Using Rocks in Your Garden
Using rocks in your garden might not be your first priority when planning and designing your growing plot, but it should be on the list. Rocks create visual interest and help define spaces, especially in winter, when plants are dormant. Carefully arranged rocks also help to stabilize soil on sloping areas. The added benefit is that rocks don't need water, fertilizer, pruning or mowing.
The first step is picking out rocks that are appropriate for your garden. If your yard already has rocks, you can plan around them, to make the landscaping look natural. If you have to buy rocks, choose varieties that are found in your geographic location, to create a natural look. A local landscape designer can advise on which varieties are best. You can buy natural stone or manufactured composites.
Make sure the sizes are appropriate for your house and neighborhood. Giant boulders look great in large rural yards, but not in small suburban ones. Choose boulders with some size, so they don't get lost next to growing plants. In general, using a variety of boulders, from 2 to 5 feet across and similar composition, will be fine. Rocks with interesting color and surface variations make great choices, helping you avoid a monotone look.
Unless you're building a stone wall, don't line rocks up in rows. Place boulders around the garden to create a random feel. Rather than sitting the rock on top of the soil, dig down 6-12 inches and settle the boulder in the hole, so that the it appears to be anchored in the landscape. Cluster two or three together for visual interest. Once the rocks are arranged in your garden, plant annuals, perennials, shrubs or grasses around them. Keep in mind that the plants will get larger with time, and might hide part of the rock, creating a more natural look.
