The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Rockweler Rockgardens
One may, however, choose between a naturalistic treatment and what may be termed "the Japanese style," the chief difference being that in the latter an effort is made to reproduce a landscape in miniature; this requires an excellent sense of proportion, and a knowledge and use of a wide variety of plant material. The satisfactory execution of a Japanese rock garden is much more difficult than that of a rock garden which will appear satisfactorily natural looking. Unless the services of a landscape architect are available, it is better to try the simpler form first.
SELECTING THE TYPE TO SUIT CONDITIONS
Thus it is apparent that, in planning to have a rock garden, even though it is not to be a very elaborate one, the gardener is presented the choice of a number of different types.
The first step in success with rock gardening, as with other types of gardening, is to have a definite objective before starting. It is not practical to plan a rock garden in every little detail before one begins the construction; but a fairly definite idea as to what is to be attempted there should be.
Some of the points which should be taken into consideration in determining the type of rock garden to be made are as follows:
Space Available. A rock garden may be built on a few square yards of ground, or cover a considerable area. The expense is not, necessarily, in direct proportion to the size, particularly if there are natural features of which advantage may be taken. On a small place, however, the size of the rock garden should not be out of proportion to the other units of the planting. Where outcropping ledges or rocks abound, it is sometimes possible to convert the whole place into a naturalistic garden; where this may be done it is also the most economical as well as the most attractive of all methods of treatment.
Character of Location. Where the rock garden must be built artificially, "from the ground up," it should not be made too conspicuous. I have seen small rock gardens, fairly well done themselves, but planted squarely in the middle of the front-lawn area and looking even more out of place than the old-fashioned geometrical flower bed which has, happily, so nearly disappeared. For a small rock garden, a corner of the grounds, preferably flanked by evergreens or by a thicket of shrubs, and providing some seclusion as well as protection and shade, usually offers the best opportunity, but it may easily be made so large or so high as to seem out of place.
