Environmental Committee

 Fall 2007
How To Plant Rocks In A Garden
by Roz Alley

To make your garden more durable, and to conserve water, why not plant rocks along-side your greenery!  Rocks are a natural source of beauty, and are virtually maintenance free. They add a sense of wonder to the most forgotten parts of the yard.  While helping to conserve water usage, and assist with erosion control, they also can help prevent unwanted vegetation expanding into other parts of your garden.

From gravel, to river rocks, to large size boulders, rocks can be placed as a mosaic work of art or for a false riverbed, or a garden path. As you can see the possibilities are endless!

The most ecological way to collect rock is to purchase it from a local rock quarry.  Always consult with a qualified local landscape architect or engineer before you start, it just might save you money. But never sacrifice the little things that keep life interesting!

My inspiration for this article is from world famous author, friend, & artist J. Ruth Gendler.  In her latest book "Notes on the Need for Beauty" I quote: " During the walks I take after my fence is down, I've stopped looking at fences, I'm focusing on studying the shadows of flowers and trees, the play between rocks and grasses. And then at different ways to construct a stone path."

To purchase J. Ruth Gendler's latest book, Shop at local independent book stores. Book Shop Santa Cruz or Capitola Book Store Cafe. Book # ISBN- 13:978-1-56924-292-6

We are truly in a drought and must conserve water and rocks can help.  Rainfall from October 2006 to September 2007 was 25.87 inches as reported on the local Boulder Creek Weather.Com web site. This is about a third of the previous years rainfall, measured at 63.94 inches as reported by our SLV Water district for Oct. 2005 to Sept. 2006 rainfall year.  

©2007 Valley Women's Club