Some Inspiring Ideas You Can Use When Designing A Rock Garden

A garden without rocks is definitely missing something. We encourage everyone to design their own rock garden. This is actually a pretty broad concept which refers to just about any manner in which rocks, stones and pebbles can be used outdoors. A flagstone pathway, a raised plant bed, a stone wall or garden bench or pond with river stones at the bottom are beautiful examples of just how diverse all these rock garden ideas can be.

The creative use of rocks in a garden brings out the beauty of the features they frame. For instance, rocks and boulders can be used to anchor plant beds and both large and small stones can be used to create beautiful water features. Even a small waterfall or fountain can have a big impact on the entire garden.

Stone pathways are beautiful and long-lasting and their irregularities are what makes them special
Stone pathways are beautiful and long-lasting and their irregularities are what makes them special
You could have a gravel pathway with stones placed here and there, close enough to each other to form steps
You could have a gravel pathway with stones placed here and there, close enough to each other to form steps
You can also use large stones or boulders to create small pathways in the garden or to create focal points
You can also use large stones or boulders to create small pathways in the garden or to create focal points

You can either use already existing rocks and stones to shape a naturally rocky landscape or you can import some into an otherwise flat garden just to give it a more interesting and diversified look. If you decide to bring in rocks from somewhere else, you have a decision to make regarding their type, color, size, shape and all the other details. It’s important to pick the right rocks for the garden because they’ll be the ones to set the tone for the whole landscape.

Here, large and small stones were used to build a wall with built-in benches
Here, large and small stones were used to build a wall with built-in benches
Large rocks can also serve as benches without the need for additional features
Large rocks can also serve as benches without the need for additional features
Use rocks to frame your favorite trees or plants in the garden
Use rocks to frame your favorite trees or plants in the garden
Stacked stones can also form beautiful water features, sculptures or fire pits, all great for a garden
Stacked stones can also form beautiful water features, sculptures or fire pits, all great for a garden
You can even build entire walls out of stones. This terraces structure is like a raised rock garden
You can even build entire walls out of stones. This terraces structure is like a raised rock garden
This is the water feature embedded into the corner of the terraced rock garden
This is the water feature embedded into the corner of the terraced rock garden

Whether you’re using rocks and stones to build pathways, raised plant beds, water features or fire pits, it will last for many years to come so make sure you’re happy with the color, texture, form and size. Frame your garden landscape with rocks and you’ll be able to enjoy it for a long time. In addition, rocks are both decorative and practical and they blend these roles without much effort.

A water feature can really enhance a garden. It doesn't have to be big or impressive
A water feature can really enhance a garden. It doesn’t have to be big or impressive
Rocks and water make a great duo so be inspired by this when shaping your garden
Rocks and water make a great duo so be inspired by this when shaping your garden
Use rocks to highlight certain elements in the garden or to shape a flat site
Use rocks to highlight certain elements in the garden or to shape a flat site
Don't limit yourself to the use of rocks and pebbles if you feel like other materials would also look great in the garden
Don’t limit yourself to the use of rocks and pebbles if you feel like other materials would also look great in the garden
This beautiful pond is framed with big blocks of stone that become one with the land
This beautiful pond is framed with big blocks of stone that become one with the land

One of the most common uses for rocks in gardens comes in the form of raised plant beds. It’s a relatively easy task. Start with a clean slate and clear all the grass and debris. A nice trick is to place a stack of newspapers on the ground and to add soil on top. The paper will decompose in time and will prevent the grass to grow on that patch of land. The next step is to make a circle of stones and then a circle within a circle, adding soil on top. Then the plants are added and more small rocks between them.