Rock Garden

Introduction

Two Artificial rock simulated creeks pour gentle streams of water into a shotcreted but cleverly disguised feature garden pond. On one side the concrete pond is a coping of handmade fake rock edging boulders and the other side a river stone beach and a lawn edge to compliment the setting.

The next four pictures show the project from the layout stage to the finished artificial rock and water feature .

This yard started out as part desert. The idea was to build a pond at the lowest point of the existing landform and retain the bare bank in solid artificial rock and then plant it out.

Over the next month the transformation took shape, placing the pond you would expect to find one ie at the lowest point of the land level and then working out from that space with the structural landscaping.

The pond is getting a final cleaning before filling it with water. The waterproofing membrane used is butyl rubber pond liner. Over and around the liner is a combination of solid artificial rock, hollow fake rock with openings for the reticulated water to enter the pond. Pieces of real quarry stone and interspersed river stone completes the picture. The pump used is an external pump housed underneath the large hollow replica boulder to the far left in the picture.

This image was taken fourteen months after the artificial rock and water feature was completed. The change from the former desert like appearance to the exquisite setting it is now becoming is nothing short of remarkable.Just imagine this your backyard artificial rock waterfall water feature that you have created! As we have found people might not believe you that there standing on Fake or Faux Artificial Rock!

With our "How to Make a Backyard Waterfall and Water feature in Artificial Rock DVD"you will be able to make the Waterfall and Water features you see in our images.

Description: Waterfalls demonstrates the building of a compact Waterfall in a home backyard. The construction method uses recycled rubble and rock spall found onsite and the

*Solid Rock making Techniques. How to Make A Backyard Waterfalls and Water Feature in Artificial Rock

This DVD includes siting and the setting out of a small to medium pond, using and laying Butyl Rubber lining to waterproof the pond, setting out the Waterfall and top water catchments plus

decorative works in and around the pond.

You will need to view the DVD title How to make Artificial Rocks and Garden Boulders first before the Waterfall DVD to understand the full step by step procedures to making solid rock. Waterfalls does not go into the full detail of building solid rock but concentrates on the positioning and combinations of the artificial rock to create a unique water feature

A small backyard waterfall, artificial rock water cascade has been crafted to fit snuggly into what was a former nondescript slope. Our artificial rock making techniques open up all sought of home garden and landscaping possibilities. The construction of this fake rock water feature is shown in step by step detail in the DVD titled:

" How to Make a Backyard Waterfall and Water feature in Artificial Rock"

This very sizeable and steep slope is about to have a makeover with an artificial rock waterfall about to appear. To the bottom right is the outline of a concrete slab on which two water catchment ponds are to be constructed. The white pipe in the foreground is placed into position and water will be pumped to a top fake rock entry pond some 20ft or 6 metres above the pump station.

This image gives a very good look at the idea of artificial rock sculpting where the faux solid rock making and concrete rock technique comes into its own. The fake rock creek and large hand formed boulders are combined together as the building process develops. The basis of the rock construction method is to start at the bottom and work upwards.

This downward view shows the method of joining the artificial waterfall and causeway structure to the first entry pond. The overhangs over which the water flow will enter the pond are slabs of recycled sandstone glued onto the surface of the double brick course. Only one third of the slabs proportion hangs over the edge to prevent any collapse or over balance. The slabs are then mortar coated with the artificial rock shaping, texturing and colour finishing techniques with ends up looking like a very real looking natural rock overhang.

The final result some 18 months after construction is nothing short of amazing. An incredibly realistic home fake rock waterfall aided in its appearance by the introduction of plantings, tree logs and some local pieces of round basalt stones to complete a picture that will keep changing in its natural look and beauty as the planting grows and the native wildlife enjoys a new homeand refuge.



*Solid Rock making Techniques. How to Make A Backyard Waterfall and Water Feature in Artificial Rock



You will need to view the DVD title How to make Artificial Rocks and Garden Boulders first before the Waterfall DVD to understand the full step by step procedures to making solid rock. Artificial Rock Waterfalls does not go into the full detail of building solid rock but concentrates on the positioning and combinations of the artificial rock to create a unique water feature.

This serene setting is the result of working with high school students to create an "outdoor biological classroom" for the study in particular of breeding frogs in artificial ponds naturalistic setting within the confines of a space between adjoining science study classrooms. The area features a sealed concrete mini lake, tropical plantings and the combination of a hollow

artificial rock waterfall and solid fake garden boulders.

This series of four shots is a fake rock water feature constructed in a small courtyard space. A pre-fab sand coated fiberglass pond has been utilized and is excellent for asafe and sure water catchment and with the sand coating it is easy to coat the pond in a simulated faux rock surface which is done for this design.

The second image shows the ledging structure of the future fake rock is taking shape by laying thin pieces of slab rock on top of each other and cementing them together.At this stage the reticulation poly pipe has been fed up the back of the joined rock pieces to the desired height that the water is to cascade from.

The third image reveals that the fiberglass pond has been removed while the concrete impregnated recycled rubble used to form a future artificial garden boulder is allowedset and harden.

The fourth image shows the just finished result, a fake rock like catchment pond and artificial stone and boulder water feature tailor made to fit neatly into the available spaceand terrain.






You will need to view the DVD title How to make Artificial Rocks and Garden Boulders first before the Waterfall DVD to understand the full step by step procedures to making solid rock. Backyard Waterfalls does not go into the full detail of building solid rock but concentrates on the positioning and combinations of the artificial rock to create a unique water feature.

Concrete rock waterfalls Artificial rock edging and a very natural though

fake rock outcrop and water is near its completion. This is part of a larger concrete freshwater fish pond. It is recommended that

you do not tackle something like this with any sought of swimming pool without experienced,

professional and licensed assistance.

Artificial rock creekThis series of three images is of a small water feature and artificial rock creek like cascade.

The theme is decidedly rainforest and looking out from this office window the eye trails up a small creek running down in between orchids, ferns, bromileads, mossy logs and equally mossy fake handmade boulders.

Looking down the slopes it is an equally impressive sight defying what some believe that fake rocks and water landscapes cant take on a very realistic impression.

The very last image in this waterfall series but in this shot not a fake, artificial, synthetic or simulated rock is in sight. Nature reveals to a

now or future artificial rock maker many secrets and ideas on how to put a landscape, garden and

water feature together. So as the saying goes

" If you can make it...Please don't take it " !


Description: Waterfalls demonstrates the building of a compact Waterfall in a home backyard. The construction method uses recycled rubble and rock sp all found onsite and the




You will need to view the DVD title How to make Artificial Rocks and Boulders first before the Waterfall DVD to understand the full step by step procedures to making solid rock .Waterfalls does not go into the full detail of building solid rock but concentrates on the positioning and combinations of the artificial rock to create a unique water feature.

How to make Artificial Rock and Boulders Materials for artificial fake rocks and faux garden boulders is

the most cost effective and easiest way to landscape with rock boulders and Allowing you to make custom fake rock designs with methods of synthetic and artificial stone rock making. For landscapers home gardeners and home improvers this artificial rock method is a versatile and an extremely effective entry point into getting started making your own incredibly realistic faux rock and fake rock.

This method of creating and constructing ARTIFICIAL ROCK has been used successfully for many years. Using our recipes for artificial rocks. Its basic design is by utilizing recycled products such as building rubble to create solid mounds with concrete then poured over the mounds as a fastener and a rock making mortar surface then placed over the concrete to shape and texture into a very realistic boulder or boulders. I have used other mounding materials when building rubble has been unavailable such as...small pieces of quarry rock, road base loosely mixed with neat cement, glass bottles and soil fill. The idea of using these materials is that it keeps the cost of hand making your own solid fake rock way down and an unbeatable alternative.

At the time of writing the average cost of a 3ftx3ft You wont need expensive tools nor materials to get

http://www.artificialrock.com.au/orderform_imgs/newdvds/make_artificial_rocks_and_boulders.jpg

or .75x.75cm handmade boulder will cost around $40.00aus and once you know how you can make as many artificial rock features as you like.

This fake rock technique is the one you can use to make your own unique artificial rock staircases, step treads and stepping stones, fake stone ponds and water surrounds and artificial rock waterfalls, fake boulder gardens and really, so many individual creations that can redefine the way you look at your current and future garden designs.

finishes like this. This photo shows in close up detail just how realistic a fake rock surface can be with the help of a few layers of sand coloring and some household acrylic paint.Do it Yourself Artificial Rocks has never been easier you can do it!Our DVD series takes you Step by Step through each process in a lay back easy to follow way that makes it fun for all.

Make it Please Don't Take it!These DVD's are easy to follow and anyone can make

Fantastic Artificial RockSave thousands of dollars on your backyard Landscape.

This is the start of an artificial rock boulder garden. The boulders are set out so as to retain a narrowing sloping area that " falls " down to an existing masonry block wall. The mounds for these future feature garden boulders are made up of quarried stone purchased from the locallandscape yard.

http://www.artificialrock.com.au/artificial_rock.htm

By a home rock makers hand a fake rockery starts to take shape.Each boulder is made individually without the need for prefab moulds and are strategically placed to retain on two levels and lift what could be a boring narrow space.

Two months after the completion of this now very impressive and functional garden space the combination of the natural looking albeit fake large rocks and plantings are beginning to meld into a lovely combination.Imagine yourself building something like this. The ultimate handcrafted rockery on a limited budget. Concrete rock is the answer.

Thirteen months later a setting that will just get better with age and look anything but fake and will outlast many lifetimes it just looks so natural.

These techniques of artificial rock making can bring out the artist, it's hands on, it's relaxing and it gets you looking at nature in a new light. The results can be so satisfying. This type of backyard landscaping can be done by just about anyone!

Here is an example of what can be done over very poor original artificial fake rock "Bubble Rock"From left to right looks somewhat more alive and very real!

Wire framing being put into place ( left ) to begin the process of covering inferior original artificial fake rock.

Wire framing being put into place ( left ) to begin the process of covering inferior original artificial fake rock. ( right )

Photo to left: Handmade boulders combined to make a pool edgingThis image shows the fantastic impact an addition of handmade concrete rocks adds to a backyard swimming pool renovation. Smaller rocks would have accentuated the narrow line leading down and into the pool whereas the larger pieces grab the eye and make it less noticeable and prominent.The artificial rocks also serve the duel function of being pool coping and garden edging at the same time.Design, Installation and Photographsby Keith Tutor.

How to Make Hollow Artificial Rock Transportable Fake Faux

Boulders

As you will discover throughout the internet there are a wide variety of simulated and synthetic hollow rockand lightweight artificial type rock concepts.

The following images will show you an array of fake and artificial hollow rock feature designs based around our methods of concrete and portland cement layering.

http://www.artificialrock.com.au/orderform_imgs/newdvds/Make_Artificial_Landscape_Rock_over_Wire_Frames.jpg

Making hollow rocks has lots of advantages for the makers of artificial rock however some areas of hollow framed rock structure requires a high level of qualified construction expertise. Most hollow rock is made over wire or rebar frames which you will find samples of here. A low growing African Daisy wraps itself around the edge of this handmade garden boulder. The boulder is actually hollow built over a wire frame packed with recycled foam.

Close up of wire mesh over original surface to be covered repaired or refinished.

Hession overlaid on wire frame and secured with another layer of wire frame over hession.

http://www.artificialrock.com.au/artificial_hollowrocks.htm

Bird wire can also be used as a wire coating over hession to render onto.

Sample of near complete pool coping finish over over hollow rock frame. I tend to take the colours high at

first and then tone them down to a more subtle finish.

Preparing hollow wire framework over original "bubble rock"

Pool coping part solid rock making and hollow rock making over a wire and hession frame on the faces.

Amazing pool coping finish over old work.Hand made boulders combined to to make a pool

edging.

A rebar and bird wire frame hollow rock cover will become the protective housing for an external pump for large

waterfall.

Bird wire and recycled shade cloth over wire structural frame.

Ready for rock like finishing coatPartially concrete coated future hollow rock water

feature.

This is the part results of a friends efforts in constructing several hollow and solid artificial rock

outcrops around a walled fish pond.

This large hollow fake planter boulder forms on its left edge a line for an artificial rock staircase leading down to a pool deck and on its right retains a raised garden area. The planter insert houses a very happily growing 'dietes

bicolour' also known as an African lily

A large rainforest like hollow boulder sits in an interior natural creek design. The rock has its own catchment pond and a planter insert into which a

'birds nest fern' now calls home.

With our "How to Make Artificial Landscape Rock over Wire Frames DVD "you will be able to make the Hollow Rock you see in our images.

Description: This title details the construction of hollow, framed Artificial Rock using a combination of Galvanized Fencing Wire, layering fabrics and a two layered mortaring (sand and cement) system. Rock making can be used for all types of Artificial Rock applications. Generally Hollow Rock making does require more of your time to complete a rock than the Solid Rock technique.

If you were to use both techniques to build similar size rocks than this would become very evident. However with the Hollow Rock technique you can do things that would be difficult with the Solid Rock technique. In summary, both techniques have enormous potential for the home landscaper-gardener or professional.

How to make Artificial Rock over Wire Frames

On this page you will discover several ways to create some great artificial hollowed form and fake garden boulders. Great for garden, movie sets and general landscape for professionals and home gardeners alike.

http://www.artificialrock.com.au/orderform_imgs/newdvds/Make_Artificial_Landscape_Rock_over_Wire_Frames.jpg

Weld mesh galvanized fencing wire can be shaped to make transportable artificial hollow rock.

Surface materials to make artificial hollow rock boulders include fabric wadding available from haberdashery outlets and half inch chicken wire clipped over the

wadding and support wire frame underneath.

An erosion control mat called Tenant is also excellent as a hollow artificial rock liner but not essential.

A part finished hollow and full bodied future garden boulder can be created in your own time in even the

smallest of spaces at home all you need is a sturdy bench.

The early stages of surface coloring a solid fake boulder.

Here's a unique idea. An artificial full bodied rock feature with an indent shaped into its surface to create a small

pond. The hollow boulder fits perfectly on the solid artificial boulders underneath.

How to make your own concrete fake staircases that look so naturalGreat landscape slope idea's .

Make your own artificial rock staircases stepping stones and step treads is an excellent follow on from learning the techniques of building solid synthetic concrete rocks.

Artificial handmade garden staircases are not only practical and functional they have the ability to become an outstanding artificial rock based feature in your landscape.

This method is based off the solid artificial rock making techniques and brings about the ability to add to your list of garden and landscaping possibilities and expand on new Fake rock making ideas. The Artificial rock Staircases are not only a potentially stunning addition to the landscape they can also frame your other rock and garden layout.

http://www.artificialrock.com.au/artificial_staircases.htm

The future faux rock staircase profile has been dug out in between concrete mounds that are to become largish fake boulders. Birdwire is then rolled down the step cut outs so as to bind the concrete foundation when it is poured.

A scene of blobs of concrete on a slope or so it seems. With each image we will see how these structures fit together but also that there is a strategic placement involving each "blob".

With the making of this fake rock staircase it was decided to buy in premixed concrete. This is not a prerequisite as you could also mixyour concrete in a cement mixerit's a lot cheaper just more work.

The concrete has been carved to shape as it was setting and the job of completing the large and solid fake rock boulders has begun in earnest.Note the large artificial rock on the left that has been built over the edge of the block wall so that it merges naturally into the pretend rockwork outcrop.

The shaping texturing and colouring of the rock steps starts from the top so that you wont be walking over your work and its better for your back.Each rock steptread is shaped to wrap in and around the completed faux rock boulders.

The completion of the staircase and the artificial rock like finish is a little bit on the bright side however this is to compensate for around 20 percent fading and natural maturing.

The artificial rock staircase 6 months later and it can be seen that the fake rock staircase has mellowed somewhat into a much more natural colouring. The original selection of plants have really started to take off which is not surprising given this is in a sub tropical setting and had 20 inches of rain in four months.

A year later now and what could only be described as a fully maturing and successfully planned landscape setting with the very comfortable to walk on faux rock staircase and the stunning handmade large boulders to compliment.

Our Artificial Rock Staircase DVD's and Download Staircase Booklet will Guide you from "Start to Finish" with your Staircase Projectjust go to our "DVD's and Products"page for more information.

Landscape Rock, Rocks, Boulders,Fake Rock and Landscaping

Ideas

Make your own rock landscape design using landscaping rock, rocks, boulders , fake rock and artificial rock & landscaping ideas.

Rock landscaping with fake rock and boulders is something that many of us have had aspirations to do. Most of us though would know the list of why's you can not landscape in this exciting and naturalistic manner.

The big three are prohitive costs, site accessibility and being able to purchase what you are looking for in the first place.

We are proud to offer a relatively simple yet stunningly realistic and environmentally compatible way of creating your own rock garden

and backyard landscapes for the proffessional and home gardener.

With your own custom rock designs making concrete landscape rock boulders has never been easier with our recipes for artificial Rock.

Please use our free landscaping ideas from our website for rock gardens of any size.

Some time back we received an enquiry as to whether you can grow plants near or around these concrete based custom made rocks or would a toxicity leach from the materials used in the makingof the artificially based rock make planting restrictive. The answer was simply to send the inquirer this image and say that if you clean up any cement residue around the rock base once you have completed your artificial rock building and colouring and spread some organic compost around the base, any excess alkaline that can come from neat portland cement used in concrete and mortar mixes will be neutralized.

When looking at images of different interpretations of artificial rock making on the net this author has been struck by one very common denominator in many of the pictures presented. It is the sheer lack ofplant life used in balance or connection with synthetic rockwork. In this image there are a few visual standouts to take note of. The first is the composition in the placementof the hand custom garden boulders and the second is the fantastic use and variation of the plants used in the design. The result is that the garden boulders do not sit like stark monoliths but are an integral part, a three dimensional part of a breathing, living and constantly evolving landscape design.

This image reveals a different angle of the same rock garden. From this view you get the idea by the plants that this work is quite young in its completion which is correct as at the time of taking this photo the garden was all of fifteen months old.

It may be a young garden but it has as its architectural center these large landscape boulders that look some thousands of years old but are in fact handmade with a paint brush and sand and cement and not yet two years old.

This a Just completed piece of work and for me spells out one clear message and that is ' welcome'. The actual placement of the artificial rock stepping stones and the backdrop invites the viewer in to lookaround and explore. An interesting contrast in this design is the placement of one 'real' bluestone placed to the left of the first custom made stepping stone in the foreground. The use of bits of natural rock, stones and pebbles and gravel in and around your fake rock constructions along with planting can more often than not add some very nice and interesting compositions.

Japanese feel to the design Every style can be made from the DVD's

Documents

Rock Garden