Fake Rocks for A Perfect Focal Point
Landscapers recognize the advantage of these solid looking forms and frequently use them in their landscape designs. Artificial rocks come in many sizes to choose from.
Fake Rocks -
A Very Useful Element
The thing about rock is its way of making a dramatic statement. Whether it's a patio, a large boulder or exterior walls. There is always that presence that comes forth.
A dramatic way to achieve this is by using a fake rock as a center piece. An easy way to go about this is to create a wrap around effect. By wrapping a walkway or deck around a large rock you can create a very dramatic look.
Here's how
The effect can be improved even more by adding elements that come together to become a single visual form. And the nice thing about working with fake rocks is they have all the character of their real cousins except one - they weigh only a fraction as much. This makes it very easy to find the best effect by easily adjusting the position until you have exactly what you want.
When working with large objects like fake rocks it's good to keep in mind some basic design principles. A big rock always appreciates a little company. You can try adding several rocks of similar color and texture as a group. These could be slightly smaller or even a fraction the size but with variety in size. The effect will be to anchor it to the landscape.
When looking for friends for your fake landscape rock keep in mind that odd numbers are more dynamic. Three of the same, for instance, will look much better than two or four.
Mix it up. Have a layout that combines rocks and shrubs. Keep in mind the larger elements should be in the back. Plume grass and nandina, for instance, can grow fast and skew the balance unless in the back.
Try for smaller leafed shrubs so as not to call attention to individual elements. The natural place to put periwinkle and pachysandra is in the front where their low profile will not obscure.
Try to arrange for a natural, stepped back effect. Keep in mind, too, that as plants grow they will change the visual balance.
A setting like this can create wonderful appearance as it pretends to intrude into the path of a curving stone walkway or a patio. Or even in some quiet corner, accented with a bench or Adirondack chair.
The benefits of rock
Stone, a long overlooked choice, bring great value outdoor settings because it carries with it a feel of permanence and a strong, passive quality that enhances the beauty of the setting.
Even fake landscape rock forms lend a charm that carries through the seasons, giving a reassuring attitude after a frost has taken the color for another year.
A home look that reaches for A more natural and more useful space is the trend in landscaping. Rock, both real and fake, can be used to naturally define space and give emphasis in a way that that draws attention to a landscape's best features.
Most landscape projects that involve rock bring with it a commitment of time, planning and sizable effort.
The pleasing effect of a large fake rock shines through when you consider that there is no subsurface prep or footings as with other rock projects. Building a focal point as we described is a good way to get that look started with just a minimum of effort.
