That big bucket of rocks came out of that little hole? Jeez, I feel your pain.

Do you have a pick mattock? It's a great tool for busting through rocky soil, I named mine Masterblaster. It's a big heavy thing, I hold it with both hands and swing it over my shoulder as if chopping wood with an ax. My husband usually retreats into the house when I'm using it, the sight unnerves him for some reason.

Here is a link that might be useful: pick mattock, aka Masterblaster

You must be my neighbor! I live on Stone Hill Road. Need I say more? I told my husband if we ever move again it will be to the intersection of Loam Street and Well-Drained Drive. Have fun digging! (By the way, the road next to mine is Sand Hill Road, and they have extremely fast draining, sandy soil. I think the town of Conestoga was founded by a gardener).

Carol,
So that's what it's called! Yes, I do have one and have been using it nonstop. Without it, I think each hole would take 3 hours instead of just over 1 hour.

Melissa,
Oddly enough, this property used to be part of a farm that was called Top Rock Farm from the 30s to the 50s. I swear they gave it that name because they were actually growing all of these rocks from stones.

I called it quits after putting in just 2 plants today. I've got 16 remaining, so I'm getting there!

I've dug somewhere around 200 holes or so over the last 3 Summers. My rocks and boulders vary in size and I use them for rock gardens or borders. The two largest boulders that I pulled out were around 250 pounds.

People unfamiliar with the area ask me where all the rocks and boulders came from.

chescobob,
I only just recently started dumping all the rocks at the end of the driveway to keep the gravel in place, and also so that I could just get them for projects when needed.
Over 200 holes???
250 pounds???
Wow! As much as I hate rocks, a small part of me enjoys the outdoors workout, it's better than lifting weights indoors!

lol - yep, and those mid-westerners pay good money for rocks in their gardens!