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Wall Gardening (Probably the most popular form)

Wall gardening is probably the most popular form of rock gardening and is of great value in gardens made on different levels, where the retaining walls that support the banks separating the various parts can be made in such a way as to permit the use of some of the many beautiful rock plants that grow under such conditions. The garden steps can also be transformed into patches of beauty, as here, too, many a plant may be found that will thrive in their joints and crevices. A dry wall differs from a masonry wall in that the spaces between the stones are filled with soil rather than cement or mortar, and into this soil medium rock plants of all kinds may be introduced. The construction of a dry wall is exceedingly simple and can be done according to the directions given below. The largest stones may be used for the foundation, partially imbedding them into the soil and placing them upon their flattest surface. Stability is very necessary and must be strictly adhered to throughout the building process. Having laid the foundation stones, a [101] layer of soil is then placed over the top, thoroughly ramming it into all the crevices and bringing it into direct contact with the soil back of the wall, in order to prevent the roots of the plants from suffering from drought. When this is accomplished, the plants are distributed over the soil, spreading their root systems evenly through the soil surface. Over them is placed another layer of soil gently firming it around the roots of the plants.

In this way layer by layer is constructed, planting and building being done simultaneously; according to this method, larger plants can be used, their root systems can be more evenly distributed through the soil and well tucked into their individual nooks in such a way as would be impossible to accomplish in walls already built. If in any part of the construction of the wall large stones are used, a small stone placed on either side for it to rest upon will prevent the plant underneath from being crushed by its weight. The distances between the courses of stone composing the rock wall do not have to be any definite distance apart; this will depend upon the amount of material available and upon natural conditions. The steeper the bank the greater will be the need for support. All the stones must be placed upon their broadest surface and tilted backward in order to retain rain water, also to add [102] Courtesy of J. Horace McFarland Company