Chumasande MatiwaneDesigning your gardens with boulders(big rocks) has become a trendy way to curb appeal your backyard gardens. Big rocks can be tucked into garden beds or used as eye-catching focal points to enhance your garden.
They offer a natural way to add character to your garden without being too high maintenance. They are also a way to express your artistic side. When gardening with boulders, placement is important, as you need to create a contrast between the boulders and your plants.
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1. Place your rock strategically
Instead of just dropping your rocks anywhere, place them in unique spots around the garden. Place them in such a way that they complement the plants around them. You wouldn’t want your rocks to disturb the growing conditions of your perennials. Use ground covers around your well-positioned rock for an eye-popping focal point. Think of your boulders as the main star of the garden.
2. Use them to create structures
Boulders can also be the building blocks for climbable structures within your garden. Well-structured boulders make attractive, natural-looking retaining walls. These retaining walls can be used as borders in and around your garden. Strong boulder structures can provide plenty of climbable and jumpable obstacles for your children to play on while you garden.
3. Contrast them with your plants
A unique boulder aesthetic accompanied by a thoughtful planting design can be appreciated. Good vibrant, colourful ground covers planted next to good laid-back rock will emphasize the appearance of both. To keep this aesthetic going, make sure your planting contrasts well with your boulders.
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4. Surround your rocks with gravel
Boulders also work well with gravel to create different visually appealing rock gardens. Arrange your large boulders around loose gravel in your yard. Use large boulders as focal points between the gravel so they can be easily distinguished. The mixture of sizes and textures between the rocks creates a unique but fresh take on landscaping with boulders.
5. Group the boulders together
Setting a single boulder into your yard will likely look out of place. Grouping your boulders will make them feel more natural like they’ve been there for a while. They help fill the landscape and make it feel more natural without trying too hard. You can group large and small boulders together and still make them feel natural.
6. Add variety to your boulders
In a landscape boulder garden, don’t feel limited to using rocks of a single size, colour, or shape. Mixing different sizes, colours, and shapes can enhance the mood and theme of your garden. It’s important to choose boulders that complement the types of plants you have. Adding variety to your boulders helps prevent redundancy, making your garden more visually appealing.
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