Bubbling Rocks

I was looking at my analytics page for my website and saw that 'bubbling rocks' is the number one search topic for people that click on my page. I thought these had waned in popularity, but apparently not. So, lets discuss the options.

First there are the natural boulders that can be drilled and turned into a bubbling rock or Moses rock. They are often the most eye catching, but often take heavy equipment and some knowledge to create. I enjoy them the most, but they are a bit of an undertaking. A lot of rock yards will have the equipment to drill any piece you would like. Around Omaha the going rate is about $75 per foot to get them drilled.



Basalt columns are a great option also. They are often more formal, and quite heavy, but they can add a great touch to a formal garden. Also possible indoors, but a basin is necessary or some extensive handy work. Basalt is very dense, and since rock is sold by the pound, these features can add up rather quickly.


Artifical bubbling rocks are another option. In the past I have never carried this type of fountain because, well, they looked artificial. Fortunately there are a handful of companies out there that make realistic rocks, but they can be pricey. The main advantage for this type of feature is that they are at least relatively mobile. Even a large piece can often be moved with a dolly or some type of cart.


Like disappearing fountains and pondless featuers, bubbling rocks can be fit into just about any landscape and are only limited by your imagination. One big tip I have about these features are to build the basin as big as possible so you aren't refilling constantly. There will be splash! Often times I will create a sloped region outside of the basin that will funnel the splash back into the container. It doesn't catch all of it, but it does limit the water loss. A good rule of thumb is to make the basin 1.5 times wider than the feature is tall.