A stroll along the Blue Trail near Lake Anne in Reston can lead visitors to an unexpected attraction: a whimsical rock garden tucked along Orchard Lane that has quietly transformed several front yards into a neighborhood art installation.
The garden is the work of Reston native Ket Vongsavat, who for more than a decade has used carefully selected stones to create flowing patterns, figures and scenes inspired by nature and the people who live nearby.
“I started the garden 14 years ago,” Vongsavat said. What began as an effort to remove ivy and address drainage issues in his front yard gradually evolved into an expansive display of stones arranged in swirls, waves and cascading designs. He selects smooth, palm-sized rocks from local landscaping suppliers and places them on edge to create the appearance of movement.
“I try to make everything flow and mimic nature,” Vongsavat said. “It’s right next to the water, so the theme is always flow.”
In 2017, Vongsavat expanded the project through a collaboration with artist Michael Amico, whom he met the year before. Amico began painting rocks for the garden, starting with a koi fish and a caterpillar. The partnership quickly grew to include insects, marine life, sunbathers and familiar characters that appeal to children and families.
Among the painted figures are Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Bluey and Bingo, and a rock portrait of Marilyn Monroe. Vongsavat said he often selects stones that resemble a character’s features before asking Amico to add details such as faces, hair and clothing.
Amico said his favorite pieces are two large caterpillars located toward the back of the central garden. He repaints them about twice a year, often exploring themes such as the sun and moon, seasonal changes, and abstract and realistic styles.
The garden’s reach extends beyond Vongsavat’s property. Several neighbors have invited him to create displays in their yards, often reflecting their personalities and lifestyles. One nearby home, known informally as the “beach house,” features figures sunbathing, while another yard features rock figures in yoga poses.
“The neighbors have a sense of pride,” Vongsavat said. “Each artwork has meaning to them.”
The displays change regularly, with new designs and characters added each summer. Vongsavat said the work is both relaxing and therapeutic, and he values the joy it brings to visitors.
“A lot of folks bring their friends and family over,” he said. “It feels great knowing you put smiles on their faces, especially young kids.”
Amico said the project has grown far beyond what he initially expected. “It was a hobby,” he said, “but now it’s clear how much joy people get from passing by the garden.”
For visitors wandering Orchard Lane, the evolving rock garden offers a reminder that creativity and community can turn ordinary spaces into something memorable — sometimes right outside the front door.
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