Alpine slides are increasingly appearing on personal plots, squares, and recreation areas. The landscape composition of boulders, a waterfall, and plants resembles a piece of a mountain landscape that delights with bright blooms from spring to autumn. The combination of rough rocks and delicate flowers, emerald grass creates a feeling of serenity and a piece of exotic wild nature. To build an alpine slide, you don’t need the skills of a landscape designer, just enough patience and physical strength to lay out rocky structures and plant flowers. You can see interesting solutions in photographs, and then adapt them to the landscape and site design. Creating a rock garden with your own hands is an exciting process; as the hill becomes populated with vegetation, new ideas appear, the landscape composition is complemented by lamps and clay pots.
Basic installation rules
The alpine slide first appeared in Japan. Since ancient times, the local population learned to wisely use every centimeter of free space. This became the idea of installing cascading decorations in courtyards. The organization of decor should be carried out according to several important rules:
- the structure should be installed in a visible place, preferably in the center of the yard;
- the shadow of trees should not fall on the location;
- make sure there are no gusts of wind in the area.
To keep the decoration bright and natural, it is advisable to plant living plants on it.
Alpine slide made of different types of stones Source yandex.ru
Slide with neat fencing Source tumbral.com
Peculiarities
An alpine hill is an earthen embankment with stones of various shapes laid in tiers, between which shrubs and low-growing flowers grow. The artificially created relief imitates the elements inherent in mountainous areas - plateaus, slopes, cliffs. To reproduce a copy of the alpine landscape, a stone flowerbed is planted with mountain plants. This botanical extreme is not adapted to local conditions, so it is often replaced by local tulips, crocuses, lingonberries, and periwinkles. A rock garden differs from a rock garden in that it has a flat surface and a large number of stones. The rocky and gravel area is formed on flat terrain and can be located over an area of several tens of meters. Externally, the rockery is close to the landscape of the middle zone; it is planted with steppe and forest vegetation.
Do-it-yourself Alpine slides at the dacha: photos of compositions, original ideas
To create an alpine slide, a large amount of materials is required. What to choose depends strictly on what shape the decoration will have and what it will be complemented with. In the photo below you can see in detail the most sophisticated and “living” examples of home decor.
Broken flower pot for decoration Source houzz.de
The rocky structure of the boundaries, laid in a chaotic manner, repeats the features of rocks. Usually a small alpine slide is made of bright stones with sharp edges.
Wild stone slide Source kamen64.ru
The participation of cobblestones and large sea stones in the design of an alpine hill helps to create unusual flower beds for decorative plantings. Coniferous bush plants are very reminiscent of a park of miniature trees.
Alpine slide with succulents Source iylia.ru
An alpine hill with several areas for flower beds, built of flat decorative stone. In such mini-plots, it is customary to plant small flowering perennial plants in varying quantities. This element is usually raised to the height of the curb and complemented with decorative lanterns.
Greek vase is an important decorative element Source roomester.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in landscaping work on sites.
A multi-level rock garden near a fence on a hill is an ideal design option. For decoration, homemade flower beds made of wood or thoughtful decor from broken flower pots can be additionally used.
The emphasis of landscape design Source list.in.ua
Multi-level decoration with a waterfall should be placed in a wide courtyard. Such a slide requires a lot of space and an automatic water supply. It is important that the pond itself is equipped correctly.
Rock garden with a pond and waterfall Source anturag.com.ua
The alpine slide with a low bridge is made of large sea stone, and fine crushed stone is used as an embankment. Looks great from the outside due to the chaotic plantings.
Ground cover conifers are an excellent solution for planting near a hill Source rehouz.info
Blue spruce is the main decoration Source landio.ru
An evergreen hill made of large cobblestones. Flowerbeds in several levels and miniature coniferous plants perfectly highlight the murmuring waterfall and rocky steps that seem fragile and graceful.
Waterfall is a complex, but such a beautiful solution Source yandex.ru
Evergreen shrubs for decoration Source design-hapy.ru
Predominance of purple and yellow colors Source tarifi.info
Varieties
Rock gardens differ in their relief; before starting to create a picturesque area, you need to take into account the landscape features of the local area or park area.
| View | Peculiarities | Recommendations | |
| 1 | mountain wall | Used in the construction of terraced slopes. Flowers and creeping junipers are planted in niches and recesses left in the stonework and filled with soil. | After creation, the wall is watered generously from a spray bottle until the plants take root. |
| 2 | rocky hill | Small stones are placed at the base of the embankment, the top is created from large fragments, and alpine plants are planted | A slide of boulders and layered stones is combined with paved paths and lawns |
| 3 | Gorge in the mountains | In a small ditch or hollow, stones of different heights are laid out along the slopes, and plants are planted between them. | The landscape composition is suitable for areas with natural ravine terrain and two slopes. To strengthen the ravine, boulders are dug into the ground |
| 4 | mountain valley | Stones are buried three-quarters of the way into the ground, paths are laid, a grass carpet is created, and shrubs are planted. | An abundance of herbs and flowers can be complemented by a fountain or small pond |
| 5 | rock cliff | They recreate the breaks in the mountainous terrain with the help of stone fragments, the cliff is planted with crassula, creeping plants | Work begins at the base of the slope, the boulders are pressed tightly together |
| 6 | Mountain Creek | The bottom of the stream is covered with river stones, pellets are laid along the banks, and moisture-loving plants are planted. | Ferns with wide feathery leaves planted near a stream create the effect of wild nature. |
| 7 | Alpine garden | The garden is laid out on an inclined or flat surface, using a minimum of stones | The emphasis is on shrubs and bright plants |
| 8 | Japanese motives | They create the appearance of a collapsed rock, the picturesque area is decorated with basalt, tuff, the area at the base is decorated with perlite, fine gravel | The style of plants in gray, yellow-brown shades, muted red colors, and dwarf shrubs of asymmetrical shape are emphasized |
| 9 | Mini rock garden | A hole in a large trunk, a ceramic container, a basin are filled with earth, small stones, sedums, grains, and armeria are planted | Pre-make water drainage and drainage |
Designer tips for creating a rock garden
The design of the decoration is considered complex, despite the fact that it can be constructed from available materials. Without knowledge of special technologies and advice from experts, it is unlikely that you will be able to become the owner of a chic decor in your yard. Therefore, it is very important to follow the recommendations provided.
- It all starts with project preparation. It is necessary to correctly draw up a drawing, indicate on it all the dimensions, possible additions, and related objects. This will help you not miss anything during construction.
- As for the choice of stones, it is advisable to give preference to options that are similar in structure and shade. A strong contrast in a rock garden will look very defiant.
A small pond in a rock garden with lighting Source landas.ru
Many small flowers are a wonderful background for a rock garden Source interior.jilishta.com
Fences made of wood and cobblestones of various shapes Source cvsasa.access.ly
Plaster figure in the center of the rock garden Source krov-torg.ru
Choosing a location for an alpine slide, layout diagrams
When choosing the area where the decor will be located, they rely not only on its visibility on the territory, but also on several other significant factors:
- The size of the slope must have an angle of at least 10-15 degrees.
- The slide should be harmonious in size: a small slide should not be made too high, and a wide one should have enough empty free space around it.
- The area must have a well-separable top layer of soil. Ideally, it is loose and previously dug up.
- It is allowed to independently create a slope by pouring sand or fine screenings.
Diagram of the structure of the reservoir Source idachi.ru
A uniform arrangement of plants in a rock garden will look banal, so it is better to plant the seeds in a chaotic manner. Of course, flower beds with soil must be prepared in advance for them.
Stage of placement of stones and vegetation Source lanshaft.com
Laying out the levels in an alpine slide is done with large cobblestones with a similar structure. Such a structure rises to several levels with a small height. The drainage layer should be the same for any terrace, but no more than 40-50 cm.
Correct installation of drainage depending on the ground level Source chrome-effect.ru
The height from the foot of the slide to its highest point can be 0.6-0.8 m. In some cases it is made higher, provided that the foot is wider. The top is always a solid point (rock, pebble).
Correct calculation of the size of steps Source optolov.ru
A rock garden with a waterfall and a small pond nearby is usually installed on the lawn, and non-flowering perennial plants are planted on top. To equip a reservoir, you need a pump and a small pit.
Step-by-step instructions for creating a rock garden from various materials with your own hands
When all the points have been thought through and the drawing of the future structure is ready, you can begin to solve the problem of how to make an alpine slide. We offer step-by-step instructions for making alpine slides from different materials.
Forming a slide with your own hands Source landscap.ru
From stones
First, we prepare all the materials and tools. They should always be at hand. Then you can begin arranging the alpine slide.
- We clear the place where the rock garden will be and make its outline. You can draw with the edge of a knife or a rod.
- Let's prepare a drainage system. To do this, we will dig a continuous trench up to 50 cm deep.
- Then add chopped brick or gravel into it. Mix the excavated soil with peat, you can add humus. Pour evenly onto the drainage.
- At this stage, we immediately form high points and create terraces at different levels.
Path made of sea stones Source pinterest.com
- We must place large stones on top of a pre-laid base of small stones.
- Now let's start creating the vegetation. You can first form an interesting composition without removing the plants from the cups. Once you’ve decided, it’s time to plant.
- We plant vegetation with large stems first, then gradually move on to small ones.
- We pour the finished composition with settled warm water.
High slide in the middle of the yard Source zen.yandex.ru
On a note! Plants on an alpine hill cannot be watered from a well installed on the high water. It has very salty water. It is destructive for living decor.
From scrap materials
Many people have various leaky vessels in their household that can be thrown away. Don't rush to do this. They will make a wonderful rock garden. We make a slide according to the instructions.
- After preparing the place, select a suitable container. For example, a bathtub or a metal sink.
- We make several holes in it with a diameter of approximately 5-7 mm. This will be drainage.
- We install bricks in the chosen location or pour a concrete base. Place the prepared container on top of it.
- We can decorate the outer part of the vessel with any available material. Seashells, broken glass, sea stones and much more will do.
- We attach the decorations to the cement mortar. We apply it to the body, wait until it hardens a little, and then press the material.
- Let's make a drainage layer of crushed stone 5-7 cm high, then add soil, peat and eggshells in a ratio of 2:1:1. Mix well and compact.
- We plant the selected plants and water them from the water supply.
Designers recommend thinking through the options for ornamental plants in advance so that the rock garden can be a bright accent in the yard both in winter and summer.
From tires
If you have a friend who repairs cars, then he definitely has ownerless tires. These are the ones that can make a gorgeous slide. We recommend step-by-step instructions.
Old tires with a stone attached Source 1000000diy.ru
- We choose a convenient location and think over the shape that the decorative structure will have. This option can be placed on the sidewalk or simply placed on the lawn.
- Let's prepare the tires. Let's spray paint them from the outside. If necessary, we coat it with varnish or make an artistic drawing.
- When the pieces are dry, place them on top of each other in a checkerboard pattern. They should look multi-layered. Usually displayed in three rows.
- We cover the bottom of each tire with a thick film or fine mesh. If necessary, make holes for drainage.
- Pour fine crushed stone onto the bottom and distribute it evenly over its entire area.
- Now unload the flower soil (you can use regular soil if the plants are not picky about its composition).
- We plant seedlings of decorative flowers and water them. Don’t forget to regularly loosen the soil to allow oxygen to reach the roots.
You can complement the rock garden with garden figurines or night lanterns.
Alpine slide with bridge
A rock garden with a bridge is a functional decoration in the yard. It is very convenient if the decor with a pond is placed on a large area, on which there is a temporary shelter, gazebo or other buildings on both sides. You can construct a slide as follows:
- We prepare the place and make drainage.
- Then we pour the required amount of soil, after which we create multi-level terraces from stones of the same structure.
- We leave space for future flower beds.
- Then, starting from the slope, we lay large pebbles.
- We make a trench of the required length, up to 40 cm deep, and line it with sea stones.
- To ensure they stick well, it is better to place them on cement mortar.
- On both sides of the pond, we lay paving slabs perpendicularly.
- After the path has frozen, we install a bridge over the pond so that it overlooks the path.
Placement of decorative elements Source zen.yandex.com
Decorating a pond
They think about decorating a pond with an alpine composition even at the stage of its creation. Reservoirs are distinguished by type of shape:
- correct;
- wrong.
The correct form includes ponds with strict adherence to geometric shapes. Reservoirs usually correspond to the design elements of the site and are harmoniously combined with the architectural ensemble. Along the perimeter of the pond and the approach to it, paving slabs are laid out.
Ponds of irregular shape are more decorative. They allow the creator's imagination to be fully expressed.
Reservoirs differ in their location levels:
- Raised ponds are usually small and have a strict geometric shape. To create them on an alpine composition, a minimum of earthwork is required.
- Recessed ponds resemble a natural pond with natural shapes. The water surface is flush with the ground.
When thinking about the decor of a pond, you need to know about one more difference. Landscape ponds create the closest possible resemblance to natural lakes. Designer ponds are decorated to suit a specific style: they create an unusual shape and plant exotic plants.
Proper care of an alpine slide
The active growth of perennial crops and the beauty of the decor depend on the tactics of caring for the rock garden.
- After winter, the cover is removed from the hill and cleaned of debris and fallen leaves.
- Peat and fertilizers are added to the soil and left open for 14 days.
- When the weather has settled, you can start planting new seeds or tidying up the old vegetation (trimming, removing dried branches).
Large rock garden made of several types of stone Source smart-tec.hamburg
- The first week after opening the rock garden or planting new plants, daily watering is required. The stream should be spraying, with low pressure.
- If plants are demanding on the soil, then they need special feeding even in summer.
Multi-level alpine slide Source bg.aviarydecor.com
Unusually installed stone Source kayaflower.co
A small pond in the center of the rock garden Source flauminc.com
- Destroyed stones must be removed and whole material put in their place. This will prevent the pieces from falling into the soil and damaging the root system of the plants.
- Don't forget to weed as needed. All weeds must be removed by the roots. They interfere with the active growth of decorative flowers.
- When the soil subsides, it is necessary to fill it up so that the roots of the plants are not exposed.
- Protect your decor from rodents. Animals can be driven away with essential oils without harming the rock garden.
Using improvised means in design Source m.yandex.ru
Tall rock garden with a waterfall Source kamen64.ru
Rock garden with elements of Chinese culture Source pinterest.com
Pond manufacturing technology
The most common way to install a pond is to use a special pond film.
The sequence of actions for this work is as follows:
- Marking the contours of the pond with sand or rope;
- Digging a pit with a depth slightly greater than the expected depth of the pond;
- Marking of pond zones: coastal; small; deep.
- Some of the excavated earth is deposited to create a difference in height in the stream bed;
- We determine the size of the film using cords, arranging them along the length and width and adding half a meter on each side;
- Creation of a coastal strip. A ditch is dug around the pond, geotextiles and film are placed on the edge, tucking them in. The depression is filled with crushed stone;
- Strengthening the pond edging with stone, crushed stone or pipes. If the ground is rocky, then to protect the film the bottom is covered with a layer of sand;
- A flooring resembling the color of stone is spread over the edges;
- Hoses and pump cable are hidden in the folds of the film;
- The film for the stream is glued with a special glue with the film for the pond;
- The protruding ends of the covering are wrapped in a fold 10 cm wide, creating a capillary barrier to prevent soil from entering the reservoir;
- Plant the plants in the deep part of the pond. They are pre-placed in special containers filled with substrate. Install the pump and decorate the bottom with stones. They are not placed in the suction area so as not to reduce the suction power;
- The bottom is covered with crushed stone, the deep part is filled with tap water;
- Plants are planted in the shallow part of the reservoir in special containers;
- To strengthen the slopes of steep banks, bags of crushed stone secured on the shore with stones are recommended;
- The coastal strips of the reservoir are landscaped with the help of coconut mats pressed down along the edges of the pond with stones;
- The stream bed and coastal area are covered with crushed stone. The edge is laid out with natural stones;
- A smooth rise is provided at the edge of the stream;
- Install a flow filter to purify water. The mesh and filter sponges are cleaned regularly;
- Lamps for illuminating the pond are placed in the corners, the wires are placed in a moisture-proof box in parallel. They lay it on linoleum, then cover it with sand;
- The coastal strip is decorated with gravel and pebbles. For refilling, you must have a supply of at least two buckets;
- Moss and flowers are planted next to the alpine hill.
A special decoration of the pond is the cascade of the waterfall. The water difference is created using a pump. The power of the pump is dictated by the height of the waterfall. It is better to use a pump that allows you to regulate the power of the jet. Water is supplied upstairs using a hose.
The pump is installed below, the structure is masked with stones.
