Mark out the area of the proposed site and remove any turf carefully. This can be used later as a drainage medium when you start to build the rockery.

Make sure that the site is well drained - particularly if it is not on a slope. You may need to install a soakaway or other drainage system, especially on heavy clay soils.

Clear the site of any weeds; it is extremely difficult to eradicate perennial weeds once the rock garden has been established, so it is essential to remove them at this stage. The most efficient method is to spray the area with a translocated weedkiller several months before you start to build. This will clear the site of vegetation and kill the deep roots of perennial weeds. You may also need to dig out any suckers from nearby trees or shrubs.

Consolidate the soil by treading gently to prevent subsequent sinking, and then fork over the surface of the site to maintain good soil structure.