Petals scattered across a grassy lawn and stone path, with a small ivy-covered structure and rocks visible in the foreground. Sunlight casts shadows across the yard.

The clouds gave chase and rushed overhead as the wind swirled and roiled, ratting each leaf and limb.  Petals littered the ground like confetti while immature acorns tumbled freely. The landscape seemed almost celebratory in the wake of much needed rain.

Close-up of several vibrant pink flowers in bloom, with a blurred background of greenery and a dark planter. Sunlight highlights the delicate petals and details of the flowers in the foreground.

Nature is dynamic and adept at change.  Plants come and go with the changing seasons.  They bloom, set seed, and fizzle.  Some return year after year, while some only last a season, but gardening can be more than just plants.

A large gray boulder with patches of moss sits in front of tall grass, with a white greenhouse building visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Landscape boulders make great focal points while providing texture, form, structure, height, and color.  They create great visual and textural contrast, and can serve as an anchor to tie a landscape together.

A circular fire pit made of large rocks sits on gravel, with a metal tripod over it. Behind, theres green grass, bushes, and a white house with red chairs on a patio near sliding glass doors.

In addition to their aesthetic value, boulders can also be quite utilitarian.  They can aid in soil erosion or be used to create borders, retaining walls, fire pits, seating, pathways, and water features.

A large rock sits among green grass and bushes in a garden, with tall trees in the background and a small structure visible off to the left.

When placed in a landscape, boulders shouldn’t float atop the surface.  Instead, they should be nestled into the soil for a more natural look.  Using local, native boulders lend a more organic look and reflect the natural surroundings.

A garden with green leafy plants, yellow flowers, and large rocks, with a leafy shrub and part of a house visible in the background on a sunny day.

Size and scale should be considered when choosing and siting boulders.  Don’t be afraid to go big to make a grand statement, and consider grouping boulders of various sizes and shapes for further interest.

Small purple flowers and green leaves grow near a large gray rock in a sunlit garden. The soil is visible, and more green plants emerge in the background.

Boulders are beautiful, practical and very low maintenance.   Each one as unique as you!  Contact Sweeney’s today, and we’ll help you choose and site these beauties for a wonderful addition to your landscape and gardens.  We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!

Sweeney’s:  A Plant Based Company

Plant of the Week

A close-up of a pink and white hydrangea flower cluster with green leaves and more hydrangea blooms blurred in the background.

Lavalamp Moonrock Hydrangea

Panicle blooms emerge lime green, maturing to creamy white, then finally soft pink from early Summer – late Summer.  Prefers sun to partial sun, and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 4-6′ tall and 4-6′ wide.  Attracts pollinators.

“May your boulders be your blessings.  May you be able to embrace them.  And may you find what’s extraordinary in yourself.”

-Aron Ralston

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney