Mystical Landscapes is a Marin Design and Build company for all aspects of landscaping.
Let's explore the benefits of feature rocks:
Feature rocks look best when they are placed so as to look natural. This involves burying up to half of the rock in the soil instead of leaving it fully exposed on the surface.
The most common mistake home-owners make is buying rocks that are too small. Take the big rock in this picture. It is almost five feet wide. By the time it is partially buried, covered by a bush on the right, partially covered by a grass above and by foreground grasses in front, only 40% of it remains. Because it is big enough, it' still makes a strong statement. In a few more years, however, even less of these rocks will be showing.
As a general rule, you want feature rocks to be at least 3' in diameter. There are exceptions, when small ground-covers
will be planted around them. However, it is very common to come across 1-2' rocks in many gardens that are completely buried under lavenders, grasses and other plants that are all taller than the rock they were supposed to be accented by.
Smaller rocks in the 2'x3' diameter range can be placed by hand, with about for strong crew-members. Larger rocks can be placed by crane, forklift or by a thumbed excavator. We are skilled heavy equipment operators and can place rocks using all of these methods.
Much more information is available in our book:
Successfully Landscaping Your Marin Home,
Available on Amazon and Marin Bookstores,
By: Dane E. Rose
"Our back yard has transformed from an unusable hillside to an oasis of grass, patio and pond."
Kimberly and Joe Klein