You are invited to visit the Rock Garden at Cutler Botanic Gardens…
Why garden with rocks?
In most gardens rocks are considered a nuisance to be removed. So why garden with rocks? A rocky landscape can be used to create a desired aesthetic. The space between plantings can feel more abundant. The rocks provide a blank slate, bring a feeling of openness and quiet. Plantings within this space are dramatically displayed. Rock outcroppings, stonewalls, and individual boulders create lines or focal points within the garden.
Rocks have been used in gardens for more than 1000 years. In ancient China, rocks were highly valued and considered by Daoist sages to be the “very bones of the earth”. Zen gardens later became an important part of Japanese culture. The aesthetic of the Zen Garden has been described by a concept called “wabi-sabi”. This term refers to the beauty of rustic simplicity, in objects worn by age, imperfect and transient.
Most plants are not suited to these seemingly barren conditions. But this provides an opportunity to showcase those plants that are adapted to arid landscapes and harsh climates. In western cultures rock gardens gained popularity during the 18th century, when European exploration resulted in a golden age for botany. Plant specimens from Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa were collected and propagated in England, continental Europe, and later in America. Rock gardens, or rockeries, became a popular way to recreate an alpine scree, a scene from above the treeline. Rocks were brought onto estates to establish a terrain suitable for prized alpine specimens.
How do these plants survive in dry conditions?
While most plants are not able to thrive in severe dry conditions, a relative few succeed with special adaptations. Some plants survive
dry periods in dormancy. Energy is stored in underground structures to allow rapid growth when conditions are right. Bulbs, like the tulip, are native to arid regions. Drought tolerant plants use many techniques to limit water loss. They tend to have fleshy stems, leaves or roots and waxy cuticles. The hairs on the leaves of Lamb’s Ear aid in moisture retention.
Succulents are a group of plants that can efficiently absorb and store water when precipitation does occur. One popular succulent is Sempervivum tectorum. It is native to central Europe and is commonly referred to as hens and chicks or house leek. The Latin name translates to “ever living one of roofs”. The plant was understood to be sacred to Jupiter in Roman and Thor in Norse mythology. Because both gods were associated with lightning, the plant was traditionally believed to be protective against lightning strikes. Alternative explanations for their use include plugging roof leaks (hence the name “house leek”) and providing food in times of scarcity. Emperor Charlemagne included house leeks in a ninth century edict that listed useful plants to be grown on estates. Even to this day the plant can be seen on rooftops in England.
Spring is a good time to take a closer look at the Rock Garden at Cutler Botanic Garden, as many plants there show their colors and bloom in the cooler, wetter weather. Cutler Botanic Gardens is free and open to the public every day from dawn to dusk.
By Master Gardener Volunteer Erin Gordon