Adding rocks to landscape

How to Use Rocks in Your Landscaping - Lawn Care Blog

Landscaping with natural stones not only adds an appealing contrast to your lawn and texture to your overall landscape but also makes a durable groundcover. Rocks are very low maintenance, relatively inexpensive, and allow plenty of room to mix, match and create your desired lawn look.

Here are 11 easy ways to use rocks in your landscaping project to add some character, depth, and year-round structure to your yard.

In this article:

leighklotz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Replace mulch

Mulch is a go-to filler around trees, flower beds, and gardens for most homeowners. Swapping it with rocks, particularly white marble rocks, will spare you from replacing the missing or faded mulch every season. Rocks are long-lasting, retain their color, and are simple to clean when needed.

If you have low humidity plants like cacti or succulents, rocks are preferable to mulch. Mulch can trap water and raise the humidity level, causing roots to rot and, eventually, killing your plants. Rocks allow better soil drainage and also add more definition to your garden beds, flowers, or shrubs.

Photo credit: one2c900d | Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0

Set large boulders as a focal point

Large stones have unique textures that give them dramatic visual appeal. You can use them to create a centerpiece or focal point to highlight a certain spot or accent a plant or flower in your landscaping. A few well-placed rocks are perfect for anchoring moss outdoor spaces.

If you have a hilly front yard, you can play with large and small rocks and ground cover plants between them to add a textural element. Medium-sized boulders can be used to define areas of the landscape, such as a child’s play area, delicate flower section, or near a pool.

Rocks can also be stacked to serve as benches or seats in a garden area.

smltd | Pixabay

Fashion a water garden or pond

For large gardens and yards, rocks might seem a little boring on their own. You can introduce water into the picture by creating a small water garden or a pond.

Or, you can cover the perimeters of the pond you already have with rocks or pebbles to add natural definition. An exposed pond liner can easily spoil the aesthetics of your garden, not to mention the mess they create after a downpour. From large pools to small freestanding bowls, ponds, and fountains, rocks can lend a distinctive edge to any water feature.

Tropical garden designs work incredibly well with a water feature, especially a contemporary pond that showcases landscaping rocks.

If you’re really into it, take things up a notch by creating a waterfall from rocks. The cascade of water offers natural, soothing sounds, too.

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Fashion a gabion planter

Another eye-catching use of rocks is to create a gabion planter. A gabion is a galvanized steel framework or a cage that you fill with rocks, specifically river rocks. DIY-ers often incorporate creatively designed gabions in yards. River rocks typically cost $60 – $170 per ton, and you can get a 60 x 150 foot steel mess roll for about $350.

You can also get vertical wire baskets with small stones and create gabion walls. They are incredibly durable and excellent for drainage, too. The linear, neat, and industrial look of metal and rock add an organic appeal to your garden setting.

Pixabay / Pexels

Make a rock walkway

If you have a sloped garden, a stepping stone walkway with decorative rock boundaries will carve an appealing path for visitors. You can also incorporate different types of rocks to spice up the walkways if you think your garden looks dull.

Flat flagstones, cobblestones, bluestones, river rocks, and a combination of large and small landscape rocks are typically used to create paths around bushes, shrubs, and invasive greenery. Stone paths and marble chip pathways can also control weed growth.

Decomposed granite makes a non-slippery pathway and offers excellent drainage as well. And if you’re on a budget, you can always go for pea gravel or beach pebbles. They come in a variety of colors and are comfortable to walk on.

Olga Pozney | Pexels

Build a fire pit

Another interesting rock element for your landscape is a rustic fire pit. A fire pit made with natural stones embedded in a rock patio looks breathtaking.

A popular choice for creating fire pit platforms is lava rocks. They come in multiple color options, from smoky gray to light or brown-reddish and tan. These rocks look great and work well around the fire.

Rock Wall | Redi-Rock International | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Put up rock walls

Another appealing and functional use of rocks is to create retaining walls encircling flower beds. These stone walls should be no higher than 1-2 feet to keep their charm, so it doesn’t look like your garden is part of an ancient building.

People with significant slopes in their yards usually make a steppe garden with large rocks. Doing this also helps shore up the stability of the slope overall and increases your planting space.

Thomas Rumley | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Raise the flower beds

A great idea to make the colorful areas of your yard pop is to create fairy rings with rocks. You can use landscaping rocks, stack them a few rows high, and build a whimsical fairy ring.

Not only does this add more charm to your landscape, but it also creates an effective barrier between your flowers and other areas of the garden. Some creative gardeners also use rocky fairy rings to keep their pets from munching on the flower petals.

bgwashburn / Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Create a border

Some flowering vines and shrubs crawl out and merge into your lawn, making it look super messy. Rocks can contain these wayward growings and provide some structure to your landscape design.

Border rocks should be between the size of a bowling ball and a baseball. You can also go for a cottage-like look around your backyard by using a variety of sizes for borders. For less obtrusive plants, you can use rocks the size of a grapefruit or a lemon to make a border between them and the grass.

Daria Shevtsova | Pexels

Accent the entrance

A prominent and unique front entrance casts a great first impression on the onlooker. Larger rocks can be used to highlight landscaping elements around the front door, such as flowers, plants, or statues. You can also add stepping stones to your front entryway with a mix of paving stones and rocks.

Sankarasastry AB | Pexels

Mix things up

When it comes to landscaping ideas with rocks, there are no rules. You can mix any kind of rock with different colors, shapes, sizes, textures, and densities. This creates a layered look with bits and shades of green in between.

You can also create striking patterns with two or more rock types instead of using rocks just as an accent to the landscape. Lawn Love has an excellent guide on how to build a rock garden that can help you set it up.

Jazz up your yard landscaping the right way

Whether you’re redoing things or starting from scratch, innovative use of rocks in your landscaping can add a unique, rustic yet natural appeal to your yard. If you’re feeling unsure about the first step, Lawn Love lawn care pros can help you get started.

Main photo credit: | Pexels

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Farah Nauman

Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.

Posts by Farah Nauman

Landscaping ideas with rocks: 11 ways with pebbles, stones and boulders for your backyard

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(Image credit: A Garden/Alamy Stock Photo)

Have you considered landscaping ideas with rocks for your yard? Sleek surfaces and modern finishes are all good and well, but sometimes getting back to basics is just what a garden design needs. From dramatic and jagged structures to smooth pebbles, these natural materials can lead to spectacular results which fit all sorts of themes.

When it comes to your landscaping ideas, 'there are lots of ways you can add rocks and boulders to your garden, from creating a rockery to building a water feature,' as says Checkatrade . Rockeries are one of the most popular approaches, and they can instantly improve your outside aesthetic. 'Not only are rockeries visually stunning, but they are also a great way of showcasing new plants in your garden. Plus, rockeries look incredible year-round and are durable, surviving through terrible weather conditions,' adds the team.

But it's not just rockeries that can be created – from statement lawn edging to stone walls, there are all sorts of stunning looks to go for when it comes to bringing rocks into your garden. However they're used, they're a great way to recreate a sense of the natural landscape in your plot. But don't just take our word for it – we've rounded up lots of beautiful examples below.

11 gorgeous landscaping ideas with rocks for your garden

Whatever your garden's style, these beautiful designs are bound to get you inspired for an update.

1. Mix up the textures for added visual interest

Gravel, bricks and landscaping stones look lovely set amongst planting in this set-up

(Image credit: Joe Wainwright/Future)

Whether you're planning your back or front garden, this approach is a low-maintenance winner that's smart and stylish.

There are tons of benefits to garden gravel ideas: they're inexpensive, they're good at soaking up rainwater, and they're easy to install. They also work well in both modern and cottage-style plots. But, when you dot in some extra-large stones as focal points, the look can be given a whole new lease of life and becomes much more visually interesting. Pick complementary shades for a harmonious vibe.

You can also add plants amongst the scene for a burst of color – drought-tolerant picks work well such as pretty sea pinks, also known as thrifts. Euphorbias and ornamental grasses are also great options for their architectural foliage. You can find more of the best drought-tolerant plants in our guide.

2. Build a dry stone wall

These traditional features offer tons of rustic charm

(Image credit: John Gollop/Alamy Stock Photo)

Rocks can be used to create striking garden walls, one of our favorites being the dry stone style. Dry stone walls are often spotted stretching across the British countryside, and the technique for creating them goes back thousands of years.

It's quite a work of art as there's no mortar involved. Instead, they're held together by the weight of the stones, which are cleverly stacked. You can build one yourself (the National Trust has a useful step-by-step guide ), or hire someone to do it for you if you're not too fussed about sticking to a low budget. A well-made one will be built to last.

Soften the look with planting – the tumbling blooms of erigeron or one of the many varieties of sedum make lovely additions planted in nooks and crannies or along the top.

3. Surround a pond with pebbles for an organic feel

A pebble-lined pond at the 'Tourism Malaysia Garden' designed by David Cubero and James Wong at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

(Image credit: Howard Walker/Future)

Garden pond ideas are always worth considering for a plot due to their beautiful appearance and all the benefits they offer to wildlife. However, an exposed pond liner can quickly ruin the aesthetic.

Covering the perimeter with pebbles will instantly make the feature feel at home in your backyard, giving it a much more natural vibe. Plus, the stones can serve as a useful way for smaller critters to get in and out of the pond easily. Choose smaller stones for an elegant style, whilst larger rocks will add a more rustic edge.

Don't forget to add plenty of pond plants too for extra color and interest – our guide to the best pond plants has lots to pick from.

4. Or, go a step further and make a beautiful waterfall

This waterfall provides an eye-catching focal point

(Image credit: imageBROKER/Alamy Stock Photo)

If a simple garden pond feels a bit tame for your plans, then a waterfall made from rocks is bound to take things up a notch.

The cascade of water makes a breathtaking feature for any backyard and will provide a soothing sound, too. You could go for a larger structure like this one, which is built into a retaining wall, or a small and shallow meandering stream. Whichever style you choose, pick rocks and stones in a range of shapes and sizes and position them in an organic form for the best effect.

Line the scene with lush planting and your backyard will be transformed into a relaxing, nature-inspired oasis in no time. Our pond ideas with waterfalls feature has lots more lovely looks.

5. Try gabion walls for a rustic look

The 'Santa Rita "Living La Vida 120" Garden', designed by Alan Rudden for RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Show 2018, mixes gabion walls made from pale stones with colorful, drought-tolerant plants

(Image credit: A Garden/Alamy Stock Photo)

Another eye-catching option when it comes to landscaping ideas with rocks is a gabion wall. These structures are created by filling a wire basket with as many stones as possible. Providing the wire is made from a metal that isn't prone to rust, they're incredibly durable and they're great for drainage too.

Gabion walls offer all the organic appeal of rocks but in a neat, linear, and slightly industrial way. They can be used as boundary lines, garden divider ideas, or even as seating. They're also pretty simple to build yourself. If you're trying to save on costs, a good tip is to use a cheaper, less attractive stone hidden away in the center, then line the edges with the more expensive rocks – that way you won't lose any of the visual appeal.

We love the pale stones used in this design – they make a lovely contrast against the surrounding drought-tolerant planting and deep-yellow structures.

6. Edge a lawn with large rocks for a tropical vibe

Large boulders add definition to this space

(Image credit: Joanna Henderson//Future)

A line of rocks makes a brilliant solution if you're on the lookout for garden edging ideas. Whether you choose smaller ones or larger boulders like the ones in this scene, they'll do wonders at keeping mulch, gravel, and planting in their proper places.

Here, the rocks have been built up on one side to create a show-stopping divider between a lawn and patio. A selection of foliage, including ferns, tree ferns, Fatsia japonica and acers intersperse the stones to create a jungle-like backdrop. It's the perfect look for a subtly tropical theme.

Looking for more ways to bring extra foliage into your garden? Our guide to landscaping around trees has plenty of suggestions.

7. Create a beach-themed backyard

This backyard is filled with beach-inspired features

(Image credit: Colin Poole/Future)

If you love a coastal theme, landscaping ideas with rocks are well worth adding to your design.

Cover the ground in decorative pebbles – just like the ones you'd find on the beach – in a palette of soft grays, sands, and blush. Then, weave in some of the best coastal plants for extra color. To go a step further, think about dotting shells, driftwood and smooth pieces of sea glass around seating areas or in amongst container displays.

A nautical color scheme of blues and whites will also work for this look, too – try painting a bench or an arbor in jolly stripes for a vintage seaside feel.

8. Use rocks in a Zen-inspired scheme

This traditional water feature works well for this style of plot

(Image credit: Mark Scott/Future)

Rocks are a traditional addition to Zen gardens, often carefully positioned amongst minimal planting to symbolize mountains or islands. Beds of fine gravel, raked into patterns, are another popular feature that can be used to represent rivers or waves.

In these Japanese-inspired plots, rocks can also be used to create what's known as 'dry rivers' – without water – which wind through the space perhaps accompanied by an overarching bridge. Of course, you can use water if you prefer – the trickling sound and sight will only add to the serene vibe.

This water feature, made from bamboo, is called a shishi-odoshi. They're traditionally used to scare away intruding animals, however, the sound it creates can be rather relaxing. For an authentic vibe, bring one into your rocky landscape plan, then surround with lush ferns and colorful acers to complete the scene.

9. Surround planters with pebbles

We like the stylish color palette of this set-up

(Image credit: Darren Chung/Future)

Container gardening ideas are a brilliant way to brighten up a patio or deck and are particularly useful in small plots. However, if your planter display feels a little out of place, then a handful of rocks around the base can really help it to blend into the surroundings.

Pick a color and style of rock that will complement your planting design (and the container itself) for a balanced and pulled-together look. These pale stones, for instance, pleasingly contrast against the dark-hued pots and bright green foliage for a minimal yet contemporary scene.

10. Build stone steps for a sense of adventure

A curved set of stone steps adds a natural vibe

(Image credit: Jit Lim/Alamy Stock Photo)

If you have a multi-tiered or sloping plot then you'll probably need to factor steps into your landscaping plans. And using a series of large, flat-topped rocks, as seen here, is a stunning way to go about it.

They add a real sense of adventure to this larger plot, and we love how they've been lined with large, moss-covered boulders too, to extend the theme.

Rocks are also great for garden path ideas – try using them as stepping stones for a playful way of getting from A to B. Just avoid placing them right down the center of your yard – a common landscaping mistake that is often impractical and seldom looks good.

11. Plant up a pretty alpine scene

There are lots of vibrant rockery plants to choose from

(Image credit: christopher smith/Alamy Stock Photo)

A rockery is a classic way to use this material in your yard, but although traditional, they're certainly not an idea to overlook. Small rock gardens can be built in a container, whilst larger set-ups in raised beds can make a gorgeous yet low-maintenance focal point.

Whatever the size, there are tons of planting picks to choose from, including all the delights of alpines. Think saxifrages, creeping thyme, campanula and dianthus for vibrant color and interesting texture. Orchid primroses, which look like miniature red hot pokers but in tones of purple and crimson, are another statement choice.

How much does it cost to create a rockery?

When planning a new look for your garden, it's always worth having an idea of how much landscaping costs. And if you love the idea of a rockery, Checkatrade explains how the cost 'varies, depending on how large it is and the kinds of rocks you'd like to use.' But, on average, the cost to install one is between £300 and £500 (around $415–$690). Using local stone can help cut down costs, and it's also worth checking with your neighbors or nearby building developments who may be happy to give away excess rocks for free.

What about the cost of installing those dramatic feature boulders? 'First, you need to choose and buy your perfect boulders – these can cost between £250 and £556 per tonne [$345–$765], plus the cost of delivery,' the team explain.

'As for where best to place your boulders and the actual positioning of them, you may need to bring in a professional landscape gardener. This can cost around £22 [the equivalent of $55] an hour.'

Larger boulders can be expensive to install, especially once you factor in the delivery

(Image credit: darek/Alamy Stock Photo)

How do you build a rockery?

Want to know how to build a rockery? It's quite easy to do yourself, as Checkatrade explains:

Dig up any weeds and grass in your rockery area.
Pour on a layer of stones and rubble to create a base for your rockery.
Next, choose a range of large rocks to form the structure of the rockery and place them around the edges.
You can then use smaller stones to fill your rockery space and stabilize the large rocks. It is worth bedding these in using topsoil.
Carefully add your alpine plants in positions according to your plan.

Looking for more DIY projects for a sunny weekend? Our guides on how to lay a patio and how to build a garden pond are worth a look.

These pale stones add interest to a raised garden level

(Image credit: Darren Chung/Future)

How do you lay landscaping rocks as a ground cover?

Laying gravel or larger pebbles as a ground cover is a super easy solution for pathways, or as an alternative to your paving ideas. There are just a few steps to follow to achieve the look:

Prepare the ground by removing all plants, including weeds, as well as any large rocks.
Level the soil to create a flat surface.
If you're looking to plant into the soil through your stones, it's a good idea to add a layer of compost to boost its nutrients.
Although it's not strictly necessary, you can put down a weed membrane to make maintenance even easier in the long run. Simply make holes through it when planting.
Don't forget to install your edging, if using. This will give the design a neater appearance.
Then, pour over your stones and level them out evenly.

The addition of lights in this rocky waterfall means the display can be enjoyed when night falls

(Image credit: Beau Lark/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images)

The garden was always a big part of Holly's life growing up, as was the surrounding New Forest where she lived. Her appreciation for the great outdoors has only grown since then. She's been an allotment keeper, a professional gardener, and a botanical illustrator – plants are her passion.

18 ways to use stone in garden design - Roomble.com

2022-05-20T07:40:08+00:00 2022-05-16T11:14:39+00:00 18 ways to use stone in garden design 2022-05-20T07:40:08+00:00 Do not rush to get rid of boulders and stones on the site. Here are 18 ways to spice up your garden and make it showy and stylish with rocks. 18 ways to use stone in garden design

Do not rush to get rid of boulders and stones on the site.

Rocks in landscaping are a beautiful way to add personality to your garden without changing the global green trend. From stones, you can create not only alpine slides, but also functional elements of garden design. The lack of stones on the site is not a problem. There is always the opportunity to look for them in the forest and quarries, or buy them at stone processing enterprises. How to use stones in the country - 18 stylish ideas.

Natural stone is an excellent material for creating garden paths and paths. Granite and sandstone slabs, marble chips or pebbles - and your paths are stylish and neat.

With the help of a stone retaining wall, it can decorate slopes and gardens, zone space, create multi-level flower beds and fences, strengthen the ground, protecting a site with a height difference.

To create a beautiful rockery in landscape design, it is not necessary to contact a designer. A composition of stones is created on a flat surface, decorating with coniferous and unpretentious flowering plants.

The main thing in rockeries is stones that imitate the natural landscape as accurately as possible and are a continuation of the site.
Plant plants that will not spoil your stone beauty after a couple of months with aggressive growth.
Remember to protect your rockery from weeds, soil moisture, subsidence and moles.

A well-known element of garden design, which is more effective the less decorative gloss, like painted hedgehogs and gnomes. It is important to remember that the rock garden requires constant care. If time is in short supply, it is better to stop at a less whimsical rockery.

Editor's note:

Rockery and rock garden - what's the difference? These two elements of garden design are often confused: both are made from stones and plants. And yet they are different. A rock garden is always a hill covered with plants, it is characterized by height and tiering, and the plants are planted mainly alpine with imitation of mountainous terrain. Rockery is located on a plane, and its large area should be occupied by stones. In addition, unlike a rock garden limited by a curb, rockeries can be a continuation of the site.

It's a great idea to turn landscaping stones into a dry stream in your country house. You can add a decorative bridge. Or even functional and solid, if you mask a ravine on the site with the help of a dry stream.

Czech rock garden, layered rockery, Czech hill - as soon as they call this modern garden element, which is a more modern version of rock garden, more aesthetic and functional.

The peculiarity of the Czech rolling pin is in the way of laying stones of different thicknesses with an inclination or vertically to create an imitation of a rocky hill with unpretentious mountain plants. A role model is rocky outcrops of limestone.

There is a patio area, even if it is small and near the house itself, on every plot. A hearth made of stone in combination with a stone-decorated platform is a stylish solution for a recreation area, and at the same time weed protection.

A spectacular garden bench in the patio area can be made according to the gabion scheme or completely stone, insulated with a wooden seat or mattresses with pillows.

Stone benches are usually made of marble or limestone, granite, basalt and travertine.

Seasoned summer residents often use stones to create small sculptures, as markers for seedlings in the garden, and instead of garden gnomes, hand-painting cobblestones with moisture-resistant paints.

The stone-filled plot is a real gift for those who dream of creating a Japanese-style garden. The three main components of the Japanese garden, which is created for relaxation and contemplation, are the stones arranged in a clear order, emphasizing their harshness of the plant and the backfilling of stone chips to simulate waves.

To make your own gabions, you need stones and a metal mesh frame. Gabions are used to create spectacular fences, patio benches, firewood sheds and beautiful installations in the garden.

Stone steps are ideal for blending in with the landscape on uneven ground with elevation changes. Especially in combination with a stone platform in the recreation area and other stone garden design elements.

Low borders and fences for flower beds, edging garden paths, zoning the site, finishing areas and so on - small stones can not only decorate the garden, but also play the role of drainage, protect flower beds and beds from sliding onto paths.

Decorative elements for garden decoration can be created from gabions, boulders, multi-layered stone structures. Most often, tuff, slate, gneiss, and large pebbles are used for such purposes.

One-level and multi-level, oval and round flowerbeds are even more spectacular if stones are involved in their design. Among the most popular options are flower beds made of gabions, flower beds raised with the help of stones, stone borders flowing into steps or paths.

As a fountain, stones are used in pre-produced shapes (for example, a stone bowl) or in their natural form - from a large solid stone or flat cobblestones, stacked in the form of a tower and mounted on a pipe.

The ideal natural stone for paving a patio area is sandstone, slate, granite, lemesite. You can also decorate the fire and other elements of the recreation area with a stone.

Let's not forget about the cozy night illumination of our stone elements, and also take note of the idea of luminous stones for the garden. Painted boulders or gravel on the path will absorb sunlight during the day and gently illuminate the area at night.

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Rules and principles for the use of stone

Stone, as a natural material, goes well with plants and therefore is always welcome in gardens and man-made landscapes. But if the competent and reasonable use of stone will decorate any landscape and emphasize its merits, then the thoughtless and unjustified arrangement of improperly selected stones can hopelessly spoil the whole impression. Therefore, having decided on the use of stone in the garden, it is advisable to take this with all responsibility.

There may be only one stone, but it will act as the main focal point of the landscape (although this is not necessary).

Stones can be organized into more or less extensive compositions combined with plantings. Such compositions are called rockeries. Finally, stones can be used as the basis for the landscape design of the site. There is even the concept of "rocky garden" or "rock garden", where the main role is assigned not to plants, but to stone.
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Two main approaches and principles of the architectural organization of landscapes

There are two main approaches to using stone in a landscape. This is an imitation of natural conditions and a purely decorative, architectural and artistic application.
There are a number of generally accepted, practice-tested rules for the construction of natural imitations. They are based on the knowledge of natural relief-forming processes and the principles of the architectural organization of landscapes.
1. Rocky plateau, rocky outcrop, stone scree - characteristic features of the mountain landscape. To reproduce its fragments, coarse clastic material is best suited: crushed stones, blocks of rock with chips, rather sharp edges and a weathered fractured surface. To make rockeries look natural, it is important to use stones of the same type. When laying them on top of each other, vertical and horizontal joints should match, imitating crevices, as well as the direction of the layers on the stones, if any.
Imitation of stone scree is perhaps the simplest. The stones in it do not lie in a certain order - after all, they "fell", so on the slope its appearance looks more natural. Stones can be really rolled off it, and then correct their location to make them more natural and beautiful (in this case, these tasks are the same). The most convenient stones weighing from 10 to 100 kg - no special mechanisms are required to work with them. However, they are large enough to look impressive.
2. The channels of mountain rivers and streams are lined with pebbles, among which there are blocks and boulders of various sizes. Often they form rapids and waterfalls. Pebbles and rock formations are characteristic of the coasts of the seas and large lakes. Pebbles and boulders rolled by waves have a smooth surface and rounded shapes.
To successfully simulate rivers and streams, it is desirable to use at least some kind of slope. At the same time, it is not at all necessary that there be water in the "bed", although the combination of stone with water, especially moving water, is always a win-win. The steeper the slope, the more diverse the bottom relief can be made - rapids, ledges, waterfalls. On a flat area, rounded stones are appropriate on the shore of a reservoir.
3. On the plains, especially the northern ones, there are also elements that include stones that we inherited from ancient ice caps, for example, moraine ridges. There are also found, sometimes in significant numbers, and boulders, as if grown into the soil. The boulders smoothed by the glacier have more or less numerous strokes and scratches on the surface.
The imitation of the harsh northern landscape suggests conciseness and restraint in the use of plants. Large stones are best placed singly, smaller ones in groups. All stones in one area should have the same direction of furrows and "scars" - traces of the glacier.
A subjective criterion for a well-built rockery can be its natural and attractive appearance, even in the absence of plants.
When arranging rockeries, some difficulties may arise. So, it would be logical, based on the characteristics of the site and the style of the garden, to plan a rockery of a certain type, and then purchase the stone corresponding to it. However, getting the right stone is not always easy. In practice, it often turns out that rockeries have to be designed for real-life stones.

The use of stone as a decorative building material

An architectural and artistic approach to the use of stone overcomes these difficulties, since in this case the stone acts as a decorative building material. A variety of retaining walls, dry stone walls with plants growing in their cracks, raised flower beds, paths and platforms on which paving and / or backfilling are combined with plantings - this is not a complete list of the possibilities for using stone in the garden.
You can, for example, arrange a kind of “exhibition” from different-colored, but very effective stones, so that each one is noticeable, perhaps emphasized by planting certain plants that correspond specifically to it. The background for such an exposition can be both a lawn and a backfill made of some kind of stone material. Of course, the stones to embody such an idea must be not only beautiful, but also large enough and noticeable.
At the junction of two approaches to the use of stone design of the site, very convenient, economical and at the same time effective solutions are possible. For example, a miniature fragment of a high-altitude landscape in a large rectangular container, which itself is made of stone.
In principle, complete freedom of creativity is allowed. On the one hand, this makes the task easier, since there is no need to adhere to strict canons, on the other hand, all responsibility for the result lies with the author of the work.

Rules for the use of stone

For all cases of using stone, it is proposed to follow a few simple but necessary rules.
The lawn should be protected from crushed stone, pebbles or gravel on it, otherwise the mower will almost certainly break.
It is inconvenient to place rockeries, especially those containing many small stones and plants, under the crowns of deciduous trees. The collection of falling leaves in such conditions is very difficult. If it doesn’t work out otherwise, you should get a garden vacuum cleaner.
For reasons of reliability and naturalness, the largest surface of the stone is chosen as a support. An exception can be made for very interesting surfaces, provided that this does not contradict the general design.