Looking for an attractive yard feature with low maintenance that’s also impressive? It is possible that a rock garden will be perfect for you. It can also be a great complement to your vegetable garden. Incorporating landscape features into your garden will give it a more natural and earthy appearance. Rock gardens, also known as rockeries, are a great alternative to lawns, allowing you to save water. They can also be used in areas where there is no growth.
Hire a hardscaping expert to create a look that is purely rock or mix in plants. We’ve put together a list with 36 rock garden plans and ideas to get you started. They can be simple or complex, rustic or modern, and rugged or tranquil.
1. Succulent Garden
These succulents make a great pair with rocks. They are drought-tolerant and hardy plants that thrive in partial shade, between rocks, in soil with good drainage. These plants also add beautiful textures and colors to your rock garden.
2. Stacked Pebbles
A rock cairn can add a unique and peaceful element to your garden. To create a natural sculpture, carefully stack flat stones to form the base. Then stack smooth pebbles atop.
3. Stone Steps
The stone steps can be rustic with natural stones, or more organized using rectangular rock slabs. They are a great addition to any rock garden that has a nearby hill or slope.
4. Japanese Rock Garden
Japanese rock gardens are also known as Zen Gardens. They developed along with Zen Buddhism. This style can be created with well-maintained, clean sand and minimal plants.
5. Small Rockery
A small rock garden can be an excellent option if you are limited in space. Round beds with larger rocks around the edge and smaller stones, plants and soil in the center will look charming and make it easier to mow.
6. Water Pond
A small pond is calming and serene. It can be home to fish, lilypads, and other plants. To create a natural border, place large rocks around the pond. Then intersperse them with smaller ones.
7. Rock Path
Stone walkways made from river stones, lava rock, or flagstone are an attractive way to navigate the garden.
8. Cactus Garden
Cactus plants are perfect for homeowners in arid climates looking for eye-catching plants without requiring much water. They work well in rock gardens.
9. Stone Waterfall
The natural beauty of a waterfall will be enhanced by surrounding it with rocks. A simple cascade can be brought to life by stacked, flat stones that complement the rest of your landscape.
10. Granite Galore
Granite is an easy and affordable option for a garden. Spread the glistening, granite-colored rock between succulents and other rocks.
11. Boulders
Boulders add height and interest to your yard. A group of boulders placed in a natural configuration can anchor your space and create focal points for your landscape.
12. Shrubs Among Rocks
Don’t forget shrubs when it’s time to choose your vegetation. To achieve the most variety, mix native shrubs in with your cacti and succulents.
13. Rock Garden Terrace
Line your terrace with a rock-garden to enhance its appearance. Do not forget to add color with ornamental grasses or other flowers that will complement the appearance of the space.
14. Mosaic Walkway
Unique rock garden designs, mosaic stepping stones or a patio made of pebbles will elevate your garden to a unique one.
15. Divide the lawn
You can create different sections by using large rocks or boulders. You can, for example, separate the turf from the flower gardens to make it easier to mow and create variety in your landscape.
16. Illuminated Rock Garden
Lighting up your rock garden will allow you to enjoy the area well after sundown. Solar lighting, string lighting, lanterns and ground lights are all options. Local landscape lighting companies can install them for you.
17. Multicolor Pebbles
Add multicolor gravel or pebbles to your rock garden if you live in the desert and are struggling to add color.
18. Modern and Sleek
Rock gardens don’t have to be rustic. Consider a sleek and modern look using clean-cut stones, black pebbles and white granite.
19. Chunky Rocks
When paired with ornamental grasses and flowering plants, thicker, more rugged rocks can give a landscape a rustic, lush look.
20. White Pea Gravel
The white pea gravel contrasts well with the colorful plants that are interspersed throughout the rock garden.