Can you build a rockery against a fence? The experts answer your questions

Rockeries can be a beautiful addition to any garden. They add vibrancy, structure and interest. If you have a special interest in alpine plants, a rockery can be a specialist environment perfect for this type of plant.

If you have been thinking about building your own rockery, you might be asking questions like:

How big does my garden have to be to build a rockery?
Can I build a rockery against a fence?
What materials do I need?

If you are confused about how exactly to build the perfect rockery for your garden, read on to have all your questions answered.

How big does my garden need to be?

Whether your garden is a small, straight patch of grass or a vast expanse, any sized garden can have a rockery feature. Obviously, the size of your garden will greatly impact the size of your rockery, but it is possible to build your own rockery even in the smallest of gardens.

Can I build a rockery against a fence?

This answer entirely depends on the structural qualities of your fence. If you have a brand new, strong wooden fence, placing big stones aside, it should be no issue. However, if you have an old fence that is in need of repair, it is best not to place any large boulders next to it in case it causes the fence to collapse.

If you want to build a rockery against a fence, you must ensure that the fence is stable enough to handle the weight. If you are concerned, make sure you replace or repair your fence before building a rockery.

Fences can also get damaged by any large, falling stones, so it may be best to either place your rockery slightly away from the fence or make sure that any large, potentially damaging rocks are placed firmly into the rockery.

If you wish to grow alpine plants in your rockery, you may not want to place them next to a fence. This is because alpine plants require maximum light exposure, and a fence might stop the plants from growing properly.

What materials do I need?

The first and most important part of any rockery is its rocks. Rockery stones (https://www.decorativegardens.co.uk/aggregates/rockery-stone.html) are easily available online and come in a variety of different sizes, shapes and stone types.

If you want a more natural look, consider choosing a grey rock type for your rockery. If you want a more vibrant-looking rockery, why not choose a rustic slate and add a water feature? It will cause the rock to change and become more vibrant.

Once you have chosen the perfect type of rock, you will then need to find some other materials, such as:

  • Rubble (to stabilise the rocks)

  • Landscape fabric (to cover the rubble and to prevent weeds from growing through and to keep the soil in place).

  • Topsoil

  • Various alpine plants

  • Any extra features (such as water features)

How to build a rockery

Rockeries are not particularly tricky to build, but they do require a bit of labour and an imaginative eye.
You should aim to build your rockery in late winter. This is because the ground is damp and soft, making it much easier to shift soils and place rocks. Moreover, it gives ample time for the soil to settle into position before you add plants in the spring.
Once you have worked out exactly where you want your rockery to go, your first step is to remove any existing weeds from the area, as this will prevent them from growing and can stop them from destabilising the rockery structure over time.
Next, lay the stabilising rubble over the area, and then place the landscape fabric over it.

How to place the rocks

Now, to begin building your rockery. First, begin with the largest rocks, and place them so that they create a small peak. These large rocks can be made stable with smaller rocks and topsoil.
Once you have finished placing all the large rocks down (make sure that you do this carefully to avoid hurting your back), build up the shape of the rockery with smaller stones to achieve the shape you want.

When should you add plants to the rockery?

If you have built your rockery in late winter, wait until the spring to fill your rockery with different alpine plants. Do your research to find the perfect plants to decorate your rockery, and make sure you place them so that they get enough sunlight.

Need more advice?

If you are still unsure about whether you can build a rockery against a fence, what type of rockery stone will suit your garden, or have another question, contact Decorative Gardens to have your rockery questions answered by a professional.

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