FSI Landscape Supply weighs in on rock garden ideas. (Source: Bring tranquility to any home with these 12 rock garden ideas, Lauren Wicks, May 12, 2021, https://www.veranda.com/outdoor-garden/g32601515/rock-garden-ideas/.) 

The first slide of the article post, titled Bliss Out, showcases Ryōan-ji. Ryōan-Ji is one of Japan’s most famous rock gardens. The tranquil rock garden is used as a meditation space for monks. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “it is becoming more common that homeowners and some commercial property owners are choosing landscape designs which promote tranquility. The serene area is used for relaxation, meditation, yoga, and other wellness practices. The minimalistic approach can be accomplished with a few landscaping supplies such as pea gravel, terra stone brick chips, gabion, white calcite, Riverstone, or potato stone. These aggregates are perfect for creating a tranquil rock garden or for accenting garden beds”.

The desert landscape is second on the list. Lauren highlights a twist on this type of rock garden landscape. Cacti and other plant life are intertwined, which adds charm, colour, and fun. FSI Landscape Supply suggests, “hardscaping or the desert landscape trend has become popular. Replacing grass with stones, rocks, boulders, and aggregates can offer a unique look. The article mentions that adding some cacti plants will contribute to the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve. At FSI Landscape Supply, we suggest consulting with a plant/botanical specialist, landscaping contractor, or landscaping professional. They will assist you in choosing the best plant life to incorporate into your design. Climate and geographic location will determine which plants are more suitable”. 

The third slide, titled Green Peace, shows a combination of water elements, plant life, and large stones. Lauren highlights that rock gardens offer the best of both worlds. FSI Landscape Supply agrees, “rock gardens may sound simple; however, implementing various stones allow you to play with creativity and other landscaping elements. As the article mentions, integrating greenery or incorporating a water feature will add character, colour, and charm. Therefore, transforming the landscape into a true oasis”.

The fourth slide brings our attention to stone paths. Lauren mentions by incorporating large stones; you will maintain interest and keep surrounding rocks looking their best. FSI Landscape Supply expresses, “stone paths are perfect for navigating through gardens and creating a safe pathway that will lead you from the home to other areas of the property. Stone paths or steppingstones are also great for commercial properties such as parks and community gardens. You may choose stones that are uniform in size and shape or irregular. Uniform shapes offer a modern look, while irregular shaped stones offer a natural aesthetic. At FSI, we suggest using a rich coloured mulch or small aggregates to keep stones in place, compliment the naturally occurring textures/colour and complete the overall design”.

The fifth slide shows a beautiful stream with various stones. Lauren mentions that a tranquil stream is perfect for those with narrow yard spaces. She also highlights that a stream will add to the ambience for any outdoor gatherings. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “aesthetics, fun, recreation, or relaxation, there are many reasons to add a water feature. Which feature to implement is dependent on budget, size of space, and purpose. Waterfalls, streams, ponds, or pools, water features bring movement, tranquility and creates visual interest. Some of our favorite choice of stones here at FSI includes large granite boulders, flagstone, and elite blue granite waterfall rock”.

Lauren shares a vertical approach to rock gardens on slide number six. If you are short on space and want to display some plant life, you may want to try a vertical rock garden. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “vertical rock walls are great for commercial properties. For example, corporate buildings that feature a courtyard, tourist spots, parks, or community gardens. Depending on the space, they can be constructed for residential properties as well”.

Slide number seven showcases a rock garden displayed in a department store in Taiwan. This beautiful display proves rock gardens can be enjoyed anywhere. FSI Landscape Supply agrees, “rock gardens can be enjoyed indoors as well! A rock garden can be placed within malls, department stores, foyers of corporate buildings, hotels or condominium buildings, and even residential homes! Rock gardens are low maintenance and are the perfect addition to any space to create tranquility”. 

Slides eight through ten confirm the natural beauty and versatility of creating a rock garden. A Walled Paradise (slide number eleven) proves that a rock garden can complement any architectural style. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “walled-in outdoor area or courtyard is the perfect space to incorporate a rock garden. That’s the great thing about landscaping with aggregates, stones, and rocks; it can be placed anywhere as the maintenance is quite minimal”.

Slide number twelve shows a blend of Eastern and Western gardening creativity. Lush greenery combined with a pristine rock garden landscape. FSI Landscape Supply expresses, “there are times when stones, rocks, and aggregates are overlooked as a landscaping material. Suppose you have an eye for design and know-how to work with various landscaping materials. In that case, we at FSI Landscape Supply encourage you to remember the natural beauty of rocks, stones, and aggregates”.