Rock Gardening in Oklahoma
Nature creates many occurrences where plants and rocks are grouped together, creating sublime imagery. This placement is appealing because of the contrast between the strong and solid texture of rock, and the soft delicate foliage of plants. This same effect can be created in Oklahoma with the construction of a rock garden. Rock gardens are uncommon in Oklahoma because they are typically composed of alpine plants indigenous to high altitude, mountainous regions usually above the tree line. The climate in the mountains is very different than that of Oklahoma, where the growing season is short, temperatures are much cooler, especially at night, and the humidity is considerably lower. The soils of mountainous areas are quite different than most of those in Oklahoma. Mountainous soils, comprised of mostly disintegrated rock, are very porous. Thus, very few, if any, true alpine plants will perform well in the state. However, by using a nontraditional approach to rock gardening, Oklahomans can create and enjoy beautiful rock gardens modified to fit our climatic challenges. Any setting with a combination of plants and a few strategically placed rocks may be loosely considered a rock garden. Even in warm, dry areas of the world, small cacti and succulents can be used to create rock gardens. Although true alpine plants are found naturally only in mountains, many other plants have a similar dwarfed rock garden-type appearance and growth habits. Many of these plants also require well-drained porous soils. Many natural rock out-croppings and formations occur throughout Oklahoma. By using these formations as an example, along with rock garden-type plants and a special soil mix, a successful rock garden can be created for Oklahoma. For our purposes a rock garden is defined as a juxtaposition of small plants arranged with rock that appears to be of natural origin and associated with quickly draining soil. This type of garden will open up a whole new group of plants for gardeners in Oklahoma and parts of surrounding states. It will also provide a more favorable growing environment for some plants already being used. A garden of this type exists in Stillwater at the studio gardens of Oklahoma Gardening, a very popular public television program.