First thing first, I would contact the Electric company (if you haven't already) and be sure you are allowed to build what you want.

As fore keeping the rocks in place I would make sure you build a nice border with for example, larger size rocks that fit side by side well. Also be in mind that Japanese rock gardens can be a lot of maintenance in the way of having to rack the desired patterns in the gravel, which will probably have to be done fairly often. I would recommend placing stepping stones to make matennce a little easier.

There are books you can look for online books stores or elsewhere that give a lot of instructions and ideas if you are new to the subject. you might even find some good material at your local library.

Good luck with the rock garden.

-Mike

I have a similar problem. This is what I did

see.

http://roychettan.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-build-japanese-garden.html

roychettan, your link is not working.

Worked for me.
Mike

They use to cut trees down every 5-10 years, but now they have contractors spray.
If you get the okay for a garden, you need to post written permit on each side of your garden, so contractor will not spray it. You say they do not spray where you live. What if they start & you are not home?