Tips for landscaping with rocks

Burying the rock 4 to 6 inches into the ground makes a big difference.

Rocks and boulders add that special finishing touch to your landscape design. Experts define rocks as pieces of stone you can move by yourself, whereas boulders are those requiring two or more suckers – er, friends – to transport.

A common mistake is to simply plunk the boulder atop the ground. Instead, bury it several inches so it looks as if a meteor plummeted into your yard.

It’s also a good idea to place rocks in groups, so they don’t get lonely. Be sure the groups are compatible, though. Sedimentary rocks get along with most any other rocks, but igneous rocks tend to pick fights with each other. Other notoriously quarrelsome types are decidious rocks and liquid hot magma.

Larger rocks can be used to create what’s known in the trade as a rock wall. If you’re not well versed in grouting techniques, never fear. Simply create a base about eight feet wide, then keep piling rocks on top until the wall is as tall as necessary to keep out the neighborhood cats.