Using Large Boulders In Landscaping
Adding large boulders to your landscaping plan can help you give your garden height and texture. Boulders can provide beautiful, three-dimensional focal points that look good all year round. Adding these rocks to your garden takes planning, and perhaps a little physical exertion, but you'll have a lasting monument to enjoy.
Planning
Begin by determining how much space you can devote to a large boulder. As a rule, large boulders shouldn't be used to cover up a problem. They should be considered as sculptural accent pieces. Look for a wide-open location that you can walk all the way around. Next, determine what path the rock will take to get to that location. Large boulders are, as you might expect, quite heavy. You might need to use a backhoe or tractor to deliver the boulder. Determine if there is a clear path for delivery that won't ruin the rest of your garden beyond repair.
Purchasing
If you have no clear path for delivery, consider purchasing an artificial rock from your garden supply store. It will be easier to deliver the rock without trampling your plants. If you can bring in a natural rock without ruining your garden, you have several purchasing options, including garden supply stores, rock quarries and landscaping businesses. Look for a rock that will fit in your garden that has a distinctive shape or face that you'd like to showcase.
Installing
In nature, rocks do not sit on the top of the ground. They seem to emerge from the ground itself. To make your boulder seem as natural as possible, replicate this look by burying your rock at least 6 inches into the soil. Make sure the rock is stable, and doesn't shift if people sit or climb on it. Make sure the dirt you've removed is replaced at the base of the rock.
