How do you rake a rock garden without ruining the pattern?

I want to build a rock garden. does anyone have any suggestions on where I can find more information on how to design them?

How do you rake a rock garden without ruining the pattern?
Your garden centre will be happy to sell you patterns and instructions.





The Muse
Reply:you don't rake it, get a leaf blower


look for landscaping books in the library
Reply:use a soft rubber rake
Reply:I have built many rock gardens of different kinds. I did a mosaic rock design around square landscape bricks and it turned out pretty neat.


I didn't know how to keep leaves and debris out so I got smaller rake at Home Depot. That got upper layer off....then I used garden hose with strong pressure and sprayed the rest of the little stuff off rocks. Its a process but it works. Start on one corner and spray the leaves in one direction pushing everything off except for rocks. When you are done it looks great.


Designing a rock garden can be fun but it is tough work placing rocks and stone. I always use landscaping fabric or black plastic underneath.


Start with simple design and remember you can always had more to it with each project. We lived in our old house for 10 years and I ended up with 3 big rock gardens ....120 foot of rock walls and a pond with extensive rock work around it. All this started with small 10 foot rock garden.


Here is some good photos to start with:


http://images.google.com/images?hl=en%26amp;q=...





Here is couple more sites with helpful info:


http://landscaping.about.com/od/rockgard...


http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com...





Good luck!
Reply:Most garden centers will have books on rock gardens, and don't forget the library. Buy a blower instead of trying to rake.Much faster and not the frustration.