Landscaping aims at modifying or enhancing the looks of a particular area or a piece of land with various features like walls, fountains, fence, lights, ponds, and plants. A wide range of landscaping materials are available in the market and rocks are among the popular ones. Such rocks are available in different types, colors, sizes, and shapes, and can be used as per your choice. As far as landscaping is concerned, rocks are commonly used for paving pathways, bordering trees and plants, as accent boulders, etc. However, it is your creativity that works best. The following are some rock landscaping ideas.
Ideas to Use Rocks for Landscaping
Rocks can redefine the looks of your landscape, provided, you know the right method of using them. Landscape design is one of the vital factors, as far as use of rocks is concerned. Get the right type of rock for the particular design you choose. River rock landscaping is very popular as these rocks can be used for various purposes like, decorating ponds, for diverting water, or for defining the edges in walkways. While gravel can be spread on the walkways, large pieces of rocks can be used as accent boulders. You can also use rocks to highlight some interesting spots or special plants in your landscape. These rocks can also be used to hide any flaw in the landscape.
Accent Boulders
A large boulder can be used as a focal point in your garden. You may choose one with an unusual shape or color. Instead on placing it on the ground, bury the bottom of the rock for a natural effect. It will be a good idea to grow some plants around the base of the rock, as an added attraction. You may also use pebbles or gravel to soften the looks of the boulder.
Ground Cover
Landscaping rocks are among the best options, as far as ground cover is concerned. You may use such rocks to cover the open areas of your garden or as a base for plants and accent boulders. Ground cover rocks too are available in different colors, from which you must choose the type that is best suited for your use. Rocks can also be a cheaper and durable alternative to mulch. Though they require very little maintenance, rocks do not offer any nutrients to the plants. Small-sized rocks (bigger than pea gravel) are best as ground cover.
Flower Bed Border
If you want a natural edging material for your garden or flower bed, rocks can be a good option. There are different types of rocks that can be used for this purpose. Medium-sized boulders can be arranged in a winding pattern for a natural look. Another alternative is stacking flagstones. When it comes to the use of thin flagstones with flat surfaces, vertical arrangement can also be done. River rocks with smoother surfaces are also ideal for edging.
Walkways
When it comes to garden walkways, gravel is one of the commonly-used materials. You may spread newspapers (beneath the gravel) to prevent the growth of weeds. Other options include pebbles, small-sized rocks and large rocks with flat surfaces. In case of large rocks, you may use small rocks or gravel to fill in the spaces. Irish moss or lawn grass can also be used as fillers. While soft, porous stones are ideal for locations with warm climates, go for sturdy ones, if you are living in places with extreme cold conditions.
Pond Border
Rocks are excellent as an edging material for your garden pond. Apart from offering a natural look, rocks can hide the edges of the pond liner. River rocks and boulders are ideal for pond borders. It is always better to avoid use of soft rocks. In case of a pond with very few visitors, you can use stacked rocks as borders. However, if the pond is located in an area that is frequented by kids and pets, you must not have any loose edging materials. In that case, make sure that the rocks are fixed well. You may use mortar to hold the rocks in place.
Waterfalls
A water feature in the garden is very common nowadays. Be it a pond or a waterfall, rocks are usually used for that natural feel. You may combine a pond with a waterfall as well. Apart from some flat rocks for the spillway, you must also collect stones of different shapes and sizes. Flat rocks in the spillway will create a cascading effect. If possible, incorporate some twists and turns, so that the flow of the water looks natural. If required, secure the rocks with cement, or else bury them halfway. As in case of pond borders, use sturdy rocks for waterfalls too.
Types of Landscaping Rocks
Landscaping rocks can either be natural or artificial. Natural stones (which are less expensive) are preferred to artificial ones, due to their durability and low maintenance. Among the natural stones, the colorful and bigger ones may cost you more, when compared to small-sized ordinary rocks/stones. The most commonly-used and popular landscaping rocks are flagstone, limestone, Pennsylvania blue stone, red rock, buckshot, cobble stone, granite, veneers, quarry stone, fieldstone, pink quartz and purple quartz. As flagstones are colorful and flat, they are usually used for walkways, edging, walls, and patio floors. It is very easy to cut these stones after scouring, and they really enhance the landscape design. Flagstone is one of the most preferred stones for walls and walkways. Another popular landscaping rock is Pennsylvania blue stone, which is mainly quarried from Pennsylvania. Its predominant color is blue and is used in patios, walkways, and stair treads. Buckshot gravel and river rocks come in various sizes. While river rocks are very versatile for landscaping, buckshot is also good, but check for those small pebbles that can get into your shoes. Landscaping rocks can be bought from nurseries, rock quarries and companies that deal with the sale of rocks. Some of the landscaping companies may also sell such rocks. However, you must have a basic understanding about the rocks you intend to purchase. Otherwise consult a landscaping expert, who can guide you regarding the design and the right types of rocks required.
In short, landscaping rocks are perfect for decorating your yard. You may use it as per the landscape design or as per your imagination. So splurge your creativity and come out with unique landscaping ideas using these rocks and stones. This Buzzle article will provide you with a brief overview about some of the common uses of rocks in landscaping.
