Pond-Doctor-Dave's Real World Question and Answer Series!
1. Your Question:
Help Dave, I've googled for days and finally found you. I have a hard bottom, metal sided, formerly lined pool which has fallen into disrepair due to college bills. I would like to convert it to a garden pond/swimming pond,...
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Japanese Gardens: The Practical Use of Stones and Boulders
Written by: Rose Smith
There is a variety of elements used throughout a Japanese
garden, but the three most important and basic ones that you
will find in every garden design are: rocks, plants and water
features. In this article, we are going to focus on rocks, a
very visible and useful Japanese garden element that has many
viable and practical applications, along with its aesthetic
qualities.
Large boulders can block unsightly views. For example,
perhaps your water hoses and water connection are near an area
of your garden and you don't want it visible to visitors. A
large boulder and complimentary bush would hide the out-of-place
items, yet allow you access to use them as needed.
Interesting rocks can be placed where plants are hard to
grow. Sometimes you will find one particular area in your
garden where plants just don't seem to do well, no matter what
you plant or what you do to the soil. Maybe it's too wet or
maybe it's too clay based. Whatever the problem, a nice rock
arrangement might do the trick.
Use rocks to enhance a water feature. Place near ponds to
make the area more natural looking and visually appealing. Next
to a water basin, a smooth, flat stone could be used for
kneeling down to the basin. A larger stone could be used as a
place to sit for a bit.
Define a pathway. A rock grouping set along a turn in a
path provides visual interest and guides the stroller along the
proper course. It also encourages them to slow down and
contemplate the arrangement, making the walk more enjoyable.
Block off a portion of the garden or path. You can use
stones to block off an area which you don't want people to
enter. They form a natural barrier, but be sure to make the
arrangement interesting as well.
Rocks are a wonderful backdrop for plants. An angular,
vertical rock makes a unique backdrop for a plant grouping.
Place the rock a bit farther back from the plants, so as to
provide depth perception and allow the plants to be the focus
(or vice versa).
Secure slopes and use as retaining walls. Boulders and
good-size stones make excellent, natural materials for use in
low retaining walls. On slopes, flat rocks work beautifully as
steps.
Directing a stream. As in nature, rocks are always found
along a streambed. Secure rocks within the banks to help prevent
erosion of the earth by the water.
About the author:
About the Author
(c) 2005 Rose Smith own Gardens From Japan where you will find
free resources on how to create a peaceful, serene Japanese
garden in your own backyard. Visit http://www.GardensFromJapan.com today for
more information.
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