Summary: Learn all about rock gardens in this informative expert interview. You’ll be able to read about the ingredients of a rock garden and certain themes and popular designs used in these gardens. Readers can get an idea for the right size of a rock garden. Our expert shares tips on how to prepare an area for a rock garden and how to construct a do-it-yourself garden. In this interview, you will learn about the tools and accessories that you need to build your rock garden. You’ll also learn about the best time of year and the best place for building one. Our expert shares tips for picking the best plants and rocks to go in this space. Learn about Japanese Feng Shui gardens and the cost associated with building one. Read more of this interview for information on how to care for your garden and other advantages of a rock garden. 

Who is Laddie Flock?

Laddie Flock is the owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc.. They have been in business for 18 years and have experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation Magazine.

“Your garden is a direct reflection, a mirror of your own inner beauty. Once your garden becomes an idea, you already realize the subtle connection to yourself in a peaceful way. The continuing, self healing benefit of your space, whether in your conscious or subconscious, allows you to see your life in a blossoming way. Sometimes like flowers that bloom only briefly, you feel glimpses of a beauty unparalleled to any other teaching – why? Your garden allows no interference, no competition, no fear, no quest for power. You are on the universal plane so natural to your being while in your space. This evolving place has an unwritten rule, as you grow so does your garden. This growth, remembrance of beauty, is so irreversible. It is impossible to return to the way you were. This journey has many incomprehensible benefits for others. Those whom you talk about your garden with, those who are selected to be a co-creator in designing, building, redesigning, rebuilding. Those who enter your space and create their own interpretation that is the birth of another garden, either consciously or subconsciously. A garden is forever a connection to love.”

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What is a rock garden?

"A rock garden is an environment or an atmosphere that is specifically (from my client's perspective) created for themselves," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.

The online encyclopedia Wikipedia.com, describes a rock garden as: "A type of garden that features extensive use of rocks or stones, along with plants native to rocky or alpine environments…The usual form of a rock garden is a pile of rocks, large and small, aesthetically arranged, and with small gaps between, where the plants will be rooted… Some rock gardens are designed and built to look like natural outcrops of bedrock. Stones are aligned to suggest a bedding plane and plants are often used to conceal the joints between the stones. This type of rockery was popular in Victorian times, often designed and built by professional landscape architects. The same approach is sometimes used in modern campus or commercial landscaping, but can also be applied in smaller private gardens.

This definition, however, is rather limiting in all that a rock garden can be.


Flock says, "The environment is useful in many ways. It is a visual component usually from the windows of their home. And when they wish to be within that atmosphere, their enjoyment is walking through the garden."

Rock gardens can take on many different designs and functions, with the only limit being the builders imagination or wishes.


Flock says, "It can be any theme or it can be eclectic, it is however how they would like to have it. Usually, there is a theme involved and a function involved. The function is first aligned through pathways, bridges, meditation areas, patios, barbecues, fireplaces, or fire pits. This functions as the outdoors that are close to their home and then the theme is developed. That comes from the history of the clients and usually it is a husband and wife and questions are asked like where they have spent their time, where they have traveled, what the area has really evoked, the feeling that they would like to have while they are in this space."


A rock garden can serve as a private area for meditating or relaxing, or as a back drop for parties and get togethers. It can function as a way to commune with nature, or serve as a haven of food and shelter for local wildlife. It's only main requirement is that it of course contain some type of rocks thereby putting it into the category of a rock garden.


Flock says when he begins working with a client on their rock garden design, "I ask them to tell me about it and we start going through those processes and all of sudden we are talking about textures, colors, ribbons and horizons and all of these detail elements that all go together as a result of building the project as one composite."

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What are some of the more popular rock garden designs or themes? 

"A lot of it depends on where they come from," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.

Flock explained some of the different themes by saying, "They are as simple as maybe a beach theme, the sunset, a water theme, or a negative edge pool. Some of the more popular ones that the magazines are getting consistently are Tuscan and Mediterranean. They are all subject to interpretation because there are so many design elements within that realm. But there is a lot of European, Greece, Italy, France, Germany, and the Alps. And the Orient is a category that has been built and talked about and written about in many books. They are diverse but they have certain disciplines within that realm."


Themes will vary depending on the amount of space available, the amount of money budgeted for the project and for the purpose or function the rock garden is going to serve. Even different elements used in the rock garden can alter it's theme.


Flock says, " think that the difference in the themes is the type of material that you use and how you present them. They are soft and graceful or they are rugged. The American Indians all have their own design discipline that they use through their culture and so these components of disciplines are brought in either in totality or in small increments and then composed with others."


Flock finds that many rock garden themes are a way to bring history back to life or to create an atmosphere of a place the owner would like to go, but for one reason or another can't. Although travel is an option for some, it isn't for everyone so they can use a rock garden to bring a particular location to them. Specific events in history can be brought to the present by representing those events in a garden dedicated to their memory.



Flock says, "I would say generally speaking, theme gardens come from perception of history. We can take any era that we wish and make a rock garden theme. We could take Egypt and the building of the pyramids as a theme garden. We could take the gold miner era, for example and promote that particular theme within a garden structure and elements. We can take elements from the higher meadows, the 4000-5000 feet elevation into areas that are only 200 or 300 feet in elevation. We could use elements like old stones, rivers, pathways, and windbreaks inspired by the gold miner's cottages."


The theme of your rock garden will say a lot about you, so choose your theme wisely. In a carefully designed garden you will be able to add or eliminate different elements to change your theme around easily.

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How small can a rock garden be?

"I think the intent is more the willingness than large and small size," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.


Flock feels the reason why you are building your rock garden is more important than the size. What do you want to use it for? Is it going to be a showplace for special events or is it a private place for you to be at one with your self or to commune with nature? Do you plan on using it as a location for meditation and perhaps to perform yoga, or is it a place where you want to be able to have dinner with friends? Is it a place to attract wildlife to your yard so they can eat and have a sense of security? The function of your rock garden is going to help you determine the size you want and need it to be.


The amount of money you have to spend is also going to be a factor in the size of your garden. Obviously the less money you have budgeted for this project, most likely the smaller it will be. It also depends on the amount of space you have available. When deciding the size of your rock garden, you will have to take all of these factors into consideration.


Flock says, " I've built many state gardens. I've built water features and water gardens with the artist Robert Erwin and that comprises of 4-5 acres for one garden. I've built gardens in backyards that are as small as 10 x 20, so I think it's more the intent. A lot of the smaller gardens turn into meditation gardens, where there is a sitting area, there is music. Or maybe the sound of a small water feature or a babbling brook and a nice sitting area that is secluded with plants appeals to you."


A rock garden can and should be a personal place that holds a connection for the owner, no matter what the size or the function of the garden is. This is your garden, your design. Put a part of yourself into the rock garden and you will feel this connection grow. You are using elements of nature to emphasize a particular aspect of your personality and this should be shown through the design of your garden.


Flock feels no matter what the size of the garden, large or small, you can make it your own by designing it to fit with who you are. Flock says, "You feel like you are in your own environment in a space that is better; it sits up against two storey houses that are right next to you and I think that is the beauty of outdoor gardens. You can create an atmosphere and no matter how big or small it is."

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What should be done before building a rock garden?

"Generally, the first question that we ask our prospective clients as we interview them is 'What kind of budget, what amount of money are you comfortable investing into your garden and is this money all at once or is it in stages,'" says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.


"So I think to comfortably come up with a general budget whether or not you tell your contractor everything that you want. You really don't want to get into a situation where your dreams and your desires aren't fitting your ability to pay, and then you have to decide what to take out and all of a sudden, it changes the whole atmosphere of the project," says Flock.


"The next step is a simple graph-paper overhead to scale out the plot with your house and within the space also, you can see it from a different perspective. You can see an analytical site and then what you are doing is going through the logistics of getting in the backyard. You're going through the space requirements in scale. So this overhead really allows you to play around. It is almost like if you own your own home and you are putting furniture into it, you scale out the size of the room so you have a scale of the chair, sofa, and television or entertainment center so you can start placing them around and create the floor plan. So, the overhead is critical."


"The next step is to start looking and/or talking to experts; reading magazines; watching Home and Garden Television channel (and whatever other programs that talk about developing an atmosphere outside) to start directing yourself towards a particular idea. You don't have to stay there, but at least you are taking a step forward, and you can always take two steps back and go in another direction. So researching magazines, getting the details and colors that really warm you (if that is the feeling that you want within the space), and having a general idea of what you would like to have in that space leads you to the next step," says Flock.


Flock concluded with, "Next you get into the theme design. Find contractors, consultants, architects or designers to talk to. You may only spend an hour with them and pay their consultation fee, but get some opinions from people that have done this more than once. Take their information, because it will ultimately save thousands and thousands of dollars of trial and error. I think one of the biggest issues is usually the customer that the space is being built for will have different ideas from their spouse or significant other, and how they work together in that realm is sometimes unpleasant. Remember that you are talking about something very pleasurable and there is a lot of emotion and passion in that. So having someone who can help is almost like having a mediator in one sense to guide and suggest how the two can be united and both ideas can be addressed."

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How long does it take to build a rock garden?

How long it will take you build your rock garden will depend on several different factors, including the size, permits required, how much planning that goes into and whether or not you include other elements such as water or electricity and whether or not you are including the time it takes to plan the formation in your time frame.

"It could be as little as 2 or 3 days once everything is defined and the wheels are in motion," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.


Flock says, "We have had gardens where I've spent two years in developing; from a logistical standpoint where you are working inside."


Even with this kind of planning, once the actual construction starts, it will go much quicker. Flock says, "So, it could range anywhere from a thirty to sixty day construction time, which is normal for patios, stone works, walls and maybe a small to medium size water feature."


Permits, if you are required to have one, don't generally take long to get, but this is another time factor you should keep in mind. Check with your local government building department to see if a pre-inspection of the site is necessary before a permit is issued and get it scheduled as soon as possible so you don't fall behind on your time schedule.

If you are going to be doing any digging, you will need to have existing utility lines mapped out first. Depending on where you live, this might be done the day after you call, or it could be a month later. When you call to have this service done, ask them for an idea of when they will be able to get to your service call. Also, keep in mind that even if you aren't doing any digging, you may want to know where the lines are so that you don't put your garden on top of them. If there is a problem later and the lines need to be dug up, your garden will be destroyed.


If you are not doing the actual work yourself, Flock warns it can take a while to get a contractor to do the construction for you. "A lot of time is spent getting on the schedule with a contractor. Now, there is not a large amount out there, but they are out there and they are usually pretty busy if they are any good. So it could take anywhere from two or three months just to get on the schedule and then the duration of the project could take thirty to sixty days more."


You should take this into consideration when planning your rock garden. If you want to have it done in time for a special occasion, such as a party or wedding in your yard, make sure the contractor will be able to meet your deadline in a timely manner.

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Do you have any tips for do-it-yourself rock gardens?

"That's an excellent question," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.

"'Do-it-yourselfers' come from a whole different arena. One advantage is the money saving qualities that you are not having to pay for somebody else to do the design. But also address the importance of working with somebody that has done this before from a collaboration standpoint. Once you start talking about your project with someone, whether or not it is a hired contractor or a designer, then there are more options to choose from the setup in the direction you are going in. But do it yourselfers are an important breed (for lack of a better term) because they are really the pioneers on a lot of new designs that are happening out there," says Flock


Flock says. "Some are on purpose and true designs through their own ideas and some are from mistakes. I have found that some design elements (that I have used often) were really mistakes. It is not a complete mistake, but more of an evolving process. Maybe we felt we had to use a particular product because of the economics rather than function, so all of a sudden we found there is a new texture that we normally wouldn't have used. This may be a collage or composite of using two to three stones together.


Flock likes dealing with people who want to do it for themselves as it is a learning experience for both the costumer and himself. He says, "Thus, do-it-yourselfers are incredible. I personally love working with do-it-yourselfers because they can do a lot of the leg work and sometimes they have their own laborers and so the cost of things like footings for wall or the CMU block works. There is a height, width, strength and a technique in order to get the structure correct and those can all be completed by the do-it-yourselfer. You will find that do-it-yourselfers really want to pick up a mason's trial (for example) in the use of a stone; or pick up a power saw with the diamond blade on it and put safety glasses and be able to cut wood for the patio; or pick up a hue of a stone or clean up a particular area; it is an incredible opportunity to work with these people. Teaching is incredible. So many professionals want to hide their talents for fear that they don't have that edge. But what they don't realize is that is how you learn. When you are teacher, you become a student. There is a wide variety of options in the garden field and it takes everyone to be able to produce ideas."

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What are some tools and accessories I need to build a rock garden?

"A rock garden usually includes mortar, unless it's a dry stack. Mortar is a carbon component silver mixture," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.

Flock continued by saying, "Right now, there are a number of home stores that have good electric mixers that you can buy in the $300 range and they are quite good. So you need a good mixer, a good set of tools for working with stones, then a mason's hammer or stone hammer, a chipper, safety glasses, a good pair of gloves, good shoes, and maybe a hand dolly. It usually depends on how big the project is. It may pay them well to look into a used wall cab tractor with the bucket and set of forks, to use it through the duration of the project and refill."


Flock says, "Those are some of the tools you'll need; obviously you'll need shovels and the hose and common garden utensils. Everybody seems to use a rock bar, it saves your back. One man can move a thousand pound boulder with a rock bar relatively easy. I personally have moved a 3000 pound boulder or more by myself with a rock bar lever. A rock bar is a steel bar that has a flat bottom and a squared top to it, there is a variety of them. They can take a rock out of the earth. They can help dig in areas where a shovel can't because they have points on them, they soften it up. Also, it can move massive weight through a leverage process. The rock bar is an incredible tool."


If you are working with smaller rocks, you obviously won't need the tractor or rock bar if the rocks are small enough for you to move on your own without putting yourself in danger of muscle strains or injuries. It's all going to depend on the size of the garden you are creating, and the size of the elements you are working with.


You will also need tools and accessories that will coincide with the other elements or function of your rock garden.


Flock says, "Reflection pools, small streams, seasonal creeks with water, pathways with concrete to stone or stone over soil will make rock garden more presentable. Patios, or a place where you put a table and chairs that are comfortable will add to a rock garden also. An overhang, canopy patio, or covered gazebos are just incredible. Play activities like playing croquet or horse shoe pits or even a putting green or chipping green integrated with the garden is quite fun."


If you plan on incorporating any of these types of elements into your garden, be prepared to have the necessary tools to set them up. 

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When is the best time of the year for me to build my rock garden?

"We work in the rain, we work in the heat and it's just a mental attitude whether or not you feel comfortable in that environment." says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.

It's also going to depend on where you live and what your climate is like. Different areas have vastly different growing seasons that other areas. You'll also need to take your design into consideration along with the types of plants you plan on planting in your garden. Some plants are better off planted in the fall, such as bulbs, while others are better in the early spring, such as dormant trees. If you are transplanting already blooming plants in the summer, then those shouldn't be a problem either.


Unless you are under a deadline you have set yourself or because of a building permit, there are no laws that say you have to run right out and get everything done today. You can work on different features and elements at different times of the year - when it is most optimal to work on each of those elements.


If you are doing the work yourself, a lot of the decision of when to build is going to be a personal preference. Flock says, "Obviously, health issues do come into play; but for the most part, they don't. If you work in the summertime, you work early and you take a break during the heat of the day and then you can pick back up in the evenings." If you live in area where extreme heat can be problem, don't spend all day working out underneath the hot sun. Keep your own safety in mind and what is best for you along with what is best for your garden.


Flock says, "I would say probably the worst conditions are storm and rain. Simply because of the safety factor; there is slipping and it generally takes four times as long. If you were in the situation where you are in clay or mud and your footage is not right, you could slip. I have brought in tons of sand just to seed the ground and keep the ground from getting slippery so we could continue working on projects through the wet season."


If it isn't necessary for you to work in unstable weather conditions, then don't take the chance. Your garden will wait for you to complete it and it's not going to get up and walk away because you aren't working on it! Even if you have a deadline for a building permit, check with your local building department about getting an extension. These can usually be taken care of right away and people will understand if bad weather has slowed down your progress.

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What is the best place in my yard to build a rock garden?

"Obviously, you don't want it over your sewer," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.


The more land you own, the more locations you will be able to scout out for where your rock garden should go. However, you really need to be mindful of what is underneath the ground as well as what is above it. Make sure you know where all the lines are that are connected to your house. This includes utilities such as gas, phone and electric, but also cable, water lines, and even underground electric pet fences. Anything that may have to someday be dug up to be repaired, you don't want anywhere near your rock garden.


You will also need to take into consideration what types of plants or trees (if you plan on using them) you plan on including in your garden. Certain types of trees have roots that will grow towards water of any sort - such as a willow. Willows love water and will "go after" water pipes, sewers and septic systems. These trees should be planted a minimum of 30 feet away so they do not do any damage in the years to come. Before buying any plants, check with your local nursery and explain to them what type of area you are working with so you can choose plants that won't present a problem later on. Flock says, "Use caution; certainly you don't want trees up against the foundation that have lateral roots, stems and such."


You also need to pay attention to existing or planned structures above ground. Flock says, "Make sure that you know your legal boundaries, and ownership of your water or acreage, so that you don't go over those." You may have to check with your local government building department to find out what the regulations and ordinances are for your area regarding the placement of your rock garden, especially if you are planning a large one, or one that will require the adding of any permanent structures. Rock walls would be considered a permanent structure, and there may be height limitations.


Do you have plans to add on to your home someday? Keep that in mind to when plotting out your garden. Since some ordinances may require structures in your rock garden to be a certain distance from your home, you will need to make sure it will be far enough away. Again, make sure you check with your local government to know what regulations they have. Doing it right the first time means you won't have to dig up and move your rock garden later on - something that could be extremely difficult and costly depending on the elements and features in your garden.
 

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Do I need a permit to build a rock garden?

"It depends on your local county and town requirements," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.

Flock says, "Certainly, some structures are required to have permits. Swimming pools in most of the areas that I know require permits. Sometimes walls that are over a certain height require permits and even as much as an engineering document for the structure. So, a simple call to your local town or county building departments and telling them what you plan on doing, they should advise further up."


Some town or county governments have very lenient policies and might not require a permit, while others will be far more strict. For some, it may dependent on the size of your rock garden and the elements you plan on incorporating into it, such as a pond. Usually anything that can be regarded as a permanent structure will require a permit. It is best to call first to find out if a permit will be needed and ask about any regulations regarding the building of your rock garden. Most places will have regulations regarding any electricity, water, and any digging you may want to do.


Depending on the regulations your local agency uses, they may need to come out for an inspection prior to any work being done at all. This is usually done to make sure property lines and ordinances regarding distances and location are respected. If you plan on doing any digging into the ground you may also have to have existing utility lines marked before work begins. Don't skip over this step! If you begin digging and take out your own electricity or rupture a gas line, you will be responsible for all of the costs to have it repaired. This can be not only costly, but extremely dangerous besides.


Once you know what the regulations and requirements are, then you can develop a plan for your garden to take to the building permits department. Flock says, "They need to see you and a plan that they can approve or not approve."


If your plan is not approved, work with the department to find out what changes you can make so that your plan will be accepted. Perhaps you wanted to bring in lighting, but you are not allowed to run an electrical line out to it - check to see if battery/solar lighting is an option instead.


Once your permit is issued, you will have a specified amount of time to finish your project and it will probably require a final inspection from the building department.


If you know that you are required to have a permit, don't try to sneak by without one! If you are caught, not only will you still have to purchase the permit, but you could also be given expensive fines besides.

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What is a good rock garden plant?

 "There are a number of them and it depends on the zone that you are in," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.


When looking for plants, you will want to check with your local nursery or other garden center and get recommendations from them too. They will know what grows best in your area and can also tell you what is best for your soil type. Many nurseries can actually test the soil for you (some free, some do charge) to let you know if there is anything you need to add to it in order to help your plants grow the best they can.


There are also dozens of nurseries available online or who sell there products through mail order catalogs. These will also be able to give you recommendations for the growing zone you live in and will let you know if plants are good for a certain type of soil, and also if they are sun or shade plants - something you always need to take into consideration. Your plants won't survive if you don't give them the proper amount of sunlight even if they are designed for your growing zone.


Flock described some rock garden plants by saying, "There are some that they call rock roses. There are grasses. There are a number of perennial grasses that would reflect what nature looks like in these settings. In a rock garden, you don't necessarily have to study the nature of a particular zone. Although if you created a theme, that theme generally has trees, shrubs, plants and ground cover, relatively speaking. Have a certain theme element in mind and if your discipline is that you are staying within that theme, select plants that you can use."


In other words, you will want your plants to reflect your theme. If you are designing a rock garden to resemble the pyramids of Egypt, an oak tree right in the middle would not be really appropriate even if it grows well in your area.


Flock also suggests keeping in mind how that plant will grow and how your garden will look after the plants have started growing. A plant that might work when it is still young and small, may grow to be too overbearing. He says, " The viewing of the plant, tree or shrub in its mature state without having to do excessive pruning is important. The site selection of that particular piece is important. You certainly don't want to put up the stone wall with a lot of detail in it and stick a huge tree in front of it that started off small, but then two months it has grown to where you can't even see your wall."

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What is a Japanese Feng Shui rock garden?

"Japanese rock gardens are as broad as what you can imagine," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.


However, it is important to point out that Feng Shui, which has been around for over 3000 years and first came from Taoism, is not a Japanese concept, but instead comes from the Chinese. Although the Chinese term "??" is used in both Japan and Korea, in Japanese it is called fusui and in Korea it is called pung-su. So the more correct questions would be, "What is a Feng Shui rock garden?" or "What is a Japanese fusui rock garden?"


Flock says, "There is a garden that they call Feng Shui, which is basically the movement of energy in a really fluid flowing direction."


According to www.Dictionary.com, the definition of Feng Shui is,the "rules in Chinese philosophy that govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to patterns of yin and yang and the flow of energy (qi); the favorable or unfavorable effects are taken into consideration in designing and sitting buildings and graves and furniture."


The words "Feng Shui" literally translate from Chinese into "wind and water". Bookstores now carry entire sections on the art of this ancient practice.


Flock says, "So, again there are lots of books on Feng Shui including the type of furniture and certain angles your desk or your couches should be in alignment to the light that comes in the room. Feng Shui simply is the movement of energy in a very graceful form. That has a lot of different disciplines, but shapes are usually round and graceful and there are very few sharp angles. Everything has a curve to it, almost like the tail of a dragon."


According to www.Wikipedia.com. "Traditional feng shui uses a specialized compass called a Luopan, and a comprehensive array of calculations involving mathematical iterations. It has foundation texts, core theories and methods, and an impressive past based on archeological discoveries and the work of archeoastronomers."


If you want to construct your own Feng Shui rock garden you will need to study several books or have a Feng Shui expert help you in the designing of your garden. An expert can draw out a plan for you which you can then either hire someone to build or build it yourself. But in order for it to be a truely Feng Shui decide you will either have to have some experience with Feng Shui itself, or get help from someone who does.


Regarding the Japanese concept of fusui, Flock says, "Japanese style is really subject to interpretation; after viewing their customs and their art and history you can see how those elements can be put within your garden."

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What is an artificial rock garden?

"Artificial rock has been around for quite sometime," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.

There are all kinds of artificial rock, so the easiest answer would be that an artificial rock garden is a rock garden made out of manmade materials such as manmade rocks and/or fake plants (such as plastic or silk plants).


Manmade rocks can be made out of different types of concrete mixtures or even out of a heavy duty foam.


The upside of these types of gardens are they are generally cheaper to build as artificial products aren't as expensive or heavy as the real thing and so shipping costs can be less costly also. However, they will not last as long either. Sunlight will fade artificial plants and foam rocks, and some artificial stone is not up to taking different types of weather either. Foam rocks and artificial plants can be blown around in strong winds if not properly weighted down. If foam rocks are damaged with chunks gouged out of them, then they will look exactly like what they are - a chunk of painted foam and the "rock" is basically ruined. If you are looking for something temporary for a special event, artificial may be the way to go, but if you want something to last year round year after year, there is nothing that can replace the "real thing".


Artificial rocks and plants just don't have the same look as the real products either, although sometimes you may find a reason to use them in place of real rocks. Flock says using them, " can't be an aesthetic thing, because an artificial rock is an artificial rock and some of them look fairly close to a real wall. Some of the first artificial rocks and walls that came up were so costly to build a cliff that was 20 foot tall and 100 foot wide. There were a very few people that really knew how to move the mass of stone and integrate it back together in a similar fashion. They certainly have a purpose and the artistry that is prevalent today is certainly a lot better than what it was yesterday. The ability to have a likeness of stone as close as they can to the real thing is getting better and better, but in my world it is still artificial stone."


Flock added, "Personally, I am not against artificial walls. They have their place, and at times it is more economical if a particular scene has a massive look to it. There is some big business in the artificial stone industry. I think weight, would be the only benefit that I could ever makeup."

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What are some advantages to having a rock garden?

"You're spiritual being is a part of who you are; this rock garden is your creation and a part of you as well," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.

Your rock garden can be as public or as private as you want it to be. You can save it all to yourself or share it with friends and neighbors. Because you are designing it to fit your needs, your rock garden will serve the need you want it to, and therefore the advantages are whatever you want them to be.


Your rock garden can serve many different functions. It can be a place for holding get togethers, it can be a place of shelter and food for wild animals, or it can be your own private place to find serenity. It is possible to incorporate all of these functions into one garden with a little bit of talent for design, and enough room to do it. Obviously if you only have a small area to work with, you won't be able to pull off a place in which to hold large gatherings. You can also add whatever elements you choose to including water features, lighting, seating, music, whatever it is you want.


A rock garden may also be easier to take care of than a more traditional flower garden. Since rock gardens do contain rocks and not just plants, you may find yourself with less weeding to do. Rocks will also help in preventing soil erosion. Depending on how your rock garden is set up and constructed, you may also be providing some of the smaller species of the animal kingdom with shelter, food and water, without even realizing it, or you may plan it out with that function in mind.


Flock says, "You want a particular attitude while you are in it and it is an attitude that is generally different from when you are at work or even in your car or even when you are sleeping. It's a place of relaxation."


Generally a rock garden is going to be a place where you can go and relax, become one with nature, and rejuvenate your body, self and mind. It is a place to unwind and revitalize your senses. While in your rock garden, you should feel at peace and be at ease. Let your worries fall to the side and use your rock garden for positive thoughts only. Let it calm and soothe you.


Flock says, "It is a quiet space that you can spend with your loved ones anytime, whether it is the middle of the day or 2-3 hours a day. It will allow you the opportunity to zone and receive that feeling that feels good to you and only you know how that feels."

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Will my rock garden attract wild animals?

"Well, it's like putting a fence around your swimming pool and it's certainly an issue in most places. If you have wild life in an area and you have selected that particular area to relax in, then they will come into your garden," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.


The question is not so much will your rock garden attract wild animals, the question should be will you welcome the wild animals your rock garden may attract or do you want to dissuade them from stopping by?


Obviously you don't want to spend the time and money to put in plants and then have something come along and eat them all. Flock says, " If you have gone to your environment and added plants that will bring in the natural elements that the indigenous wild life enjoys also, then you have to keep them out in someway."


This can be done with fences or other materials. Flock says, "There are some fences that are getting better and better. It used to be chain link fence with shiny aluminum poles, but now they have strips of colorful plastics or cloth or even you know woven material so see which one is best for you."


Check with your local nursery before buying any plants to find out if they are something that is going to attract to animals into your garden - ones you want or ones you don't want. If you find that a plant you wanted to include is a delicacy for rabbits, you may want to substitute it with something less appetizing.


There are products on the market that will also help deter some animals or pests from your garden, you can talk to your local nursery or garden center about these too and ask them to recommend something.


Another way to keep unwanted animals out of your rock garden is to divert their attention elsewhere. Set up a small area of your yard away from your rock garden with things just for these animals. include food and water in a sheltered area so they will feel safe coming there. The key to making these work however is going to require some work on your part. For starters you will have to find something more tempting to them than what it is in your garden and you are always going to have to make sure you have it in good supply so animals don't show up and find nothing there. If that happens, they will soon find your rock garden and take it over for themselves.


You may find there are certain types of wildlife you do want to attract to your rock garden though - butterflies and hummingbirds are both very popular. Check with your local nursery on plants to provide for them, and hang nectar feeders to bring these creatures to your garden.

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How should I care for my rock garden?

"A rock garden is like any garden," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.


Because rock gardens are just like any other garden, you will need to perform certain types of maintenance on it over the life of your garden. This maintenance includes weeding, watering, feeding and fertilizing, and clearing away any debris. If you have watering and lighting systems installed, you will also need to do maintenance on these, checking for leaks in your watering system or electrical problems in your lighting system. Changing burnt out bulbs would also be a form of garden maintenance if lighting is a component of your garden.


Flock says, "You certainly have to keeps the weeds out. There are certain processes and maintenance issues that if you plan for ahead of time, then your time in the garden as far as maintenance is dramatically decreased."


Flock describes a product that will help you keep your weeding to a minimum. "If you want one that is more reactive than the weeds, there is a component called 'Pre-Emergence' that you can simply spread on the ground. It creates a zone that doesn't allow the weed seeds to grow up. So, you have reduced your weeds dramatically. I don't think you can ever eliminate them. But, you can certainly reduce the amount of time that you spend pulling them out of the ground."


Flock also says, "There is a watering issue in rock gardens. That promotes what they call Xeroscapes."


Flock explained what a Xeroscape is by saying, "Xeroscapes use a drip for irrigation systems instead of overhead spray. No lawns require by relative comparison the enormous amount of water for the grasses and some of the plants. So, there are types of gardens that have more maintenance and types of gardens that have less maintenance."


You will also want to feed your plants plant food specific to the types of plants you have in your garden. Nurseries or other garden centers will be able to recommend the right types of food, and let you know how often you need to feed and fertilize your plants.


If you have plants that need to be protected from the cold in the winter, you will also need to invest in covers to keep them warm when your garden has gone dormant.


You can choose plants that will tie in with the amount of maintenance you want to put into your garden. Some people enjoy spending the afternoon weeding and performing other gardening maintenance, while others would rather not have to bother with at all.


Flock suggests, " If you go into nurseries and talk to them about the maintenance of a particular plant, they can recommend roses for example that have inherently a less number of pests."

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How much does a rock garden cost?

The cost of your rock garden should be whatever you feel comfortable spending on it.

It can be small and inexpensive, or large and elaborate with a price tag to match.


"I would say that there is really no minimum or maximum of pricing," says Laddie Flock, owner of Natural Rock Formations, Inc., a company that has been in business for 18 years and has experience in all different styles and themes of rock gardens. Natural Rock Formations, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of natural stone products on the Pacific coast and has been featured in many publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Landscape and Irrigation magazine.



Smaller rock gardens will obviously be less expensive, with larger ones costing more money, but there are also other elements to take into consideration. The type of rocks and plants you use will vary in price, and if you add in other features such as water or lighting, these will be reflected in your costs as well.


Your rock garden can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, and size will also be dictated by the amount of room you have available. The smaller the yard, the smaller your rock garden will be unless of course you decide to relandscape your entire yard into a rock garden. It comes right down to a matter of personal choice, and the funds you have available for this project. Flock says, "You could put down one stone and horn it out to hold water and then all of sudden you have a birdbath. It is something that butterflies will come around and you could plant a couple of plants behind it and you have a romantic rock garden."


When planning your rock garden, think about what you want it to say. Do you want it to be a place where animals feel welcome? Will you be using it as a place to feed them? Do you want it to be a place where you can go to unwind and just feel at peace? Is it to be a private place for just you and your family, or do you want to be able to use it for entertaining a few friends also? Maybe you are looking for something large and more formal that can be used as a backdrop for special occasions?


Flock says, " It is about perception, so I don't think there is any minimum in a garden. I don't want to discourage anyone from an economical standpoint, not to have the feeling of a rock garden can evoke." On the other hand, you don't want to spend so much on it that whenever you are in it, the money spent is all you think about!


Flock's company has worked on rock gardens with a large variety of costs. Flock says, "The most expensive residential garden is one that was in the $500,000 to $750,000 range. That is pricing for rocks, plants, and drainage and irrigation systems. The garden that I have on my five acres is valued at 1.4 million."

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