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Looking for an attractive garden that doesn't compromise your free time maintaining — or wrecking — it? Or one that gives you the freedom to arrange elements based on your daily mood? Sounds like it may be time to put all of your dying plants to rest, and add a little rock to your garden.

Rock gardens use natural rocks placed near elements like water, sand, and plants. They can be created anywhere from your desk at work to your backyard.

Don't worry, you don't need a green thumb, and you can forget about talking to your rocks to nurture their health. The only thing you need concern yourself with is spending lazy days on a big rock sunning yourself like a lizard. Take a look at these simple instructions on how to create your own rock garden.

Step 1: Find the proper space. If you don't have a yard, try making a tabletop version in a large shallow ceramic dish.

Step 2: Make a list of materials needed. Some basics will be: rocks, sand, water, and a rake. You may also want to consider adding a few potted desert plants — you know, the ones that require little watering.

Step 3: Sketch a design. A simple two color scheme, like dark gray rocks paired with light gray slate, works well.

Step 4: Collect or buy your rocks. You can find all sorts of rocks, pebbles, and sand outdoors. Look at the beach, in the woods behind your house, or at a building supply store.

Step 5: Build it. Combine all the elements and build your garden from the bottom up. For example, if you choose to dig holes to allow your rocks to sit at different heights, then do that first. Follow with any of these items in this order: sand, rocks, potted plants, and lighting.

Step 6: Enjoy and rearrange daily. Or be lazy and rearrange as often as you wish.

Written by Amanda Haas

Imagine your ideal rock garden, then make it. Tell us how you did it!