rock garden. Here a dwarf aster provides late season color in the rock garden.
The cascading habit of these plants mostly hides the short stonewall along which they are planted. Many herbs can be used ornamentally in this fashion. Here are planted woolly thyme and golden oregano, as well as snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum).
A variety of stonecrops (Sedum spp.) in bloom.
The use of local materials ensures that color and texture harmonize with the natural surroundings.
Another miniature bellflower, Campanula poscharskyana.
An old wall made attractive by rock garden plants.
Stepping stones in the rock garden provide visual interest as well as functionality.
Many of the bellflowers (Campanula spp.) are especially suited for the rock garden.
A jewel-like pink Dianthus at home in a gravel bed.
Wind anemones (Anemone blanda) stand out against the gravel. The glossy leaves belong to creeping phlox (Phlox subulata).
Hens-and-chickens (Sempervivum tectorum) are originally from Europe. One may find them growing on house roofs in the Italian Alps. "tectorum" means "of-the-roofs" in Latin.
A drainage problem is solved with a rock garden evoking a dry stream bed. Only a few choice plantings will be required to complement this garden.
An exquisite little Campanula.
Corydalis hirsuta is at home in a shady rock garden.
This tiny Silene flourishes in a gravel bed.
Visual interest in a rock garden is often provided by contrasts in color and texture in both the foliage and stone.
