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When putting the rocks in place the bottom 1/3 should be well set into the soil and leant a little torwards the slope for stability. In order to get the best value from your rock (cost say £115 per ton delivered) you can set the pieces on a base of weak concrete mix (cost say £55 per ton) and these can be layed a little more upright.
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The bottom 1/3 of any piece of rock, being the widest point, will be the heaviest and most expensive part and in Example A you are covering it up.
In Example B with the concrete base the rock is not only raised for better visual effect but also the concrete will give it a more secure base.
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As mentioned before, the larger the piece of rock the better it looks however there comes a point when they are too heavy to move. By using the method of a concrete base you are in effect moving the rock in two halves making the operation more manageable.
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When setting your rock always put them in so that the strata lines run horizontally and the fracture lines run vertically. If this is not done a most unnatural look is created.
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And now for the strong arm stuff!
First set the largest and most awkward pieces of rock as per your rough plan. Then, without setting them, put into place the other, smaller pieces. When you are happy with the layout set the smaller pieces. Roll each piece over, without altering its position, dig the hole (fill with concrete if you are using that method) and then roll back. Consolidate the earth around the rocks by ramming it down with a bit of wood (4" x 2" would be my suggestion).
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When building a wall for your terracing and you are using the concrete base method it is best to dig a rough trench rather than a series of individual holes.
The illustration shows how the tops of these rocks have been kept to an unbroken sweep.
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If you have some areas that are shaded by rocks and you would like moss and lichens to grow, make up a wet mix of 6 parts of your garden soil and 1 part cement and put it on the area concerned about 2" thick.
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The illustration (above) shows how four rocks have been put together creating a planting hole. The photo (right) shows an example.
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