As gardens move towards naturalism, we find design elements that appear in gardens that are everywhere from Southern California to Maine and in between.
Yes, every garden has rocks (sometimes annoying amounts), but we’re talking about big rocks (sometimes rocks). These are not rock gardens. Rather, they are often densely planted gardens that are lush with lush greenery and utilize rocks as one of many design elements.
“The rocks are like sculptures,” says the California-based landscape designer. fi campbellhe studied pottery and sculpture at art schools, and often uses rocks in his work today. “I think of them almost as a walk sent.” Rocks create a focus, giving the garden age and permanence, especially in new gardens. “If you place your garden on the ground, it will take a while, no matter how dense or full the plants are, no matter how crowded it is,” he said. GBR Landscape In Maine. “Stone is the power to really provide those bones, whether it’s modern or naive.”
Here’s how to use them well in your own garden:
Let’s start with a sketch.

“It’s important to create something, even if it’s a sketch of a cocktail napkin,” advises Campbell. “If you’re dealing with something bulky and weighing hundreds of pounds, planning is the best way to do it.”
“We can build a boulder to make a statement right away,” says Campbell, who explains the selection of rock’s site as a “painting” process. “We want to integrate them in a way that feels like there is continuity and flow.” Beware when the eyes catch in the area and consider placing a rock or two there.
Choose the right rock for your locale.
