If you have recently bought a new home, have some time on your hands or want to change your garden up, you might have been thinking about ways you can add a unique touch to your space. Garden rockeries are a brilliant way to add a unique, vibrant and interesting feature to your garden. But, before you start any landscaping project, you want to make sure that any necessary planning permission has been granted.
If you're thinking about creating a beautiful garden rockery in your backyard, we discuss whether or not you need to apply for planning permission, why you should consider building a garden rockery and how to build the ideal garden rockery below.
What is a garden rockery?
A garden rockery is an arrangement that is usually made up of different types of rocks and alpine plants. They are a simple way to create a stunning garden retreat. Better yet, they are low maintenance and easy to create.
What is planning permission?
Planning permission is a system where the local council approves or disapproves of any new buildings or building work. For example, if you are thinking about adding a conservatory or extension to your house, you will likely have to submit these plans to the council so they can be approved.
Do I need planning permission to build a rockery?
Most landscaping and gardening works do not fall under the types of building work that require planning permission, including garden rockeries. However, if you are uncertain about your local council’s rules, or you are planning on building a very large rockery, it's always best to check.
If it turns out that you do need planning permission but you don't get it, you may be subject to a fine, or the council may force you to dismantle your structure. Therefore, if you are even slightly concerned that you might need planning permission, don’t be afraid to ask, as it can save you a lot of hassle (and money) down the line.
Why build a garden rockery?
There are many different reasons why a garden rockery can make a great addition to your garden. If you are thinking about installing a rockery into your garden, here are some benefits to consider:
They can thrive in harsh environments
Many plants in typical gardens require a certain amount of rainfall and sunlight to grow and thrive. However, what happens when you live in an area that suffers from droughts, or in an area that gets flooded regularly? Moreover, with temperatures on the rise, many gardens may soon have to adapt to the changing climate. Rockeries are the perfect choice for anywhere, as they can survive the intense heat, strong winds, droughts and rainfall. If you choose the right plants to go into your rockery, they will be able to survive any weather that is thrown at them, making them a foolproof choice for even the most novice gardener!
Extremely low maintenance
If you lead a busy lifestyle and don’t always have the time to garden, that doesn’t mean that you can’t create and enjoy a beautiful space. If you don’t want to mow your lawn, water or prune your flowers every spare minute, a rockery garden makes the perfect choice for you. Once designed and created, a rockery garden only requires a little maintenance, meaning that you can do very little work and still enjoy a beautiful garden.
It reduces the need for water
Rockery gardens are one of the most eco-friendly types of garden around because they require very little water to thrive. In areas that experience droughts or are prone to heatwaves, many councils place a temporary ban on watering your garden, and many traditional gardens can suffer. By opting for a rockery, you can be certain that, even in the hottest of temperatures, your garden will look as beautiful as ever. It also means that you won’t be putting pressure on our natural resources.
It looks amazing all year
A rockery garden isn’t one that will only look good in spring or summer. Because the plants in a rockery can survive all year round, there will never be a day in which your rockery won’t look beautiful.
Tips on building your rockery garden
If you are ready to start building your rockery, here are some tips to get you started:
Build your rock garden in Autumn: The best time to construct a rockery is in Autumn, as there will be little else that you need to do during this season. However, if your rockery is going to be your entire garden, start in spring or summer and make the most of the nice weather. Try and avoid winter, as it will be more tricky to move the rocks about.
Choose the right position: The best position for a rockery is one that is in an open position, away from trees. You should also find a spot that only has a few hours in the sun, this is better than a spot that is in the sun all day or not in the sun at all. Choose an area that has good drainage.
Choose the right stone: When making your rockery, make sure that you invest in the right sort of materials. Invest in a rock that will successfully hold your plants in place but will also ensure that they can drain properly.
