Landscape designer Tom Noll, based in Washington, D.C., wants his yards to be expressions of their homeowners’ personalities. Mickey Capper We’re posting transcripts of Working, Slate’s ...

The boulders are a perfect height -- 7 inches -- to be comfortable steps. Other large stones are used to form a fire pit and elevate a curved, cushioned bench that can hold a dozen people.

WHITING, Iowa -- Four years ago, Scott and Paula Harding received an ususual present for their wedding. Scott's sister and brother-in-law gave the newlyweds a large landscape rock engraved with ...