A stylish garden with a unique twist
The world of landscape and gardening is so great, working on the great outdoors connecting with nature in such an awesome way gives a wonderful feeling, but what I also love about working in the garden is that it offers so many opportunities to get creative as your imagination runs wild with ideas which can create an oasis with much flavor that is so inviting.
There are many garden styles with which to choose from to meet your every need, letting those creative juices flow as you create that dream garden is truly a work of art. In this article, we will be discussing how to garden or plant in crevices to give an all-natural look where it seems as if no human efforts were involved. Sounds good then let’s dive in and discover the fascinating world of planting in crevices.
How to build a crevices garden
What you will need
- Flat Stones
- A well-drained soil
- Small Plants
To construct a crevice garden is not hard at all, all this entails is finding the right stones, laying them in such a way where your crevice garden takes shape. To do this what you will need is stones which are flat and wide. The stones should be laid or resemble the pattern of how pages in a book are arranged
These stones should be laid vertically and partially buried to accomplish this, next the spaces between the flat rocks are filled with soil that drains well, and then it is a matter of installing your plants. Plants that are used should be suited for this garden type, the plants are installed in the crevice which has been packed with soil. What I love about crevice gardens is that the plants once installed will soften up that area giving an all-natural appearance.
Before installing your plants it is a good idea to water your crevice garden a few times to remove any air pockets. The air pockets can cause the plant’s roots to dry out which is not good for a plant’s life because of this area of the soil not being able to retain water or nutrients.
Also, the use of small plants is so important because with a crevice garden the area you are working with is not that big therefore plants that have a small root system are ideal to fit into these areas. The last thing you want is to use a plant that has a root ball that cannot fit in these spaces it just doesn’t make sense.
Here are a few plants for this garden type
1. Ferns
2. Moss Phlox
3. Aubrieta
4. Arabis
5. Algae
6. Orchids
7. Hens and Chicks
Watering Methods
Drought tolerant plants are mostly used for these garden types so they don’t require much water.
Fertilizing a crevice garden
Once your crevice garden plants are established feeding them with a liquid feed fertilizer once every two months is ideal.
A crevice garden in some sense is a rock garden because it is a garden that involves plants that are low maintenance which makes life easier as far as maintenance is concerned while going easy on your wallet or not having to break the piggy bank.
Maintenance basically involves the removal of weeds, keep plants clean by pinching and removing dead flowers, leaves, and stems.
Ideas where to install a crevice garden
A crevice garden can be installed just about anywhere
1. What about somewhere in your backyard where you can sit and enjoy the beauty of your crevice garden?
2. An area in your front yard can work wonders also, it is all a matter of letting your imagination run wild with excitement.
3. If you have sufficient space at the corners of your yard can work
4. Your crevice garden can be as large or as small as you want it to be.
5. Have a pool area with some extra space then this may be a great spot to install your crevice garden.
6. You have an existing area that has crevices, well if that is the case then that is just great. It is all a matter of adding the soil, the plants, and you are good to go.
Advantages of a crevice garden
1. Base on the plants chosen can be drought tolerant.
2. Starting off with small plants that are less expensive.
3. Can save the amount of water you are using in your garden.
4. The maintenance cost is low or next to nothing.
5. Base on which plants are being used the pest problem can be like zero.
Additional Information
1. Although a crevice garden can include drought-tolerant plants it is best to keep an eye on your garden during the drought season or the hotter months and water as needed.
2. If you prefer, installing a drip or low volume irrigation system will work wonders. A drip irrigation system will allow the water to flow in micro or small amounts, just enough for your crevice garden.
3. During the rainy seasons cut back and keep an eye on how much water your crevice garden is receiving.
The final word
Installing a crevice garden can be such a rewarding experience, these gardens have found their place in the hearts of so many people because of their style and ease of maintenance. If this garden type fits what you are looking for then I want to encourage you to go ahead and take advantage of this type of garden that is making waves. With that said let’s get started.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.