Texas rock gardeners showcase lush, unexpected beauty in castle rock
A couple weeks ago, a visit to the meticulously curated garden of Domenique revealed a burgeoning talent – Ryan and Allison Harter of Castle Rock, Colorado. Their rock garden, a vibrant testament to waterwise design and a surprising abundance of flowering species, is already attracting attention online.
A surprisingly colorful oasis
The Harters’ garden, dubbed ‘xericgarden’ by Ryan on social media, isn’t your typical austere rockscape. It’s a riot of color, featuring dianthus, catmint, salvia, iris, and coral bells, all thriving amidst strategically placed rocks. A ‘Ring of Fire,’ defined by dense hens-and-chicks, creates a surprisingly charming circular lawn.
Despite hosting a recent rock gardening tour, Ryan and Allison were still happily discussing plant selections with a visitor, demonstrating their continued passion for the craft. A key element is the clever use of crevice planters – some with striking purple and gray stones, others showcasing dramatic black and orange sedum. These seemingly minor details elevate the entire aesthetic.
“I’m not completely satisfied with them yet,” Ryan admitted, gesturing to a pair of new crevice containers. “But I really like the visual impact they’re creating.”
The garden’s design cleverly utilizes the sloping terrain, layering plants from the base to the hillside. A dry stream manages overflow from the downspout, while a trio of purple sedum and creeping thyme adds a subtle touch of elegance. Particularly noteworthy is a baby ‘Snow Leopard’ cholla, a prickly pear with red stones in a red pot – a testament to the diverse textures found within this space.
Back in the backyard, stone steps, adorned with hot-pink ice plant, still offer a pop of color, even as the flowers begin to fade. Self-seeded violas have established themselves in the cracks, adding a touch of wildness. The view from the house showcases a layered perspective, with red yucca and flowering blue oat grass arching across the hillside. A fire-pit patio, bordered by creeping veronica, provides a cozy gathering space.
“It’s becoming a living veronica patio,” Ryan explained, highlighting the garden’s ongoing evolution. Catmint and yellow buckwheat complete the landscape, while fleabane adds another layer of interest. The rhythmic splashes of pink from the ice plant lead the eye along the stone steps, revealing a truly otherworldly purple rock formation – a captivating and unexpected sight.
MomInAustin, a reviewer on Amazon, aptly described the ‘Gardens of Texas’ series as “empowering”, noting the detail and inspiring storytelling. Readers can explore Ryan and Allison’s garden in greater depth via a two-part blog post, accessible here and here. The Harters welcome feedback and encourage readers to share their thoughts at the end of the blog posts.
This extraordinary rock garden proves that minimalist design doesn’t preclude abundance and color. It’s a striking example of resilience and creativity, a far cry from the typical doorstop garden book.