I was wondering what else is in a "rock garden". First any kind of garden is an artifact of man. It is a cultural phenomenon. As such it will evolve, it may have styles, and may cause disruptions ( like the impressionists vs classicist painters a century and a half ago). So after thinking about the coining of rock gardens, just as one other form of concern, we may state that they tend to be more naturalistic rather than formal. That in some ways they try to emulate untouched nature; at least try to synthesize the spirit of rocky natural landscapes. I live next to mountains and I can "harvest" some boulders that are burried deep in my property. Yet not every stone is adequate. I can collect stones that are leftovers of road builders and they are very glad to see them removed since they may become driving hazards. Finally in my case the full "rock garden" comprises about two main flower borders plus two adjacent borders that frame the rock garden space. It is in the making an attempt to bring close those vast landscapes I can see in the distance. Each garden has its "genius loci" or spirit as already ancient Romans knew so well. I've got seven different gardens in my farm property each with its character. This late summer and following fall I'll be placing some of the low growing perennials, some heathers, some slow growing ornamental connifers, while I try to raise from seed fabulous little plants to grow amongst crevices and gravel. The project will take at least 5 years to mature. I expect flaws and probable mistakes trying to grow these little gems. As I see it, it is an excercise of downsizing the observer's attention while keeping up interest in the overall general "ambience". Obviously I'm trying to capture at least fleetingly, the beauty of those larger spaces. Also a reminder of my early youth tromping up the mountains trying to get pictures of those low growing gems. Thus summing up the controversy I feel that each of us rock gardeners will finally develop his own ( as with any other kind of human creation) and leave to the critics to what exact category it belongs to. I think that my only goal is to achieve harmony and beauty...not a very straightforward goal I admit...
