Landscaping Ideas In Working With Rocks

Japanese gardens use both large and small rocks.

Rocks used for landscaping range in size from small pebbles to large boulders. They may be rough and sharp or they may have been tumbled or weathered for a rounded appearance. Use rocks as the center point of your design ideas or make them a pleasant border for your garden. Rocks add a texture to the garden that is not present when only vegetation is used, so incorporate rocks into your garden and landscaping designs. Does this Spark an idea?

Large, Single Boulders

Large, single boulders strewn around your property give your landscape some charming shapes and a more varied visual horizon. Choose boulders that are rounded and weathered for a gentler appearance or ones with sharp edges for something more dramatic. Instead of simply setting the boulder down in your yard, sink it into the ground by digging a depression that is 6 inches deep and rolling the boulder into it. This creates a more natural look for the boulder, as well as giving it a more stable place to sit.

Japanese Gardens

Japanese gardens are carefully designed areas with a combination of elements including plants, water features and rocks. Japanese gardens feature plain areas of raked rocks with larger rocks nestled among them. Large, flat rocks provide stepping stones across streams and other water features, while a cluster of rocks holds back overgrown vegetation, giving the area structure. Rocks add a source of stability and form.

Accenting Patios and Walkways

Line the edges of your patios or your walkway with a narrow border of small rocks. Choose a color that matches your garden and your home, or select an array of natural rock colors. Granite rocks provide a sharp-edged elegance, while marble rocks provide a translucent charm. Rock accents sharply outline the edges of your patio or your walkway without being abrupt or distracting. Rocks provide a natural transition between man-made patio and the lawn or garden.

Around Trees

Choose small rock to surround the base of your tree. The rocks accent the tree's colors while also preventing weeds from growing around the tree and taking away the tree's resources. Spread a layer of small rocks around the base of the tree, leaving at least 2 or 3 inches bare around the trunk to prevent damage to the tree itself. This creates a smooth, colorful surface around the base of the tree, giving it a cleaner appearance.

References

• The Landscape Design Site: Using Landscaping Rocks -- Accent Boulders In Landscape Design
• Japanese Gardens for North Americans: Landscaping With Rocks
• Repair Home: Rock Landscaping
• Landscaping Solutions: Natural Landscaping Rock