DIY Network

Rock Garden Rock Garden From "Ask DIY" episode ADI-404

Q: We have a retaining wall along our driveway. What kind of plants can I put in the crevices to spruce it up?

A: (from Jessie Mack Burns, Ask DIY Gardening expert) There are a number of climbing and cascading plants that you can use to fill cracks in a retaining wall -- essentially forming a sort of vertical rock garden. You'll probably want to use sedums or succulents -- also known as alpine or rock plants. These take root easily in a rock wall setting.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

• One such plant is known as bitter root -- a fleshy-leafed plant (figure A) that stores water in its leaves, so frequent watering is not critical.

• Ice plant is another good choice (figure B). It's a cascading plant that has small, attractive blooms, and will trail down rocks or a vertical wall nicely. The blossoms are an attractive touch, but the green vegetation that fills in the cracks is the foundation of an attractive rock garden.

• Hens and chicks is a hardy, popular succulent (figure C) in which smaller offshoots appear around the base of the larger main plant -- mimicking the main body of the plant but in miniature . These also do well planted in crevices between rocks.

• One advantage when planting succulents and rock plants is that most of them are easily rooted. If a piece falls off of a plant, it can probably be rooted in a small amount of moist soil nestled between two rocks (figure D).

• You can also use pruned growth from a larger plant to root and start new ones. (Pruning is beneficial with most of these plants, as it will help initiate new growth.) Simply place the stem of the clipping in a crevice, pack dirt around the base, and wedge the soil and plant in place with some smaller rocks (figure E). Use caution during the first few waterings -- before the clipping has taken root -- to water gently and with caution avoid washing the soil and plant away from the rocks. Once it starts to take root, and the plant is holding securely to the soil, you can water more generously.

• Many rock plants can be planted simply by wedging them between or alongside rocks, without the need to even dig a hole. Once you've selected a location, use a planting tool to help loosen the soil. Carefully remove the plant from it's pot, and gently break up the dirt in the root ball (figure F). Gently work the roots into the surface of the loosened soil (figure G), then add potting soil around the base of the plant to enhance stability and moisture.

• As you plant your rock garden, vary your plantings -- alternating between flat and cascading plants -- to give a natural, nonuniform look.

• When planting on uneven surfaces (figure H), brace the plant with soil and, if necessary, some small rocks.