Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => General Forum => Topic started by: Maggi Young on July 10, 2013, 04:03:25 PM

Title: Questions about a proposed garden in west Scotland
Post by: Maggi Young on July 10, 2013, 04:03:25 PM

 Friends, a correspondent asks for help re.  the redevelopment of an area of his garden in Inverclyde.
The piece of garden in question is a steep sloping area (20m x 10m) presently  covered in grass.
He asks what does it cost to build a rock garden (design and local rocks)? 

I have no experience of commissioning such a design etc - but I hope forumists can help.

He  also asks if we can recommend in the  Inverclyde area for know how and materials? He is looking for a NW Pacific style gardenas opposed to alpine.

I have suggested that it may well be possible to source  local stone quite cheaply from farmers  clearing field dykes etc (- we have had such stone free here when developers were pleased to be rid of it!)

Anyone know of local designers or is there a member nearby interested in giving advice?

Title: Re: Questions about a proposed garden in west Scotland
Post by: TC on July 10, 2013, 06:16:22 PM

Believe it or not, large stones suitable for rock gardens are difficult to find in the Clyde area.  There are a few quarries which supply stone  mainly grey whinstone, but it is crushed to about 15mm for driveways.  It may be that a quarry could supply large stones but it would probably need heavy machinery to move them into position on site.
Other sources are some garden centres and builders merchants who can supply various types of suitable stone in large non-returnable bags.
If I remember correctly, the price is prohibitive.  One stone weighing about 10kg could be £10.
The method I used was to go out looking for suitable stone and carry it back home in the car.  One car and one back wrecked !
You could always try the yellow pages for local demolition contractors and see if they have any old buildings being demolished in the area.
They have to pay landfill tax to dump the stone so may be glad to get rid of it cheaply.
As to designers, sorry I have no idea.  The fun of producing a garden is that it is YOUR design.  Just look at books, magazines, web sites and visit gardens - big and small.  If you see anything you like incorporate it into your own design.
I forgot to mention Cardwell nursery at Lunderstone Bay, Gourock, maybe they could help.