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The most important thing to put under a rock garden is the appropriate soil. The specific soil needed will depend on the type of plants you’re growing as well as the environment you live in. You can also put non-woven or woven fabric under the rocks to add to the garden's structural stability.

Pavers are one of the most affordable methods of creating an elevated outdoor space. Gravel is an equally affordable alternative. If your budget permits, you can look into building a permeable driveway to ensure proper drainage. Grid pavers, pervious concrete, brick, and brick pavement are all effective materials. Permeable driveways are great options, especially if you live in an area with heavy rainstorms.

Unless it only rains once in a blue moon where you live, you’re going to want water-loving plants in your garden bed or pot. A few ideas for plants that aren’t super fast-growing (meaning they’re good in pots or near foundations) and can handle a lot of standing water include: 

• Acorus (Sweet flag)

• Colocasia esculenta (Taro or elephant ear): In many climates, these are annuals, making them less desirable because you need to adjust the chain again after each replant.

• Equisetum scirpoides (Dwarf horsetail rush): non-dwarf varieties of horsetail are fast growers and can take over quickly.

• Juncus effusus (Curly rush)

• Osmunda regalis (Royal fern): Royal fern can grow quickly but can also handle being crowded, making them good container plants.

A half inch above ground level is ideal for metal edging. This provides enough depth for the edging to hold in place and enough height to keep in most landscaping materials (like mulch or gravel). If you install edging too high off the ground, it will stand out from your landscaping and pose a tripping risk. If you install it too low, your ground cover won’t stay in place.