Welcome to Hanging Rock, California!! (no zipcode yet). This is a chunk of what is called in the landscape rock trade, "feather rock", so-called because of its high porosity and relatively light weight.

Even so, it's too heavy for my old back, hence the rigging to handle it.

Before beginning, I soaked the stone in water for several days.  This way, when I start carving and drilling, the sharp dust won't fly all around.

Fig 3. Kingsville Boxwood ©2005 bonsaiTALK (Click to Enlarge)

A 10 inch tall, 30 year old Kingsville Boxwood for the main tree.

Fig 4. Washing Roots ©2005 bonsaiTALK (Click to Enlarge)

Preparing the Kingsville for planting by first washing all the old soil from the fibrous root system using high pressure from a garden hose.

Here's where the work begins.

1. I'll begin by leveling off the bottom of the rock with the hatchet so it will be stable.
2. This will be followed by carving out the planting pockets with the rotohammer,
3. Carving the lower planting pocket
4. Drilling drainage holes to the back of the rock,
5. installing screen over the drain holes,
6. and using the hatchet to "sculpt" the face of the rock.
7. This work will be followed, by planting the three Kingsvilles into the rock.