"Litl Fish" wrote in message
...
Hi folks,
SNIP

My question is, if I want to create a rock and water garden between the
fence and the retaining wall (running parallel to both), would it be
better
to concrete around the plants so that I can embed cobblestones, slate and
sandstone, or should I just lay down some very thick latex - cutting holes
for the plants - then cover this with screenings and just sit the rocks on
top?

So you want a garden with rocks and a water feature? It's kinda hard to
picture what you want. Sorry, but I'm hopless at picturing these things from
straight tex :-)

My preference is to do the former, as I quite like the look. However, I've
been told that if I concrete around the plants, I'd never be able to dig
them up, but my feeling is that if I leave "enough" of a space around each
individual plant, I should be able to dig it up if it needs replacing.

That wouldn't be your only problem. It would be hard to get the rootball
outcompletely. But you have to look at roots possibly lifting or cracking
the concrete.
Also you have to take into account the water factor. Will the plants get
enough water to the roots. I'm not just talking at the base of the plant,
but as the roots spread.

The
way I see it, if I have to dig up a plant because it's dying, then
chopping
a rootball or hacking at a plant to remove it won't matter, and all I'll
need to do is replace the soil below it, and add more fertilisers, etc.

Good point. But a problem if the concrete is the reason for the plants
dying.

Any thoughts on the best way to get water running past these plants (with
a
little trickle going into them as well)? The water that goes into the aggy
pipes will also be collected, filtered and pumped back up to the top
again.

Theres no reason why you couldn't concrete in a very little "river" lined
with gravel or pebbles. The problem with allowing some of the water going to
the plants is that it would probably end up overwatering them. Good drainage
would avoid that, but water flowing through the soil will leach the
nutrients out. Ok, so the water will circulate but then the water could get
a salt/nutrient buildup in it.
I hope this helps a little. IMO it could be more trouble than what it's
worth. I stay away from the idea of concreting aound plants especially
individual plants in a garden bed.
Good luck with it.

Thanking you in advance for any words of wisdom,

KC

www.twistedirony.com