Ok, you all have inspired me to start a rock garden in a problem area thats already a little rocky. So here's my question.......is there a 'special' soil mixture that I should use around and under the rock garden plants? And one more question......is there a small 'creeper' that I could start growing this summer to use in table arangements for my daughters Wedding June 2006? I want to make small table arrangements that guests may take home and enjoy after the reception has ended. My daughter wants me to incorporate a center 'water/floating candle' type of thing, I have idea's for that but I'm unsure of a good creeper that I can start growung now for use next spring in her table arrangements. Thanks, Jill
Rock garden questions
In regards to the soil, the basic mix used by our local botanical garden ( and me) is one part 'organics' (leaf mould is the best), 2 parts topsoil and 1 part 3/8" granite chips. Drainage should be very good. Limestone chippings is even better since most alpines hail from limestone areas, but in my area , it's all granite so we use what we have. If using granite, then add liberal amounts of lime powder or pellets to the soil.
What are her wedding colors? I like creeping phlox (moss phlox) , candystripes is cute in pink & white and the flowers just about cover the whole plant. Only grows to 4 to 6 inches high. http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/49968/index.html
Mine blooms late spring and early summer. I posted a comment from one of the vendors about prolonging the bloom. One of the vendors had several different colors.
Todd - Thanks for the info, we dont have mountains in Iowa but we do have alot of quarry area's, I think Limestone would be a good choice along with leaf mold and top soil. I'm definetly going to create a little rock garden of my own.
Angele --- thanks!She has chosen light blue for a color and off white. I think any color would do in the table arrangements.
Did you see the pictures from the Chesterfield Show Pics thread? Follow the link there for some beautiful plants. ;-) how fun and what a nice idea having take home plants.
Angele , yes --- those are some spectacular pics! I'm anxious to do some 'rock garden plant' hunting this spring ---- I may stick to plain ol' flox for her reception table decor, at least that way I'll be safe! It looks like some of the alpines may be difficult to have an abundance of, but I'm anxious to start getting my feet wet in starting a rock garden of my own! Thanks, Jill
momof2d~
I will be posting some thoughts tonight, I have to leave for work now....
More soon!!
Jamie