Rock Landscaping Ideas

When incorporating a rock waterfall into your landscape design, keep a few things in mind. Imitate nature with interesting twists and turns in your water feature. Also take a cue from natural streams and incorporate a variety of boulder sizes.

If you're not sure what to do with leftover stone from your rock bed, create a custom doghouse. Start with a durable plastic house and build the stone around the shape. Plant a climbing ivy to make the house flow even more with the adjacent plant beds. Your pet will love its new cave.

Continue the flow of your rock bed by incorporating stone into an existing outdoor feature, like this fireplace or Jacuzzi. Duplicate the look of nature by randomly placing the stone up the retaining wall and adding tall grass and wildflowers.

A rock garden is a perfect solution for sloped property. The rocks prevent erosion and provide an anchor for the plants. Make sure you actually "plant" your rock to keep it stabilized. Dig a hole slightly larger than the rock and fill in the dirt after setting the rock in place.

Who says mowing has to be part of your landscaping plan? Gravel rocks, boulders and slate tiles work together in this Japanese-inspired design. Be sure to incorporate larger boulders to frame the landscape to use as additional seating for entertaining. Select boulders with a flat 'top" for comfortable lounging.

Give the illusion of a level yard by incorporating stone steps and a stone retaining wall. Keep your wall under 4 feet tall; otherwise, a building permit may be needed. Creeping phlox or other trailing plants add an interesting "waterfall" effect to your wall.

When designing a rock garden randomly mix large and small stones together, filling gaps in with mulch and plants. Stick with one type of rock for a naturalistic bed. Be sure to use the "face" or non-buried part of the stone and run the stones in the same direction to keep an authentic feel. Alpine plants and grasses, like this blue fescue, are planted among the rocks to give the illusion they are placed by nature.

Call attention to a special feature in your front bed by creating a simple slate stone semi-circle. This Lace Leaf Maple stands out from the rest of the plants and gives nice variety to the design. When determining the width of your outline take into account the growth of your plant so it won't outgrow your stone work.