The earth offers up great beauty in its rocks and in the countless plants that grow among them--as Eastern gardeners have always known. Now, stone, rock, and gravel provide ideal solutions for modern gardens everywhere. Easy to maintain, adaptable to individual areas, and attractive throughout the year, these natural ingredients can transform the light, mood, and landscape of any outdoor space. Drawing upon Asian influence, as well as on the work of contemporary artists, this innovative manual considers both formal and informal settings and key features--including scree, dry rivers, raised beds, and potted rock gardens. There's advice on choosing and laying stone paving and gravel pathways, putting in a wall, and creating water features. Includes a guide to maintenance through the seasons and a plant directory so you can add the flowers that give your rock garden its final touch of beauty. "Appealing illustrations are accompanied by technical advice that elaborates on the countless inspiring options."--Booklist.