Earthenware pots initially rejected for garden feature (7)

I believe the answer is:

rockery

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'garden feature' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for rockery that I've seen before include "Garden feature with alpines" , "Part of garden" , "Garden alpine area" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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