There are all sorts of ways to create garden stone crafts. Come see some favorite ideas using rocks in their natural state as well as ways to craft with stones using paint and more.
For more rock and stone ideas, also see, Garden Stepping Stones & Pathways (includes DIY tutorials).
The Keys to a Great Garden
There are basic elements that I think make a garden wonderful.
- Great plants. Non-invasive, zone-appropriate flowers, veggies, shrubs, trees, and other lovelies that attract and sustain pollinators.
- Metal, wood, stone, water. Aim to have some of each.
- A private, shady seating/napping area.
- Classic structures: sheds, arbors, trellis, obelisk, pergolas. Whatever fits your style and space.
Did You Say Free Rocks?
In my previous garden, I went to tremendous lengths to have stones in the garden. I actually made a deal with a local contractor who was building some new houses in the area and asked if I could haul away his unwanted rock pile (acquired while digging the new foundations).
He was happy to have me take them but doubted I could even make a dent in the pile.
Well, about 50 carloads later, I had a few thousand rocks to edge all my garden borders, and use to create retaining walls.
Never underestimate the determination of a frugal gardener!
A friend who runs a large farm thought I was nuts, of course.
Rocks are a huge problem when working the land and they had accumulated a mountain of rocks on their property over the years, hauling them out of the ground when new ones would emerge each spring (the earth seems to regurgitate them after winters!).
Hers were too hard to access behind the farm field, but the local contractor sure gave me a nice supply.
However you get yours, be sure it is done legally and does no harm.
Creative Garden Stone Art & Craft Ideas
Paint Rocks & Stones
Painting rocks and stones is a popular craft. Keep in mind that once you paint them, they are no longer a part of nature but instead a craft item for display in a home or garden, not a natural area (field, forest).
1Paint Rocks and Stones
Transform rocks into animals, insects, flowers, houses, or whatever you can dream up.
The Art of Stone Painting – Birds
The Art of Stone Painting – Owls
2Painted Garden Tags and Markers
Paint small stones with the names of garden veggie crops.
3Paint Bricks
Paint pictures of veggies on bricks and use them as garden markers. You can create these with simple craft paints.
Turn bricks into plant markers
4Stone Birdhouse
Attach small stones to transform a wooden birdhouse into a creative work of art.
5Word Art
Word art on stone or concrete
DIY stepping stones and How to make hypertufa pots
Paint or engrave favorite words or phrases onto stepping stones or rocks. I’m not sure what tools would work on stone, but you can certainly put messages onto concrete items before they have completely hardened.
There’s also lots you can buy, of course.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
