I am longing for a large feature rock in my yard but my aging muscles cannot imagine moving a big piece about. There are descriptions out there for 'fake rocks' using styrofoam as the core but none of them look very realistic. Any experience?

I have fake boulders in my little yard, though we did not make it. Just bought it at OSH, not cheap though! We decided to use it to cover up the protruding pipes. Some of my friends thought it was real, till they do a little knock and hear the hollow core. See the photos here:

fake boulder beside the succulents


click on the photo and the fake boulder is on the upper left side


So far we have had these since 2008, still looks okay, but I guess later on we may need to spray paint a bit. The weather wear and tear adds distressed look to it, and makes it more natural looking I think.

That looks pretty real. What is OSH if I may ask?

Maybe Goldfinch can tell you how. She makes all kinds of neat Stones and arts...

OSH is Orchard Supply Hardware.

Thank you both.

http://cubits.org/craftycubit/...
check this one out....

Thanks, that is a great link. I will study it...

Hetty, When we built our pool, we watched the workman build the fake boulders. It was fascinating. They actually build them around rebar and wire, then covered it all with concrete and painted it.

foam is just the material... the look comes from the detail sculpted into it... and finish/ color
how big a rock are you looking to have... and are you looking for it to cover up something you'll place the rock over ... or just looking to have it sit there and look natural... the most natural ones will look like what the native stone in your area is... with it's same coloration..
OH... yes... I've made foam boulders... I did a set for a dance company... that needed a few large boulders that they would dance on in the center of the stage... then they would gather it together onto the plane/truck.. to the next city where they would set it up again for the next show... they needed minimal side strength and great top strength .. and only the hint of rockness.. as with the lighting it was about shadows and configuration.. center stage in the front yard... in the bright daylight.. color and texture will be your greateest help in it looking real..

Thanks for that feedback, Gordon. It will be a featured rock in my new succulent bed.

Gordon to the rescue!