Quarried stone or artificial stone should never be used in rock gardens. Arrange the stones to resemble a natural rock formation. Emphasize the nicer stones, and bury the poorer ones more deeply. All stones should be buried at least half their depth, with the broadest face in the earth to give them stability. Fill the spaces between the stones firmly with soil.
Air pockets are fatal to plant roots.
After construction, let the soil settle for a few weeks before planting, preferably in spring or early fall. Never plant a rock garden in straight, formal rows. Use dwarf shrubs and small evergreens to introduce accents and contrasts and provide a background for the garden itself. In future articles, I will discuss new varieties of plants best suited for rock gardens. This article first appeared on March 18, 2000.