When it comes to creating a dramatic yet soothing landscape design, nothing delivers affordable beauty and tranquility like incorporating a rock garden. Make your stony oasis a showpiece by keeping these simple landscaping tips in mind.

4 Tips for Designing Your Rock Garden

1. Choose the Right Location

It’s not easy to move a completed rock garden, so plan ahead to ensure you pick an ideal location. If you’re building around a naturally existing feature like a boulder or embankment, the choice is clear.

Otherwise, pay attention to access for bringing in heavy materials. If your garden will include fountains or lights, keep your electricity source in mind. Finally, remember that light and shade will be key for your plant choices.

2. Select the Perfect Rocks

The look and feel of your rock garden will come from the specific stones you choose. Sketch the garden first to get a general idea of your dream layout.

Most gardens are designed around a few dramatic, large rocks or boulders. Although you may find some small rocks just laying around that fit the plan, consult a landscaping expert for help acquiring base-layer sand, pebbles, and larger stones.  

3. Prepare the Site

Before placing the first rock, clear the area of debris and weeds. Next, excavate a small area to contain your plot. Prepare the soil properly for any moss or plants you may want to include. Also, consider their light, nutrient, and drainage needs.

Landscaping design professionals also suggest sinking larger rocks partially into the ground for stability and a natural appearance. Create shallow depressions where those big rocks or boulders will go, then fill in smaller stones and plants around them. Pack crevices with pebbles or soil to complete the layout.

4.  Accessorize

A rock garden is both a calming retreat and a source of visual interest. To increase the impact of both, add carefully selected accessories. Vessels and sculptures contribute to visual intrigue and appeal. Lighting from spotlights and lanterns creates night-time drama.

Water features like fountains and waterfalls deliver both calming sounds for the ear and dynamic movement to attract the eye. Above all, choose sentimental flourishes like carved memory stones to give the garden timeless, heartfelt meaning.

Want to rejuvenate your property? The landscaping experts at Eliot's Landscape in Bulverde, TX, can help. Their dedication to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction has created stunning results for over 20 years in the areas of Spring Branch, Canyon Lake, and New Braunfels. To schedule a consultation for stonework, shrub and tree planting, as well as energy-efficient sprinkler systems, call (800) 379-6079. You can also visit them online to explore all of their services.