rock garden

American  

noun

1. a garden on rocky ground or among rocks, for the growing of alpine or other plants.

2. a garden decorated with rocks, usually a wide variety of interestingly shaped, multicolored rocks, especially quartz.

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rock garden British  

noun

1. a garden featuring rocks or rockeries

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Etymology

Origin of rock garden

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

The amenities scattered throughout the campus include a rock garden with a fake waterfall, a playground, a gym, an administration office, a senior center and a “moms cafe.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2025

Leclerc frowns: It’ll be difficult enough to install the mirrored walls and indoor rock garden in time for men’s fashion week in January.

From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2024

She cultivated stunning new species of daffodils and introduced a striking alpine rock garden, with cascading streams and a fern grotto.

From BBC • May 27, 2022

These are generally low-growing, small-flowered tulips well suited to rock garden style beds.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 11, 2021

A few students milled about in the rock garden, but there were no Executives in sight.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart