The primary problem with the rock garden was an over abundance of nutrient rich soil which provided an ideal germination bed for a wide array of annual weeds. Additionally, the area was infested with some aggressive perennial weeds and a fair degree of erosion had taken place as a result of our visitors straying from the paths. Despite these problems, the rock garden was still a popular feature of Kunming Botanical Garden. The original design was well thought out and the rock work and plantings very professionally displayed. A simple make over was all that was required to bring this area of Kunming Botanical Garden back to an acceptable standard.

The first task was to remove all the top soil apart that found within the root zones of the existing plants. This procedure also ensured the removal of around 75 percent of the annual and perennial weed population. A semi-permeable geo-textile membrane was then laid as a physical barrier to inhibit any further germination or vegetative reproduction of weeds. Then, the entire garden was top-dressed with graded, crushed rock to a depth of approximately 20 cm. Small woven fences of bamboo were erected for visitor guidance and to protect the delicate sub-alpine plants that are on display. A modest amount of new planting was carried out and a small stream constructed to add noise and movement to the garden.