Why use landscaping rocks ? There are many different types of sculptures that can be placed in your garden to add a special touch. There are many different ways that you can style your hair using hair accessories. You can either use them in unique combinations or stick to a more traditional look. No matter how large or small your space is, you can easily incorporate plants into your garden design.
Let’s explore some landscaping rocks ideas and the different types of stones you can use.
Since the beginning of time, people have been using rocks to decorate.
Rocks have been used throughout history for various purposes. Cavemen carved pictures into them, ancient Europeans made monuments out of them, and today we use them for landscaping.
Rocks are great for adding texture and contrast to your yard without having to worry about future maintenance or expenses.
There are a wide variety of rocks available, giving you a nearly endless amount of design options. Trouble is, infinite = super overwhelming.
Here are the trendiest ways to include rocks and stones in your landscaping design: Let’s get right on to it!
Choosing the Right Landscaping Rocks
Add a unique touch to your outdoor space by adding stones to your landscape makeover.
There are many uses for these rocks including decoration, fountains, paths, and walls. The possibilities are endless!
Landscaping rocks can create different atmospheres in your yard or garden, so it is important to choose the ones that will work best for you.
Before you run out and spend your money on the first pretty stones you come across, ask yourself this question:
What do I want my space to feel like?
The following text will help you decide which rock shape, color, and texture to choose. It will save you a lot of time, too.
Here are so other tips to keep in mind:
- Do you want to add warmth to your garden? Use river rocks or beach pebbles.
- Want to brighten up the shady portion of your yard? Try using white marbles.
- Terracotta stones work well in a tropical landscape, but may not blend well with a formal garden.
- Black lava rocks can complement a modern landscape.
Below are some of the most popular types of landscaping rocks that people use in their gardens. It’s the perfect starting point for your search.
Best Types of Landscaping Rocks
Landscaping can be so relaxing and fun. You should be careful because it can be a lot of hard work, if you let it.
It is very helpful to know what your options are and to have a plan for what you are going to do. This can save you a lot of time and energy. Your hands and your back will be both grateful.
There are a few different types of landscaping rocks that you might want to consider using in your yard. Here are some of the most essential types of rocks that you should know about.
Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite is set apart from other types of granite because it has been weathered down to only consist of small pieces.
This is the perfect product for creating your own pavement, and it comes in a variety of colors to suit your needs! It’s less expensive than most people think, you can get 20 pounds of decomposed granite for less than $30. It can be a great foundation for your new rock garden.
Crushed Granite
. . The name of the granite matters when it comes to crushed granite. These rocks are good for your yard because they won’t hold water and create puddles.
Many people prefer to use crushed granite along the edges of their pathways in order to create a more natural look where the path meets the plants.
Stabilizing crushed granite properly can make it last a long time. Good drainage is also key to making it last.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is made up of small, smooth pebbles that have been worn down over time by water rushing over them.
You can find these pebbles near streams and bodies of water. They come in many earthy tones.
The tiny gravel you see in dog parks and playgrounds is called pea gravel and sometimes it is used underground. Pea gravel tends to be fairly cheap, and it comes in a variety of colors.
River Rocks
River rocks are small rocks that have been smoothed down by water running over them constantly. All their sharp edges have been worn away. These rocks can enhance the look of any water feature in your garden.
River rocks can also be used instead of mulch. Unlike mulch, these rocks don’t break down over time. *** Even if they can be a bit pricey, you may not need to replace them anytime soon.
Lava Rocks
Lava rocks are made out of lava that has crystallized after cooling. Lava rocks are a cheap, lightweight option for landscaping, and they allow water to flow through them easily. Perfect for your garden in winter and summer!
At the same time that they help retain water at the surface, they can also distribute it to plants. They’re awesome barriers against weeds and bugs , too!
Brick Chips
Brick chips are small pieces of broken up brick. The rocks have a distinctive color that makes them more noticeable than other types of landscaping rocks.
You should put down landscaping fabric to control weeds if you choose to use them.
Brick chips are a great alternative to mulch because they don’t break down, they don’t attract bugs, and they help retain water for the plants near them.
Flagstones
Walkways or paths made of stone are very nice. Those are generally made out of flagstone .
This type of rock has a smooth surface and is typically square or rectangular in shape. If you want to lay flagstone, you can always put a layer of sand down first. If you want something that will last, it is best to lay the flagstone in concrete.
Flagstone can last a very long time if installed properly and not damaged.
Landscapes with Rock Ideas
1. Make a Rock Garden of River Rocks
If you’re looking for an interesting way to spruce up your rock garden, consider using river rocks as a base. River rocks are a type of pebble that can add color and texture to your garden, and they’re also very easy to care for.
This arrangement will make your succulents stand out against the background of river rocks. This garden design provides a variety of different sizes and colors of river rock. As well as being a good option for drought-tolerant plants like succulents, it is also possible to grow various other types of plants in a green wall.
Don’t have a rock garden? Here’s how to build a rock garden .
2. Build a Walking Path
Small, round stones can be used to create an elegant walking path of river rocks.
The outcome of walking on the rocks is twofold; you will enjoy the sound effects and also the visual aesthetic. Paving your yard with stone provides a more natural look compared to other types of stonework.
3. Spruce Up Your Moon Garden
Your moon garden glistens and grows under the moonlight with its white flowers and fragrant blooms. Paths and edges in your garden can be made to look brighter and more glowing by using white river rocks.
The result of planting white flowers in your moon garden is that the moonlight will reflect off the white surface and give your moon garden that extra shine.
4. Encourage Good Drainage With a Dry Creek Bed
Rounded river rock does not fit snugly together compared to machine crushed gravel, meaning water can pass through more easily.
So what?
If water isn’t drained properly, it can become contaminated and pollute rivers and streams. Runoff can also damage your home’s foundation or basement.
The result: A river rock surface has better drainage. Pavers, concrete, and asphalt surfaces don’t allow water to drain into the ground, meaning they’re impervious.
5. Control Erosion
River rocks are an excellent way to keep your soil and plants in place if you are struggling with erosion. They are especially helpful in areas with heavy runoff or on a steep hill.
If your landscape has a small creek with naturally flowing water, you can prevent erosion during heavy rain by installing river rock around the creek’s edges.
If you put a small pile of river rocks beneath your downspouts, it will stop the water from creating eroded areas.
6. Design a Mosaic
Create a river rock mosaic that can be embedded in concrete to create a one-of-a-kind walking path in your front yard.
A river rock mosaic in your front yard will impress your friends and family.
7. Mulch Your Flower Beds
Adding river rock to your garden mulch will add texture to your garden beds. Mulching with river rocks can help stop erosion and also add some visual interest to your landscaping. River rocks come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can choose the ones that best complement your plants. It also helps to prevent weed growth in gardens.
Better yet? Rock mulch is more permanent than most organic mulches. Organic mulches, like wood chips or shredded bark, need to be replaced on a regular basis. If you’re looking to save money on mulching, a more permanent option may be a better choice.
Quick tips for drawing your sprinkler system plan:
A good tip when using river rock as mulch is to lay down landscape fabric underneath. This will help prevent the rocks from sinking into the ground. If you need to remove the stones at any point, the landscape fabric will make it much easier to do so. Otherwise, the rocks may sink into the soil.
8. Landscape Edging
You can edge your garden beds with a layer of river rocks. Edging your flower beds and gardens creates a definitive border, which helps to prevent erosion.
The conclusion is that using river rocks to edge garden beds prevents mulch from being blown or washed out during heavy weather.
9. Neaten Up Your Flagstones
In order to make your flagstone path look nicer, fill the gaps and crevices with small river rock.
The newly highlighted flagstones will give your home a cleaner and more striking look.
10. Place at the Bottom of Your Water Features
If you have a shallow pond or graceful water fountain in your landscape, you can add river rock at the bottom to create a calming, natural effect.
The end result will be clear water rippling over beautiful stones.
11. Accentuate Your Fire Pit
You can create a rustic outdoor space by installing river rock as a ground cover around your fire pit, or by using large river rocks to build a fire pit.
If you use river rock and a firepit in your backyard, it will feel like you’re on a camping vacation. You will also like how the small stones emphasize the features of your fire pit.
12. Give Your Poolscape a Makeover
Adding river rock around your pool, whether it be above-ground or in-ground, can add visual appeal. Replace your old patio with a new one made of river rocks to give your property a more updated look.
river rocks will be a stylish mulch ground cover for your succulent pool garden. placing pool furniture on a river rock bed
Landscaping Rocks Commonly Asked Questions
Are landscaping rocks expensive?
If you want to save money on your landscaping rocks, don’t buy them from a lawn and garden store. But you can probably find cheaper deals online. Do not take rocks from parks or other public places as it is against the law.
What is the cheapest rock for landscaping?
The most affordable landscape rocks are crushed gravel and pea gravel. There are other varieties available at a good price. Explore now the different types of landscaping rocks .
Rock-Bottom Line
Rocks can enhance the looks of your garden or outdoor space when used as part of a landscaping design. If you are willing to be creative, you can easily find or create budget-friendly gardening designs.
There are also many extravagant options if you have the money for them.
Landscaping rocks will last much longer than mulches because they don’t decompose.
We would love to hear about your personal favorite landscaping rocks and how you plan to incorporate them into your projects.
