About Emma Dutch Expertise I am finishing my horticulture degree, in the final year. My thesis is about the history and restoration of rock gardens but I am willing to answer any horticulture question as best I can.
Question I AM THINKING OF BUILDING ONE OR MORE VERY SMALL (2-4 FT DIAMETER ROCKGARDENS. I NEED SOME IDEAS OF WHAT PLANTS TO USE I LIVE IN WNY STATE AND THESE GARDENS WILL BE IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT ALL DAY
Answer Hi Richard,
My apologies for the delay in replying to you, exam week, organising vacation etc :-)
I'll try and suggest some commonly used rock garden plants. I am in England, but looking at weather charts for WNY state I am led to believe that the climate is not unlike England, just warmer in summer and colder in winter, so I'll try and suggest some suitable types of plants, and I'm sure your local garden centre will be able to give you the specifics on variety etc.
Starting at the beginning of the year with seasonal plants, Anemones, dwarf Iris plants and dwarf Narcissus would all provide some early colour to the rock garden around spring time, crocus also will do this, and the bulbs of these plants can probably be left in the ground all year. Varieties of Aquilegia and anemone will flower during the summer season, and you can always sow the seeds of annual plants to flower in summer such as a few clumps of lobelia or alysum. If you want to add some height and a focal point to the rock garden you could plant a dwarf conifer or fur tree, as long as it doesn't grow above about three feet. Evergreen plants such as conifers or junipers will ensure that you have a bit of greenery throughout the winter months too. Also, there is no reason why you can't grow some clump forming herbs in the garden for scent, perhaps thyme or camomile, but be careful that these don't spread and take over. All these plants I have seen growing in full sun here, and some in my uncles garden in Toronto, so they should be fine in your location, but like I said earlier, it might be best to double check with your garden centre.
I hope I have been of some help, good luck with your planting, and thanks for your question!
