Rock stone gardens have both a decorative and a practical purpose.
Where practicality is concerned, stones work great with uneven terrains and you may implement them as natural edgings for your flowerbeds.
Not to mention, there are various types of plants that thrive among rocks because they prefer rocky, drained soil.
When it comes to decoration, rocks can create a wonderful contrast when paired with colorful flowers and shrubbery. And they’re often used in various ethnic-inspired gardens, such as Mexican and Japanese.
If you go as far as including a water feature in your stone garden, then you’re sure to have a proper idyllic exterior on your hands.
Japanese Zen Garden
Raked gravel paired with an odd rock amidst rich greenery is what Japanese zen gardens are all about.
They possess an inherent softness thanks to the stones and gravel. Also, they keep mud away whether it rains or snows.
These gardens are water-efficient and are all about harmony and removing clutter.
If you’d like to invite complete tranquility into your own garden, this is a wonderful way to do it.
Maintaining zen gardens itself is meant to be a relaxing and grounding process, which is more than necessary for a modern individual.
Stepping Stones
Stepping stones are a great way to bring some rustic and rugged charm into your garden.
Depending on how you arrange them and the rest of your exterior, stepping stones can achieve a cottagecore or an ethnic vibe.
They promote childlike curiosity and playfulness.
Add some creative garden lights and you’ll have yourself a proper fairy garden.
Play With Lighting
Creative outdoor lights can do wonders for your rock and stone garden. And not only because they’re decorative – I’d say they’re a necessity.
They allow you and your visitors to admire your rock garden even after sun-down – without anyone tripping and breaking something.
You need to mind your steps always, but with stone gardens, this applies twofold. Make sure to have proper lighting to avoid anyone getting hurt.
River Rock Garden
This type of arrangement is quite popular in rock gardens. You may combine rocks and pebbles of different colors, as well as rocks, lava rocks, and mulch.
Organize your pebbles in a way that reminds you of a riverbed. Make it curvy and uneven in order to appear as natural as possible and adorn the surroundings with rocks, flowers, and shrubbery of your choice.
Rocky Terrace
It’s possible to use rocks to add some levels to your garden. For example, like in the picture above, you may elevate the flower bed and create a rock edging to achieve a terrace effect.
Depending on the space you’re working with and the budget you’ve set aside for your garden – you can add one or more levels.
You may also use this terrace technique to separate other parts of your garden, such as a swimming pool.
The Effect of Mexican Desert
This style fits into the ethnic gardens. It’s typical for the aforementioned area and entails a unique aesthetic.
If you’d like to achieve this effect in your own garden, stick to beige and yellowish shades, go heavy on gravel and stone, and light on greenery.
Luxurious Pair: Stone & Water Features
Whether you go for a small pond, a tiny fountain, or a luxurious water feature as in the above picture, rocks are just the thing to match.
This combination creates contrast and is reminiscent of natural lakes and ponds.
They promote peace and awe if maintained correctly.
Stone Garden and Potted Flowers
You may decide to keep your garden clean and mostly covered in gravel.
Whether you choose to plant only a few flowers into the ground or none at all, adding stylish flower pots is a great choice.
When it comes to the outdoors, natural, clay pots provide the best effect. They fit perfectly into the rest of the rocky garden and add a bit of a rustic charm to it.
Growing Rocks In Your Flowerbed
This is by far the simplest way to incorporate rocks and stones into your garden. You don’t have to bother with edging, with steps or levels.
Simply collect some large, pretty rocks and arrange them sporadically across your garden. Have them mingle with your flowers, and they’ll create a lovely and natural effect.
It reminds me of the Mediterranean countryside, of peace and passive vacations.
Stone Edging
Use rocks and stones to separate your flowerbeds from the rest of the garden. It will add an effect of style and cleanliness, and instantly elevate your entire exterior.
In Conclusion
Keep in mind that rock gardens also need to be maintained.
If your rocks and stones are mingled with your flowers, it’s usually recommended to water the flowers first. Water them as you usually would, but when it comes to the rocks themselves, go easy with the water.
It’d be best to use a sponge or a soft stream on them.
Weeds could prove to be a slightly bigger nuisance than before because you’ll have to go all around the rocks to pull them out.
However, as you’ve seen in the examples above, the end result is definitely worth it.