There is an old saying that goes, "Different strokes for different folks."  Never is that more apparent than the different ways people grow (or not grow in some cases) their gardens.  With hundreds to thousands of seed, plant and flower choices, the options and varieties are endless.  There are just a few more options for you to explore as you get set to do your next garden.

ROCK GARDENS

Rock gardens are not made of all rocks.  They are decorations for plants to grow naturally.  Some are natural where the rocks are already in the ground and artificial where you have to add rocks from somewhere else.  Many rock gardens are a combination of the two, but they should still match up very well and look natural.

Pick an area where there are trees with deep roots, such as oaks or hickories.  That will give the garden shade when it needs it.  However, if the branches are too low, that can create dense shade that may damage the garden and make it difficult to grow plants.  Lower branches can be removed without harming the tree.

Look around at the plants already growing where you want to put the garden.  If they are overcrowded and seem like weeds, it is best to dig them out as they may grow out of control, especially weeds that grow naturally every year.  Clear out those plants and possibly diseased wood that you don't want around by digging them out by the roots.  But make sure to transplant those plants that are useful in other parts of your yard.

Soil is very important for the growth of the plants around the garden.  Sometimes, soil can contain too much acid.  You can improve the soil texture by adding crushed rock, limestone, clam and oyster shells, or peat moss, depending on the condition.

The soil must be deep enough, especially where plants are to grow.  You will want to rake the existing soil out of the garden, but make sure there are areas deep enough to plant.  The discarded soil can be replaced with a better mix that you can find in a garden store.

The fall or early part of spring is the best time to plant, but only after the ground has settled.  Patience is sometimes the best way to go.  Many rock gardeners wait a full growing season to make sure the soil is ready and the weeds will not grow back.

Soil can determine how well the plants grow.  It is best to pick out small plants that are not used for flower beds or borders.  The best rock gardens are those that look like they were created naturally.  To make the garden look as natural as possible, check out the rocky areas nearby and the plants grow around the cracks and bases of the natural "garden."  Sometimes plant seeds naturally spread out or gather in one place to create a denser look.  Also, see how the rocks are arranged.  Sometimes, nature is the best designer of all.

A rock garden does not have to be on a flat surface.  Remember, you want it to look natural.  So, a small hill is fine, but be careful of the seeds sliding down the incline.

Rock gardens can be easy and fun to create.  And you'll have to decide whether to let your friends know if your "natural" garden is actually one you created.

WATER GARDENS

Water gardens have many possibilities beyond just the plants.  They can be as simple as a barrel cut in half, filled with water, and decorated with water lilies.  They can also be more complicated.  With the unlimted possibilities, there is more building and preparation needed.  To make things easier, there are pre-made ponds and tub gardens.  They last for a long time, but have a limit in size.  Pre-made ones are the best way to go since it requires less attention.

Carefully select the site that you want.  Make sure there are no trees or shrubbery nearby.  Their leaves and branches could shed into the garden.  Plus, you want the sun to be on it for most of the day.  Start with a long rope and outline where you want your garden.  Test out your favorite shapes to make it exactly the way you want it.  Remember, digging is required no matter which way you go.

It is important to know that you need to keep the pond full of water and not let it dry out.  Bobby float valves are helpful in keeping the water level high.  They automatically add water as needed.

Waterfalls give a water garden a natural look and will keep the water at the best level.  But be careful.  The water that flows can make the tub or lining expand or shrink and can possibly do some damage.  That's why the base of the waterfall is so important.  The easiest way is to use an "all-in-one" piece that includes both the pre-made garden and the material for a waterfall.  If you choose rocks to make your water garden look more natural select the stones carefully so that they don't damage the lining with a tear or a hole.

You will need help with a pump that will move the water over the waterfall.  When selecting a pump, you need to find out how high the water must be pumped from the bottom of the pool section.  It is important to pick a pump that matches the gallons of water running through the pump every hour.  That will make the waterfall more natural and keep your pond's water level at the same height.

Fountains are a nice touch to a water garden as well.  The fountainhead connected to the pump should be placed just above the surface of the water to make sure the water sprays out high.  Keep an eye on the fountain to make sure that it does not clog up.  A good running fountain with a few lights thrown in can make for amazing night viewing.

After everything is all put together, look at it carefully to make sure it's the way you want it.  Let the water run for at least a week so everything can settle before you make any big changes.

GRASS GARDENS.

A grass garden is probably the easiest of the three to create, since it can be done with a rectangular wood box that you keep indoors.  Outdoor grass gardens tend to be more complicated with various types of grass, from the larger Tiger Grass to the smaller Veld Grass.  They can be brightly colored resembling a fireworks show.  They are soft and touchable, but you don't want to roll around in it.  The grass is not like what grows from your lawn.  They are more for decoration with some growing quite tall and feathery, sprouting flowers and leaves and turning different colors.

To start a grass garden indoors, you need to start with a sturdy wooden box that won't leak.  Two weeks before you are ready to show your garden, fill the box with potting soil up to 1" under the top.  Take your grass seeds and sow them to help them grow quickly.  Add a 1/4" more of soil to the top.

Moisture and sunlight are the keys throughout the growing process.  Find a window in your house that faces south and place the garden there.  While you want the soil to stay moist, you do not want to make it wet.  Use a spray bottle filled with water and mist it regularly.  Before you know it, you'll have a garden full of green grass.  As the grass grows, you may want to trim it, with scissors to the height you want.

Other containers can be used as well, like a pot or shallow saucer.  Add momss to the soil to create a different looking surface.  You can even decorate your grass garden.  Dress it up with colorful rocks or ceramic eggs around Easter time.  Small Christmas ornaments or votive candles could give it a holiday feel and you could even use the garden as a centerpiece at the dinner table.