Alpine slide: design examples

A rock garden is a structure that requires labor, serious design and preparation. You need to know in advance what pitfalls you will have to face in order to prevent possible disappointment. With the right approach, you can get a great composition that will delight you for many years.

The history of the alpine slide has its roots in the land of the rising sun - Japan. It was there that the delightful stone gardens began to be planted. The inhabitants of Japan have always experienced a shortage of free space, so they sought to surround themselves with beauty on all free plots of land. According to Japanese canons, true beauty is possible only in nature. An unusual combination of lifeless rock and luscious, mobile plant forms a true beauty.

Rock gardens came to European countries only in the 16th century. Then they were plots of land planted with wild plants and flowers.

Today, the fashion for alpine slides is inherent in all countries. Many people think about how to build a rock garden on a site with their own hands, without resorting to the services of a landscape designer.

The attractiveness of stone ensembles is a fundamental link in the oriental practice of admiring a garden of stones.... Large stones, symbolizing eternity, are unable to resist the imperceptible effects of the sun, rain and wind and eventually turn into sand. Europeans have little understanding of the meditative effect of Japanese stone gardens. The paradoxical combination of stone boulders and vegetation breaking through them is more pleasant to our eyes.

The picturesqueness of the rock garden on the backyard, the fragility of flowers and herbs against the background of moss-covered stones brings joy and aesthetic pleasure, relaxes, tunes in to mental activity.

Admiration for the alpine slide gives way to bewilderment: beautiful flowers grow magnificently among lifeless boulders. Each person can create a rock garden on their site if they have a desire and a serious approach. This is a difficult job that requires planning and manual labor.... However, if everything is done according to science, the maintenance of the garden will be minimal. The rocky garden will become the pride of the owner not only for the whole summer, but also for many years, especially if it was created with his own hand.

These concepts are often confused even by experienced gardeners. This is not surprising, because they do have many similar characteristics. The rock garden and rockery are based on the use of stones and plants.

Rockery - this is an ensemble made mainly of stone rocks alone. This is a classic approach to creating a rock garden. Various flowers act only as a background element for stone rocks.

Rock garden - a man-made hill with stones, planted with flowering plants and small shrubs in the form of tiers. The hill is decorated with Alpine and Carpathian plants, but in the Japanese version, Far Eastern species are planted, and in the Mexican version, succulents are planted.

Rockery is a composition of stones, usually created on a flat relief. Consists of rocks of different sizes, gravel and sand. Rare plants are usually the focal point of the entire ensemble.Japanese rockeries do without plants at all.

The rock garden differs from the rockery by the obvious unevenness of the relief, because the rockery is located on a plane. Among its varieties, there are three main style directions:

• Japanese rockery... It is a composition of stones, where plants play a secondary role and act as color accents. This option will appeal to lovers of tranquility and harmony.
• Rockery in European style as close as possible to the natural natural landscape.
• English rockery distinguished by perennial coniferous shrubs, which are so loved by the inhabitants of England

In addition to styles, rockeries can be divided into temporary, permanent and changeable.

Temporary rockery is organized on a flat or slightly raised area... It is planted with small seedlings that will soon become lush plants. The landing scheme must be made according to the size of the adults. Rocks and mounds can be changed as flowers and shrubs grow. The most massive and spectacular boulders are usually reserved for grown plants.

If in the future it is not planned to pay much attention to rockeries, then the so-called "permanent" rockeries will be interesting.... For its construction, you will need large boulders or smaller stones to group them. Rockery is subdivided into small zones, which are marked with stones. These zones will help contain overgrowth and keep each plant in place. The slowest growing and easiest to care for will be conifers and low-growing shrubs such as spirea, cinquefoil or barberry.

The changeable rockery is based on the planting of new plants every year, with the exception of a few large and permanent individuals, which will form the basis of the composition. This variety will provide dynamics and a change of scenery annually.

If there is a natural unevenness on the site, then there is an opportunity to equip an alpine slide, because it is not only beautiful, but also very exciting. Already at the preparation stage, a clear work plan is needed: you need to select boulders and perennials, plant coniferous shrubs, choose a composition for a small garden, and much more.

The rocky cliff is the simplest and most popular type of alpine slide. If the site has a natural steep slope, this is a great opportunity to make a cliff-like slide on the slope. The creation of a rock garden should begin with laying large boulders at the base, and then start planting plants.

An interesting mountain composition is obtained by hiding part of the large boulders in the ground and creating pathscreating a unique mountain landscape. The play of flower transitions will further enhance the effect of realism.

It is not necessary to have a natural hill or specially create an embankment to make a rock garden. You can use the ideas of a beautiful mountain object and make a competent selection with the distribution of stones and plants.

A flat version of a rock garden or rockery will need some high points - large rocks, trees or bushes. The space between them is sprinkled with decorative gravel or planted with creeping, ground cover plant species. Flat rockeries often take up little space. The best location for him is the frontal part of the garden near the terrace or gazebo.

Even a small budget and lack of free time will not get in the way of the idea of ​​creating a rock garden. The main thing is to have a desire.

You can try to create gravel garden. It is a gravel mound, among which steppe and stone-breaking plants grow... Huge boulders are not used in a gravel garden.Interesting plant compositions are planted on evenly scattered pebbles.

The advantages of a gravel garden include:

• availability of materials;
• ease of execution;
• suitability for plant growth;
• easy care.

To create "lazy alps" you need sand, crushed stone, gravel and special textiles. First of all, the soil is dug up and gets over from weeds. Then it is covered with sand with a layer of up to 10 cm. Geotextiles are laid on top, and gravel is laid behind it.

An interesting analogue of an ordinary rockery will be its reduced copy: a miniature rock garden, planted with small plants. The main quality of such a composition is mobility. This garden can be set up in a plastic container, bowl or ceramic pot. Hence, it is easy to carry it to any convenient location. With the onset of cold weather, mini-rockery can be transported to a greenhouse or shed, so this option is suitable for plants that like warmth.

Alpine lawns are usually part of a large rocky composition. The rock garden lawn is best placed away from direct sunlight, for example, in the shade of conifers... They acquire a special charm when the flowering period begins.

The creation of such a structure requires a lot of work and constant monitoring. Flowers grow quickly and begin to harm each other. Such the composition will not be too durable if we do not get rid of weeds in time... Even with regular weeding of plants, it will have to be constantly updated.

The best option is a combination of 2-3 shades. For example, a combination of white and lilac or lilac, pink and white. White will be in harmony with any color scheme, so it will be quite difficult to make a mistake in its combination.

You can visually bring some objects closer with the help of warm shades, and move away with the help of cold ones. The use of contrasting colors is always relevant... Their use helps to emphasize the uniqueness and beauty of each of the elements. The plant looks much more expressive if lower species are planted around it. Different leaves look most effective against each other's background.

It is advisable to have one bright element in the rock garden., which will be viewed from different positions, and add completeness to the composition. An interesting shrub or flowering plant, a stream or an unusual cobblestone can serve as such an element. Thanks to this accent, the composition will be perceived as a whole.

Some botanical knowledge is required to create an alpine slide. You need to have at least a general understanding of the types of plants, their description, combination with each other and the rules of care. The variety of plants directly depends on the type of slide. For the stony version on the sunny side, drought-resistant vegetation is suitable, and for the classic rock garden, miniature trees, flowering grasses and perennial crops are chosen.

When arranging rockeries, such plants as geranium, iberis, lumbago, lavender, sedum and fescue have gained a good reputation. As for small-bulbous crops, then tulips, crocuses, hyacinths are good for rocky hills... These plants begin to bloom in spring earlier than other flowers, which saves rockeries from an unpresentable look.

If there is a desire to achieve high decorativeness, then you should take care of planting vegetation that blooms at different times. In this case, such a slide will look great from early spring to autumn and change "outfits" several times per season.

Plant height is very important. For example, species that are too tall can interfere with the normal development of undersized varieties. The brightest elements of the composition are best placed in the foreground., in the most conspicuous place.

A wonderful option for an alpine slide is such small conifers as juniper, spruce, thuja, pine.As for flowering shrubs, most often preference is given to rhododendrons, erika, blueberries and lingonberries.

Perennial crops that can be planted on an alpine hill include undersized daylily, bergenia, drooping reeds, astilba.

While the soil is in a state of shrinkage, it's time to start drawing up a diagram, determining a place for stones and choosing plants. Depending on the principle of the arrangement of stones, rock gardens are of the following types:

• rock - a hill with a steep slope and large stones at the base, which are surrounded by small rocks located at the top;
• scree slope - large stones are on top, and different-sized pebbles on the bottom create the effect of crumbling rock;
• stone plateau - boulders of different sizes, located in a free manner on a flat surface;
• multi-tiered slope - a picturesque composition, where each tier is supported by a stone block;
• crevice or ravine - a rock garden created in a recess;
• stony curb - a low wall of flat stone that forms a rock garden.

The highest point of skill in relation to structures that imitate the natural landscape is a rock garden with a pond. The murmur of water in the stream and a yellowed leaf floating by bring romance and harmony to the composition. Some craftsmen take the trouble to create a rock garden with a real fountain.

If you want to get not just a slide, but an object with a waterfall, you will need to take into account the following points:

• the bottom of the reservoir must be completely waterproof;
• a pump that pumps water requires laying an electric wire;
• plants in certain zones will need to be selected, taking into account their tolerance to moisture;
• the pond needs regular cleaning;
• in the summer months koi - Japanese carps look gorgeous in the pond, but their maintenance will be fraught with certain difficulties in winter.

For carp, it will be necessary to equip a wintering pit from 80 cm in depth, as well as install an aeration system there to ensure the survival of the fish when the pond is covered with ice.

The bowl for the reservoir must be created at the same time as the slide. The depth of the pond is usually shallowso that you can see pebbles and fish swimming at the bottom, if they are planned. In addition, the shallow pond bowl is easier to clean. It is necessary to create recesses for installing the pump. The electrical cable for him is also carried out at this stage.

Concerning placement of the reservoir, it is better to place it northeast of the hill, so that the pond is in the shade for some time... This will protect the water from premature flowering.

It is recommended to make the walls of the bowl with a slight slope - this will make it easier to place stones on them. The bottom is covered with sand with a layer of 100 mm and is well rammed. Geotextile is laid on top of the sand, and a waterproof rubber film is placed on it. Such the film will easily last for several decades... It is necessary to leave free edges outside the border of the pit, later they will be buried in the ground.

Then the film is pressed by stones, and the pond is filled with water from a hose. After that, the folds that have arisen on the film are straightened out.

Waterfall pump power should be 70W... It is mounted on a special stand so as not to touch the bottom, and is well camouflaged with stones. The device must pass a connection security check. At this point, the rock garden should be laid out to the border from which the water begins to flow. A hose is brought here and masked with stones.

You can decorate a pond in different ways. The choice of building materials is now huge, so this process is easy enough. Often ceramic elements are used in the arrangement of a reservoir, for example, jugs and flowerpots.... It is good to plant moisture-loving plants near a pond or stream: berry, mosses, ferns, bathing suits.

The wintering of the rock garden needs to be taken care of in advance. Those plants that are not adapted to our climate and are unlikely to survive the winter will have to be dug up and transplanted into tubs. Other plants are wrapped in agrofibre - this type of material prevents damping off. A shrub called "ephedra" must be covered entirely and tied with braid.

Snow will save the hill from severe frosts and winds. It is also advisable to place shields around the perimeter., which can serve as sheets of plywood, slate or parts of old furniture. The reservoir at the rock garden must be drained or several rubber balls thrown into it - they will take the pressure of the ice. The pump with hoses must be removed and stored in the country.

When the winter storms are over, it is time to prepare the "paradise" near the house for the new season. From the beginning of spring, it will be necessary to eliminate the consequences of snowfalls, blizzards and melt water.

Some plants, unfortunately, die. The stones may have slipped, and the whole round hill is covered with the rotten remains of the former flower garden. First of all, you need to work with a rake, removing rotten foliage. Then put boulders in place, add fresh soil and gravel, and then plant the plants that hibernated in the warmth and add new ones.

The rock garden is being built in several stages, each of which has its own nuances. First, you need to determine the size and shape of the slide, and if the structure is complex, then it is advisable to draw a diagram of steps, paths and transitions. To build an alpine slide you will need:

• stones and pebbles;
• coarse sand;
• decorative plants;
• sphagnum moss.

The construction of the rock garden takes place on a slide with a height of 1 to 3 meters. It is quite possible to carry out the work on the design of the rock garden independently, without resorting to the help of specialists. It is quite possible to break a flower bed with your own hands, choosing a pattern of a flower carpet to your taste.

Of course, the compositions are of different levels of complexity: from flowers just planted along the fence to a complex structure in several tiers. Even on a small plot, you can build a natural corner to the delight of yourself and your neighbors, because it is so nice to go out onto the terrace with a cup of coffee and observe your own alpine meadow and emerald lawn.

Many ideas can be gleaned from ready-made compositions, adding some zest of your own. This is a very exciting and rewarding work, of which only the most pleasant memories will remain.

First, it is necessary to determine a favorable place for a rock garden on the site. It is better to keep some distance with perennial shrubs and trees, because they can grow and completely leave the hill in the shade. For the same reason, it is bad to break a rock garden against a wall. The place should be well visible from all corners of the site and be dry.

To determine the location of the rock garden, you must be guided by the following rules:

• there must be a good view from all over the garden;
• it is better to place on the lighted side, not fenced by trees;
• there must be wind protection.

Excessive groundwater level will lead to premature destruction of the foundation of the structure. Soil moisture can be reduced by drainage.

Most people prefer to collect a rock garden without the use of serious construction work (cementing, creating masonry, etc.). This way is less energy consuming and additionally makes it possible to redo something.

For the construction of a rock garden, you will need not only picturesque boulders, but also rubble with sand. You need to start work by marking the territory with a peg and rope.

Then a ditch about a meter deep is dug. The dug hole needs to be covered with layers of broken brick, pebbles and rubble about 30 cm... After that, this combination must be poured with water. A mixture of sand and gravel with a thickness of 5-10 cm is poured on top.

This layer also needs to be filled with water and tamped well.The soil that formed when digging the bowl must be cleaned of roots, debris and stones and covered over the drainage. It is necessary to give 2-3 weeks to the soil for shrinkage, and then start laying stones... Many people prefer to start building the slide in the fall, so that the soil will settle well over the winter.

There are several options for irrigating a rock garden. While laying the base, you can install a pipe in the center, the upper part of which will protrude from above. A hose is connected to it, and all this is disguised with stones and moss.

Water into the ground will pass through the holes in the pipe. You can use a spray hose to create a fountain effect... From small pebbles, a stream bed is created, which will nourish the plants. This design can become the main decoration of the rock garden.

After all the hard work is completed, it remains only to observe the rapid growth of plants, the care of which is reduced to a simple pruning of peduncles and the formation of bushes. All difficulties will soon be left behind, and the result obtained can be admired and proud for not a single year.

The most popular stone rocks in the construction of a rock garden are rocks, as they are extremely durable and non-porous. Basalt, travertine, granite, shale, sandstone and limestone are also quite commonly used. Less suitable materials are shell rock, tuff and dolomite. These rocks have high porosity, therefore, they are more susceptible to destruction.

The first and most important criterion for choosing stones is their strength. A composition of stones of different sizes looks more natural..

Too round or sharp stones do not look very harmonious. The main thing in work is to achieve maximum naturalness and naturalness. Stones of different colors do not always look harmonious - it is better to stick to one breed, but choose different shapes and sizes.

The side of the stone to be viewed must have the most attractive shape, so they will have to be turned over and over again to determine the best combination. If there are any defects on the stones, then they need to be masked... When laying, it is important to take into account their dimensions and weight. Manufactured boulders rarely look natural, even when placed in a chaotic manner. A selection of stones of more than two species looks overly decorative.

It is necessary to familiarize yourself in advance with the characteristics of the plants and flowers that are planned for planting on the slide. Not all roots are able to grow freely in rocks. The soil most often needs to be acidified to reduce alkali.... Crushed stone can be poured between plants and stones - this will serve as the final chord of the composition.

It is recommended to purchase stones in specialized stores. This will guarantee the environmental safety and strength of the rocks. The optimal weight of the product is 100 kg. The average height of a rock garden can reach 1.5 meters.

The largest stones are installed first. This work should be started after good soil shrinkage. Stones need to be buried in the ground by more than 50% of their volume... Smaller stones should be located in such a way as to be protected from wind and precipitation, otherwise they will wash away and slide. Do not forget that between the stones you need to leave enough open space for planting plants and flowers.

The vegetation on the hill is selected taking into account the general idea and style of decor. Landscaping involves many styles of rock garden design, including rocky terrain, a desert garden, lakes with bridges, which will certainly be in harmony with the built structure.

Making a garden yourself is much cheaperthan using the services of professional designers. This kind of work unlocks creativity and is a lot of fun.Fantasy and imagination will not keep you waiting long, the main thing is to start.

Rockery is best in harmony with reservoirs and vertical gardening. Such compositions bring originality and freshness to the decoration of suburban areas.

An artificial rock garden pond can be made from the most unexpected objects. A wonderful addition to an alpine slide can be created from ordinary car tires. In a modern garden, they can be used to create a pond. The work algorithm is as follows:

• find wheels of different sizes - the largest tire will become the basis of the pond;
• we dig a foundation pit under its diameter;
• we fix the tire to the bottom and fill it with concrete;
• cut off the excess edge;
• a level higher we place smaller tires, we also cut off their top, and fill the bottom with concrete;
• we cover the walls with a waterproofing film;
• mask with pebbles and pebbles;
• we install a pump for water;
• we plant with plants that love moisture.

It would never occur to anyone that the wheels of a car lie at the heart of the reservoir. The idea does not require a lot of funds, and the refreshing oasis will create a good mood throughout the summer season.

To get a chic decoration in the form of a flower-stone composition for your site, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• conditionally, you need to divide the slide into sectors in which there is room for a flat part, talus, rocks and rise;
• for the best perception, it is better to apply no more than four spots of different sizes against a background of greenery;
• do not use factory decorations.

Each owner gets his own special rock garden, each with its own unique flavor. Even the most unexpected things can come in handy in working with him. For example, flower seedlings can be planted in egg trays so that they can then be planted in the ground.

At first, the rock garden will need to add new soil and constantly strengthen the stones. The soil must be evenly poured and compacted after each watering or rain.

Plants also need attention. Do not forget about timely watering, cutting off dried flowers and leaves.... You can feed the plant several times over the summer, but be careful with nitrogen fertilizers. They excessively affect the growth rate of plants, which is not very good under the conditions of the composition. When overfeeding plants, you will get unkempt overgrowths..

Watering the rock garden is best done from a spray bottleto minimize soil erosion. It will not be superfluous to test the stones for strength - they should not wobble. If necessary, insect pests can be used, and diseased plants can be removed immediately. The soil at the site of the diseased plant will also have to be replaced.

Park areas rarely do without the dazzling beauty of a rock garden or rockery. It is not surprising that many people want to have such beauty in front of their eyes all the time. It is unlikely that something can be fresh, prettier and more charming than such a composition on a personal plot.

Below are interesting examples of rock gardens and rockeries for inspiration, because the work on each site will require a unique project.

An example of a classic Japanese-style rockery. A minimum of plants in a lifeless stone landscape.

Rock garden staircase formed from flat stone rocks.

An inspiring example of a rock garden with a waterfall.

Alpine slide with coniferous shrubs and decorative embankment of multi-colored gravel.

Portable mini-rockery in a self-cast concrete flower bed. The plant part of the composition is made up of succulents.

A miniature copy of a mountain landscape.

Rock garden-lawn during the flowering period.

An option for using ceramic products to mask the water supply pipe. Fern, as a moisture-loving plant, pleases the owners with luscious greenery.

Breathtaking groundcover rockery.

Mini pond from a car tire.

See the next video for more on this.