Rockeries and Ponds

• Boulders: crated quantities of naturally rounded stone boulders in a choice of colours and stone types.
• Slate Rockery: Available in a choice of natural colours (blue, Blue, Plum, Charcoal Grey & Green, along with the Rustic Slate & Cornish Slate Rockery crates.
• Rockery Stone comprises Slate Rockery with limestone Cotswold and Longstone Rockery, sedimentary Yorkstone, and Green Granite Rockery
• Individual Boulders: A range of large boulders, supplied individually. The boulder pictured is the stone you will receive.
• Gabion Stone large rockery Rockery Stone and Boulders that can be used as decorative gabion basket filling.

Rockery Stone and Boulders

What types of Rockery stone is there?

Granite

Granite is a popular choice due to its durability and natural beauty, which can give a rugged look to a space. It's available in a range of colours, including grey, pink, black or even the stunning Green Granite Rockery Stone.

Limestone

Limestone, like our Cotswold Rockery, offers lighter tones, ranging from white and beige to light grey, which can offer a softer and more subtle look.

Sandstone

Sandstone is available in warm, earthy tones, such as tan, brown, and red. It has a softer texture than granite and limestone, and our sandstone Rainbow Boulders can create an eye-catching garden feature.

Slate

You can identify slate by its dark, rich colours, including grey, blue, green, and plum. Due to its smooth, flat surfaces, slate is an ideal stone for creating water features with a sleek, contemporary look. Take a look at our versatile and fish-friendly Charcoal Slate Rockery to find out why it remains a popular choice.

Quartzite

Quartzite comes in a variety of colours, such as white, grey, and pink. Stone Warehouse Cambrian Boulders are ideal for contemporary and traditional rockeries alike.

Basalt

Basalt stone is typically black or dark grey. It is a fine-grained stone that is an attractive addition to decorative rockeries, borders, and fish ponds, as it darkens in colour when wet, like our Ebony Black Cobbles.

How do I choose the right size of stone for my rockery?

Larger stones are ideal if you want to recreate a more rugged mountainous area, whereas smaller stones may be more suitable if you're aiming for a delicate alpine setting.

Is there anything specific to consider when placing stones in a rockery?

First, you need to make sure the stone has a stable foundation, especially if you're using larger rocks or boulders.

Try mixing stones of different sizes and heights, using smaller ones to fill in any gaps. It's best to avoid uniform patterns or symmetry.

Try leaving enough space between each stone to create planting pockets too. These provide mini-habitats for your plants to grow in and flourish.

How do I prepare the ground before laying a rockery?

Making sure the ground is properly prepared is essential before laying your rockery. This ensures it is stable, safe and has enough drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Take a look at our handy checklist to follow before you get started.

Clear the Area

Remove any vegetation, weeds, and rocks from the area. This allows for a clean and even foundation.

Mark the Area

Use string or spray paint to mark the boundaries of the rockery. This helps define the shape and size and provides a guideline for placement.

Excavation

Dig within the marked area to a depth of about 15-20 cm. Remove any topsoil to achieve a stable base.

Level the Ground

Ensure the area is level using a spirit level or long straight board. This step is important to prevent uneven settling of the stones.

Weed Barrier

Install a weed membrane, like the Groundtex Polypropylene Weed Membrane, over the excavated area to prevent weed growth.

Base Material

Add a layer of base material to the excavated area to help with drainage and stability, such as crushed gravel or coarse sand. This layer should be about 5–7.5 cm thick. We offer great examples, such as our Cotswold, MOT and Trent Pea Gravel.

Compact the Base

Use a tamper, plate compactor or spade to pat the ground down for a solid foundation.

Edging

Install edging materials, such as Stone Warehouse core edging, along the perimeter of the rockery. This helps contain the stones and prevents them from spreading or shifting.

Arrange the Stones

Start by placing larger anchor stones and boulders and work your way towards smaller filler stones. Leave any gaps and crevices for planting as desired.

Stabilise the Stones

As you place the stones, backfill the gaps and crevices between them with soil, gravel, or crushed stone.

Do garden rocks need special maintenance?

They are generally quite low-maintenance. However, with a bit of occasional TLC, you can extend their lifespan and keep your outdoor space tidy.

Clean the stones and remove any dirt or debris that has built up. You can use a mixture of water, mild soap, or a specialised cleaner for stubborn stains or algae growth, but avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning agents.

Keep an eye out for weed growth between the stones, and pull up any you find.

If you have plants in the gaps between the stones, ensure they are in good condition. Prune and trim them to maintain their shape and prevent them from taking over. Clear any debris or obstructions in drainage channels or gaps between stones to prevent water buildup or erosion.

Can garden rocks and stones be used in combination with plants?

Yes, absolutely! Combining the two is an effective way to create an attractive and natural-looking rockery.

Leave gaps between the stones to be used as planting pockets for small alpine or rockery plants. Choose ones that suit the conditions of your rockery, such as ones that tolerate well-drained soil and rocky terrain.

You can also opt for trailing or cascading plants to soften the appearance of the rock edges. These will spill over the stone, creating a lush, natural look.

Taller or statement plants can add bursts of colour, while low-growing ground cover plants can grow between stones to help suppress weeds.

How do I prevent stones from shifting or moving over time?

It's important to make sure your stones don't move over time; otherwise, you may risk them becoming unstable.

Ensure proper base preparation before placing the stone. The base should be well-compacted and level.

Arrange your stone in an interlocking pattern to help create stability by spreading the weight.

Install edging or containment material along the edges of the rockery. Edging helps prevent the stone from spreading or shifting outward.

Keep the area around the stones free from weeds.

After placing the stones and filling the gaps, compact the surface and settle the stones into the base.

Ensure there is enough drainage. If necessary, create channels to redirect water away from the rockery.

How long do garden stones typically last?

Their lifespan can vary depending on the type of stone, quality, environmental conditions, and how well you maintain them.

Your stones can potentially last for many years with a little care and maintenance.

Can I reuse my rockery stone if I decide to change the layout?

Reusing stones elsewhere is a great way to save money and reduce waste. When removing them initially, just take care not to damage the stones or surrounding plants.

After cleaning to remove any dirt or debris, give them all a quick inspection to check for cracks and chips. If they all look in good condition, you can decide where to reuse them and place them as you would normally.

What are the benefits of using garden stones?

Using garden stones introduces unique shapes, colours, and textures to gardens. There are also many other benefits, including their decorative qualities, their durability, and their low maintenance.

They can also help with weed control and soil erosion. Some larger rock or stone boulders can create microhabitats within the gaps, helping to support a healthy ecosystem.