The Objective: Integrate a prominent rocky knoll into a garden view.
The Challenges: Scant soil, full sun.
A natural focal point on a basalt terrace, this rock out-cropping was dusted in ash left by Mt St Helens. Building up soil into a few pockets and choosing plants adapted to a tough, full-sun location allowed this rock to support a full complement of garden plants. The larger tree, grown from an 18” sapling is Contorted Japanese Larch, ‘Diane’. The smaller conifers include a Bristlecone Pine, Dwarf Mugo Pine and Gold Cone Juniper. Wooly Thyme clamors over the surface and Bagatelle Barberry, Germander, Salvia Icterina, Siver Tansy, and sun-tolerant Heuchera Obsidian thrive in slightly deeper soil along the edges. Pots finish the vignette adding architecture and a sense of permanence.
