How to Landscape With Large Boulders

Use natural elements like boulders to enhance the appeal of landscape and add a dramatic touch. Boulders commonly set the landscaping tone in Italian, Japanese and English gardens and enhance other features of a garden design with their natural form. Use your creativity when placing large boulders in isolation or mixing with rocks, plants, flowers or water features to add depth to a particular spot and break up the monotony.

• 1

  Sketch an aerial view of the yard or garden to determine the appropriate placement of boulders. Include existing pathways, light fixtures and large trees in the working drawing. Consider placing arrangements near the entryway, over two or three corners or in the middle of the lawn.

• 2

  Map a detailed drawing of the yard to specify the precise location of boulders and large rocks. Consider the size of the area so you do not overcrowd a small garden with too many arrangements.

• 3

  Pull out weeds and collect stones from selected spots, adding these to a wheelbarrow. Dig a boulder bed over the cleared site, as wide as the number of boulders in an arrangement you want to place but only 4 to 6 inches deep. Use a flat-edged shovel and collect the soil in the wheelbarrow.

• 4

  Place boulders over the bed using a rented bulldozer or Bobcat. Arrange each boulder over the spot so its interesting or attractive side faces upward or outward. Display deep indentations, different textures or shades. Depending on your design, stack smaller boulders or rocks above the larger base row.

• 5

  Plant ornamental shrubs around the boulder arrangements for added appeal and color. Include plants of various sizes and textures as well as climbing vines that spread to cover the boulders with attractive foliage.