A rockery is an artificially landscaped area in the garden, which is based on the association of lithic elements with plants specific to the alpine vegetation zone, with the aim of creating a rustic look. The origin of rock gardens is in East Asia. In China and Japan, the technique of rock gardens has been practiced for hundreds of years and has a symbolic role. It is only since the 20th century that gardeners and plant collectors have shown interest in these gardens. Since 1919, books and articles on rock gardens have been published in the UK.