Is it liturgically correct to put boulders and dried plants near the altar during Lent?
The short answer
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal asks for moderation in decorating the altar and forbids flowers on it during Lent, except on Laetare Sunday, solemnities and feasts.
On decorating the altar area, GIRM 305 says moderation should be observed. During Lent the altar may not be decorated with flowers, except on Laetare Sunday (the Fourth Sunday of Lent), solemnities and feasts. Floral decorations should always be moderate and placed around the altar rather than on its top (mensa).
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