How to Group Rocks in a Garden

While you may find inspiration for a rock garden by observing natural, arid terrain, it is often easier to gather ideas by looking at other rock gardens, which will usually be closer to the scale of your own garden. An artistic eye will also help with rock placement. Leave enough room between rocks to allow plants to grow and fill in the spaces. Plants in a rock garden tend to be small and slow to establish, but you need to anticipate how large they will eventually become.

Various-sized rocks
Spade
Sandy soil mix
Coarse gravel (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Select a sloping site for your rock garden or create your own hill or slope to provide good drainage for the plants. A slope is the ideal terrain for plants typically found in rock gardens, while the ideal location is close to your house. Choose a spot near the house that you'll see easily and often, such as one facing a deck or prominent window.
- 2
  Remove existing turf, if applicable, and add a layer of coarse gravel to the garden.
- 3
  Start placing large rocks first, near the base of the hill. Position each rock on its broadest side, and bury at least a third of it to make it look natural.
- 4
  Use smaller rocks as you work your way up the hill, placing them randomly, but somewhat evenly. Again, partially bury the rocks.
- 5
  Fill in around the rocks with 3 to 4 inches of sandy soil mix.

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