The Crevice to Contentment

I still remember the day my friend Panayoti Kelaidis introduced me to the wonders of crevice gardening. We were strolling through the Denver Botanic Gardens, where Panayoti has served as Senior Curator and Director of Horticulture for decades, and he pointed out these intriguing vertical rock formations dotted with the most captivating little plants. “That,” he said, “is a crevice garden, and it’s the key to creating a stunning, waterwise rock garden.”

As someone who has always been drawn to the rugged beauty of the great outdoors, I was immediately intrigued. Sure, I had read Panayoti’s blog posts about crevice gardening, but it wasn’t until I saw one in person that I truly grasped the allure of this unique gardening technique. And let me tell you, my son was equally captivated – he’s since converted his traditional front lawn into a fledgling crevice garden in Aurora, just outside of Denver.

What is a crevice garden, you ask? It’s a garden built with vertical or slightly tilted stacks of flat rock that mimic natural rock formations. In the cracks and crevices between the rocks, you’ll find a well-drained growing medium, typically composed of sand, that provides the perfect habitat for a diverse array of mostly tiny, textural, and fascinating alpine plants.

Replicating Nature’s Masterpiece

As I wandered through those open gardens in Denver, I couldn’t help but be struck by how closely these crevice gardens replicated the natural rock formations I had seen in the mountains during our drives. It was as if Mother Nature herself had provided the blueprint for this truly stunning gardening style.

In the Rockies, where the climate is harsh and the conditions are extreme, crevice gardens thrive. The vertical rock structures provide valuable protection for the plants’ delicate roots, shielding them from the intense sun and drying winds. And the pockets and crevices within the rocks act as tiny, self-contained microclimates, trapping precious moisture that the plants can access.

As I learned from Mike and Eve Brawner, the owners of Harlequins Gardens in Boulder, these crevice habitats are a godsend for alpine plants that would otherwise struggle to survive in the region’s semi-arid, almost desert-like conditions. The roots burrow deep into the crevices, where they’re sheltered from the drying atmosphere and insulated from the frigid winter temperatures.

Cultivating Crevice Perfection

Creating your own crevice garden may seem daunting, but with a little planning and a lot of patience, you can transform even the most challenging of landscapes into a true oasis of waterwise wonder. Here are the key steps to get you started:

Selecting the Right Site

The first step is to choose the perfect location for your crevice garden. Look for an area that receives full sun exposure, as most of the plants that thrive in this type of environment are sun-loving. Avoid spots that are prone to excessive moisture or heavy shade, as these conditions can quickly lead to rot and disease.

Constructing the Crevice

The foundation of your crevice garden is, of course, the rocks. Start by gathering a variety of flat, irregularly shaped stones in a range of sizes. Arrange them vertically or at a slight angle, creating a series of crevices and pockets between the rocks. The goal is to mimic the natural look and feel of a rocky outcrop or mountainside.

Choosing the Right Plants

Now comes the fun part – selecting the plants that will call your crevice garden home. Look for drought-tolerant, sun-loving species that are native to alpine or desert regions, such as agaves, aloes, cacti, and succulents. These hardy plants are perfectly adapted to thrive in the well-drained, moisture-retentive conditions of your crevice garden.

Providing the Perfect Growing Medium

To ensure your crevice garden plants flourish, you’ll need to create the ideal growing medium. Start with a base of coarse sand or gravel, which will provide excellent drainage. Then, top it off with a nutrient-rich potting mix or garden soil that’s been amended with compost or other organic matter.

Watering and Maintenance

One of the key benefits of a crevice garden is its water-wise nature. These gardens are designed to thrive on minimal moisture, so you’ll only need to water them during extended dry spells or periods of extreme heat. Be sure to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.

As for maintenance, your crevice garden will largely take care of itself. Occasional weeding, deadheading, and the occasional trim of any overzealous plants are about all the attention it will need to keep it looking its best.

Embracing the Unexpected

One of the things I love most about crevice gardening is the sense of discovery and wonder it evokes. As you wander through your creation, you’ll be continually surprised by the new and unexpected plants that emerge from the crevices, each one more captivating than the last.

And that’s the beauty of this unique gardening style – it’s a constant evolution, a living, breathing work of art that reflects the ever-changing whims of nature. Just when you think you’ve mastered the perfect crevice garden, Mother Nature will throw you a curveball, challenging you to adapt and evolve alongside your creation.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of waterwise wonder, I encourage you to consider the stunning possibilities of a crevice garden. Who knows what hidden gems you’ll uncover, lurking in the nooks and crannies of your own personal slice of rocky paradise?