ROCK GARDEN / DRY GARDEN
Dry Gardens cover a variety of garden styles and may be called Mediterranean or Rock Gardens. Gravel gardens are another variation of the dry garden. They are best suited to drier climates and light, well-drained soil. The plants often are indigenous to Southern Europe, alpine regions or South Africa. The Mid-Columbia can be very suited to this style of gardening, especially the east end of the Gorge.
Ideally Dry Gardens contain plants which are drought-tolerant once established and are watered sparingly during the summer. Winter wetness can be detrimental, therefore good drainage is essential, and fertilizer should be used in moderation.
Plants for Dry Gardens: The plants themselves possess hairy or leathery, waxy leaves to protect them from desiccation or they die back early in the summer to bulbs or tubers. Their foliage is often evergreen or evergray, and frequently aromatic. Many plants from dry habitats flower in spring or early summer, providing a colorful display early in the season. Ornamental grasses are quite drought-tolerant and make suitable companion plants in dry gardens, adding fall and early winter interest. Agastache, Lavender, Oregano, Penstemon, Russian Sage, Creeping Thyme and Rosemary are plants of the dry garden, and thrive in the Mid-Columbia, provided that they are grown in well-drained soil. Most of these plants display flowers attractive to hummingbirds.
Raised beds or berms promote good drainage. Rocks or boulders are an important feature and provide ideal habitats for alpine plants. Pea gravel can be used as mulch, but is sometimes difficult to keep free of soil and debris.
Xeriscapes are drought-tolerant, water-conserving gardens. Appropriate native plants and plants from similar drier climates, such as the above-mentioned perennials and herbs, are an important component. Lawn is sparingly used, and if so, varieties with low water needs are chosen. The plants in xeriscapes and dry gardens are drought-tolerant once established, usually two years after planting.
Mediterranean-style Gardens come in all shapes and forms and may be terraced hillsides, cozy courtyard gardens or grand estates. This is a perfect type of garden for
dry, rocky soil in full sun. Interesting, scented foliage and masses of brilliant, persistent flower color in summer evoke memories of Provence and Italy. Mediterranean-style gardens generally consist primarily of plants accustomed to hot, dry conditions, and therefore need less supplemental water than most other gardens, once established. Italianate garden features and colorful containers complement this garden style.
Fountains or other water features contribute refreshing life and pleasing sound to the garden.
Residential Rock Garden Retreat: This residential backyard consisted of a curved concrete path and gravelly,
sandy soil prior to planting. The owners desired a garden without lawn, therefore a drought-tolerant
rock garden planting with Mediterranean elements was selected.
Raised or bermed beds and borders frame a second, gravel path south of the existing sidewalk. The gravel path was constructed to simulate
a dry stream bed and allows for easy access and convenient viewing of colorful rock garden plantings.
The plants and raised berms provide privacy to the large covered patio, while preserving favorable adjacent views and a fabulous vista of Mt. Hood.
Place cursor over image for "Before" view
Place cursor over image for "Before" view
Place cursor over image for "Before" view
Place cursor over image for "Before" view
Place cursor over image for "Before" view
Place cursor over image for "Before" view
Mediterranean Garden: This Mediterranean-style courtyard in The Dalles, Oregon contained an existing swimming pool prior to landscape installation.
It is located on the south side of the residence, resulting in ample sunshine during the summer and well into autumn.
After completion of extensive home renovations, the landscape design suggested construction of a tiered stucco wall on the west side of
the future courtyard, echoing the home's exterior finish and paint color.
The wall ties the home to the landscape and furnishes full privacy for the new courtyard garden. An Italianate fountain attached to
the wall adds pleasing sound and Mediterranean flair. An arbor between wall and swimming pool was constructed and planted with climbers,
to provide welcome shade during the height of summer.
Hillside Rock Garden: This private residence in Hood River, Oregon overlooks the Columbia River. The majority of the stone work, terracing and stairs had been completed prior to Mount Hood Gardens starting their work.
The existing plantings were sparse and not thriving. Two years later the hillside rock garden has filled in beautifully and displays varying color schemes and diverse texture interest throughout the year.
Terraced Patio Garden & Rock Garden Hillside Planting: This steep, north-facing slope adjacent to a residence in The Dalles, Oregon was graded to create
an upper, level terrace for a large flagstone patio shaded by a pergola. Flagstone steps lead up to
the patio garden, which is surrounded by a see-through fence to confine the clients' dogs.
The slope plantings change dramatically throughout the season, with large sweeps of ground covers and low ornamental grasses
blooming at different times of the year.
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