Single Boulder Accents

• Boulder accents
  
  A single boulder can provide a wonderful accent for your landscape. You can use a boulder to add height to a planting, to create a micro-environment or even to serve as seating along a path. Because boulders are heavy and hard to relocate, carefully plan where to place your boulder. Consider the color, shape and texture of the boulder; so it will harmonize with its surroundings. Consider which side or face of the boulder you want positioned for viewing. Integrate the boulder into its surroundings using other smaller rocks and plants.
  
  Before placing your boulder, dig a depression for it to sit in to make it look like a natural part of the environment. You may want to line the depression with small pebbles to facilitate drainage.
  
  

Rock Walls

• Rock retaining wall
  
  A freestanding rock wall can form a border along a walkway or flower bed. Freestanding rock walls can also be used as fences. Rock retaining walls can be used along the edge of an embankment or flower bed.
  
  Rock walls can be constructed in two ways. Mortared walls are held together with mortar; they must be properly seated into the soil so that the movement of the soil as it freezes and thaws does not topple the wall. Rock walls built without mortar are called dry laid. Dry laid walls move with the soil naturally. You can build your own rock walls with an ample supply of appropriate rocks and patience, or you can hire a landscaping company to build it for you.
  
  

Rock Walkways and Steps

• Stone path, Preson Park Rock Gardens
  
  You can build walking paths and steps using rock. Depending on the effect you desire, you can choose uniformly cut rocks or go for a more natural look. You can use mortar to fill the spaces between rocks, use small pebbles, or plant moss or other small landscape plants. If you are building a walkway, consider the slope and surrounding area. Most rocks have a naturally textured surface that keeps them from becoming slippery even when wet. Flagstone is often used in constructing walkways and flat surfaces around pools and patios. Irregularly shaped and placed stones can be used at stepping stones rather than a walkway. As with boulder accents, stepping stones should be partially underground for the most natural look.