Home » Misc » How to use rocks for landscaping

How to use rocks for landscaping


How to Use Rocks in Your Landscaping - Lawn Care Blog

Landscaping with natural stones not only adds an appealing contrast to your lawn and texture to your overall landscape but also makes a durable groundcover. Rocks are very low maintenance, relatively inexpensive, and allow plenty of room to mix, match and create your desired lawn look.

Here are 11 easy ways to use rocks in your landscaping project to add some character, depth, and year-round structure to your yard.

In this article:

leighklotz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Replace mulch

Mulch is a go-to filler around trees, flower beds, and gardens for most homeowners. Swapping it with rocks, particularly white marble rocks, will spare you from replacing the missing or faded mulch every season. Rocks are long-lasting, retain their color, and are simple to clean when needed. 

If you have low humidity plants like cacti or succulents, rocks are preferable to mulch. Mulch can trap water and raise the humidity level, causing roots to rot and, eventually, killing your plants. Rocks allow better soil drainage and also add more definition to your garden beds, flowers, or shrubs.

Photo credit: one2c900d | Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0

Set large boulders as a focal point

Large stones have unique textures that give them dramatic visual appeal. You can use them to create a centerpiece or focal point to highlight a certain spot or accent a plant or flower in your landscaping. A few well-placed rocks are perfect for anchoring moss outdoor spaces. 

If you have a hilly front yard, you can play with large and small rocks and ground cover plants between them to add a textural element. Medium-sized boulders can be used to define areas of the landscape, such as a child’s play area, delicate flower section, or near a pool.  

Rocks can also be stacked to serve as benches or seats in a garden area. 

smltd | Pixabay

Fashion a water garden or pond

For large gardens and yards, rocks might seem a little boring on their own. You can introduce water into the picture by creating a small water garden or a pond.  

Or, you can cover the perimeters of the pond you already have with rocks or pebbles to add natural definition. An exposed pond liner can easily spoil the aesthetics of your garden, not to mention the mess they create after a downpour. From large pools to small freestanding bowls, ponds, and fountains, rocks can lend a distinctive edge to any water feature.   

Tropical garden designs work incredibly well with a water feature, especially a contemporary pond that showcases landscaping rocks.

If you’re really into it, take things up a notch by creating a waterfall from rocks. The cascade of water offers natural, soothing sounds, too. 

iStock

Fashion a gabion planter

Another eye-catching use of rocks is to create a gabion planter. A gabion is a galvanized steel framework or a cage that you fill with rocks, specifically river rocks. DIY-ers often incorporate creatively designed gabions in yards. River rocks typically cost $60 – $170 per ton, and you can get a 60 x 150 foot steel mess roll for about $350.

You can also get vertical wire baskets with small stones and create gabion walls. They are incredibly durable and excellent for drainage, too. The linear, neat, and industrial look of metal and rock add an organic appeal to your garden setting. 

Pixabay / Pexels

Make a rock walkway

If you have a sloped garden, a stepping stone walkway with decorative rock boundaries will carve an appealing path for visitors. You can also incorporate different types of rocks to spice up the walkways if you think your garden looks dull. 

Flat flagstones, cobblestones, bluestones, river rocks, and a combination of large and small landscape rocks are typically used to create paths around bushes, shrubs, and invasive greenery. Stone paths and marble chip pathways can also control weed growth.

Decomposed granite makes a non-slippery pathway and offers excellent drainage as well. And if you’re on a budget, you can always go for pea gravel or beach pebbles. They come in a variety of colors and are comfortable to walk on.

Olga Pozney | Pexels

Build a fire pit

Another interesting rock element for your landscape is a rustic fire pit. A fire pit made with natural stones embedded in a rock patio looks breathtaking. 

A popular choice for creating fire pit platforms is lava rocks. They come in multiple color options, from smoky gray to light or brown-reddish and tan. These rocks look great and work well around the fire. 

Rock Wall | Redi-Rock International | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Put up rock walls

Another appealing and functional use of rocks is to create retaining walls encircling flower beds. These stone walls should be no higher than 1-2 feet to keep their charm, so it doesn’t look like your garden is part of an ancient building. 

People with significant slopes in their yards usually make a steppe garden with large rocks. Doing this also helps shore up the stability of the slope overall and increases your planting space. 

Thomas Rumley | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Raise the flower beds

A great idea to make the colorful areas of your yard pop is to create fairy rings with rocks. You can use landscaping rocks, stack them a few rows high, and build a whimsical fairy ring. 

Not only does this add more charm to your landscape, but it also creates an effective barrier between your flowers and other areas of the garden. Some creative gardeners also use rocky fairy rings to keep their pets from munching on the flower petals. 

bgwashburn / Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Create a border

Some flowering vines and shrubs crawl out and merge into your lawn, making it look super messy. Rocks can contain these wayward growings and provide some structure to your landscape design. 

Border rocks should be between the size of a bowling ball and a baseball. You can also go for a cottage-like look around your backyard by using a variety of sizes for borders. For less obtrusive plants, you can use rocks the size of a grapefruit or a lemon to make a border between them and the grass. 

Daria Shevtsova | Pexels

Accent the entrance

A prominent and unique front entrance casts a great first impression on the onlooker. Larger rocks can be used to highlight landscaping elements around the front door, such as flowers, plants, or statues. You can also add stepping stones to your front entryway with a mix of paving stones and rocks. 

Sankarasastry AB | Pexels

Mix things up

When it comes to landscaping ideas with rocks, there are no rules. You can mix any kind of rock with different colors, shapes, sizes, textures, and densities. This creates a layered look with bits and shades of green in between.

You can also create striking patterns with two or more rock types instead of using rocks just as an accent to the landscape. Lawn Love has an excellent guide on how to build a rock garden that can help you set it up. 

Jazz up your yard landscaping the right way

Whether you’re redoing things or starting from scratch, innovative use of rocks in your landscaping can add a unique, rustic yet natural appeal to your yard. If you’re feeling unsure about the first step, Lawn Love lawn care pros can help you get started.   

Main photo credit: | Pexels

Total

6

Shares

Farah Nauman

Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.

Posts by Farah Nauman

Landscaping ideas with rocks: 11 ways with pebbles, stones and boulders for your backyard

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: A Garden/Alamy Stock Photo)

Have you considered landscaping ideas with rocks for your yard? Sleek surfaces and modern finishes are all good and well, but sometimes getting back to basics is just what a garden design needs. From dramatic and jagged structures to smooth pebbles, these natural materials can lead to spectacular results which fit all sorts of themes.

When it comes to your landscaping ideas, 'there are lots of ways you can add rocks and boulders to your garden, from creating a rockery to building a water feature,' as says Checkatrade . Rockeries are one of the most popular approaches, and they can instantly improve your outside aesthetic. 'Not only are rockeries visually stunning, but they are also a great way of showcasing new plants in your garden. Plus, rockeries look incredible year-round and are durable, surviving through terrible weather conditions,' adds the team. 

But it's not just rockeries that can be created – from statement lawn edging to stone walls, there are all sorts of stunning looks to go for when it comes to bringing rocks into your garden. However they're used, they're a great way to recreate a sense of the natural landscape in your plot. But don't just take our word for it – we've rounded up lots of beautiful examples below.

11 gorgeous landscaping ideas with rocks for your garden

Whatever your garden's style, these beautiful designs are bound to get you inspired for an update.

1. Mix up the textures for added visual interest

Gravel, bricks and landscaping stones look lovely set amongst planting in this set-up

(Image credit: Joe Wainwright/Future)

Whether you're planning your back or front garden, this approach is a low-maintenance winner that's smart and stylish. 

There are tons of benefits to garden gravel ideas: they're inexpensive, they're good at soaking up rainwater, and they're easy to install. They also work well in both modern and cottage-style plots. But, when you dot in some extra-large stones as focal points, the look can be given a whole new lease of life and becomes much more visually interesting. Pick complementary shades for a harmonious vibe.

You can also add plants amongst the scene for a burst of color – drought-tolerant picks work well such as pretty sea pinks, also known as thrifts. Euphorbias and ornamental grasses are also great options for their architectural foliage. You can find more of the best drought-tolerant plants in our guide.

2. Build a dry stone wall

These traditional features offer tons of rustic charm

(Image credit: John Gollop/Alamy Stock Photo)

Rocks can be used to create striking garden walls, one of our favorites being the dry stone style. Dry stone walls are often spotted stretching across the British countryside, and the technique for creating them goes back thousands of years.

It's quite a work of art as there's no mortar involved. Instead, they're held together by the weight of the stones, which are cleverly stacked. You can build one yourself (the National Trust has a useful step-by-step guide ), or hire someone to do it for you if you're not too fussed about sticking to a low budget. A well-made one will be built to last.

Soften the look with planting – the tumbling blooms of erigeron or one of the many varieties of sedum make lovely additions planted in nooks and crannies or along the top.

3. Surround a pond with pebbles for an organic feel

A pebble-lined pond at the 'Tourism Malaysia Garden' designed by David Cubero and James Wong at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

(Image credit: Howard Walker/Future)

Garden pond ideas are always worth considering for a plot due to their beautiful appearance and all the benefits they offer to wildlife. However, an exposed pond liner can quickly ruin the aesthetic.

Covering the perimeter with pebbles will instantly make the feature feel at home in your backyard, giving it a much more natural vibe. Plus, the stones can serve as a useful way for smaller critters to get in and out of the pond easily. Choose smaller stones for an elegant style, whilst larger rocks will add a more rustic edge.

Don't forget to add plenty of pond plants too for extra color and interest – our guide to the best pond plants has lots to pick from.

4. Or, go a step further and make a beautiful waterfall

This waterfall provides an eye-catching focal point

(Image credit: imageBROKER/Alamy Stock Photo)

If a simple garden pond feels a bit tame for your plans, then a waterfall made from rocks is bound to take things up a notch. 

The cascade of water makes a breathtaking feature for any backyard and will provide a soothing sound, too. You could go for a larger structure like this one, which is built into a retaining wall, or a small and shallow meandering stream. Whichever style you choose, pick rocks and stones in a range of shapes and sizes and position them in an organic form for the best effect.

Line the scene with lush planting and your backyard will be transformed into a relaxing, nature-inspired oasis in no time. Our pond ideas with waterfalls feature has lots more lovely looks.

5. Try gabion walls for a rustic look

The 'Santa Rita "Living La Vida 120" Garden', designed by Alan Rudden for RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Show 2018, mixes gabion walls made from pale stones with colorful, drought-tolerant plants

(Image credit: A Garden/Alamy Stock Photo)

Another eye-catching option when it comes to landscaping ideas with rocks is a gabion wall. These structures are created by filling a wire basket with as many stones as possible. Providing the wire is made from a metal that isn't prone to rust, they're incredibly durable and they're great for drainage too.

Gabion walls offer all the organic appeal of rocks but in a neat, linear, and slightly industrial way. They can be used as boundary lines, garden divider ideas, or even as seating. They're also pretty simple to build yourself. If you're trying to save on costs, a good tip is to use a cheaper, less attractive stone hidden away in the center, then line the edges with the more expensive rocks – that way you won't lose any of the visual appeal.

We love the pale stones used in this design – they make a lovely contrast against the surrounding drought-tolerant planting and deep-yellow structures.

6. Edge a lawn with large rocks for a tropical vibe

Large boulders add definition to this space

(Image credit: Joanna Henderson//Future)

A line of rocks makes a brilliant solution if you're on the lookout for garden edging ideas. Whether you choose smaller ones or larger boulders like the ones in this scene, they'll do wonders at keeping mulch, gravel, and planting in their proper places.

Here, the rocks have been built up on one side to create a show-stopping divider between a lawn and patio. A selection of foliage, including ferns, tree ferns, Fatsia japonica and acers intersperse the stones to create a jungle-like backdrop. It's the perfect look for a subtly tropical theme.

7. Create a beach-themed backyard

This backyard is filled with beach-inspired features

(Image credit: Colin Poole/Future)

If you love a coastal theme, landscaping ideas with rocks are well worth adding to your design. 

Cover the ground in decorative pebbles – just like the ones you'd find on the beach – in a palette of soft grays, sands, and blush. Then, weave in some of the best coastal plants for extra color. To go a step further, think about dotting shells, driftwood and smooth pieces of sea glass around seating areas or in amongst container displays.  

A nautical color scheme of blues and whites will also work for this look, too – try painting a bench or an arbor in jolly stripes for a vintage seaside feel.

8. Use rocks in a Zen-inspired scheme

This traditional water feature works well for this style of plot

(Image credit: Mark Scott/Future)

Rocks are a traditional addition to Zen gardens, often carefully positioned amongst minimal planting to symbolize mountains or islands. Beds of fine gravel, raked into patterns, are another popular feature that can be used to represent rivers or waves.

In these Japanese-inspired plots, rocks can also be used to create what's known as 'dry rivers' – without water – which wind through the space perhaps accompanied by an overarching bridge. Of course, you can use water if you prefer – the trickling sound and sight will only add to the serene vibe.

This water feature, made from bamboo, is called a shishi-odoshi. They're traditionally used to scare away intruding animals, however, the sound it creates can be rather relaxing. For an authentic vibe, bring one into your rocky landscape plan, then surround with lush ferns and colorful acers to complete the scene.

9. Surround planters with pebbles

We like the stylish color palette of this set-up

(Image credit: Darren Chung/Future)

Container gardening ideas are a brilliant way to brighten up a patio or deck and are particularly useful in small plots. However, if your planter display feels a little out of place, then a handful of rocks around the base can really help it to blend into the surroundings.

Pick a color and style of rock that will complement your planting design (and the container itself) for a balanced and pulled-together look. These pale stones, for instance, pleasingly contrast against the dark-hued pots and bright green foliage for a minimal yet contemporary scene.

10. Build stone steps for a sense of adventure

A curved set of stone steps adds a natural vibe

(Image credit: Jit Lim/Alamy Stock Photo)

If you have a multi-tiered or sloping plot then you'll probably need to factor steps into your landscaping plans. And using a series of large, flat-topped rocks, as seen here, is a stunning way to go about it.

They add a real sense of adventure to this larger plot, and we love how they've been lined with large, moss-covered boulders too, to extend the theme.

Rocks are also great for garden path ideas – try using them as stepping stones for a playful way of getting from A to B. Just avoid placing them right down the center of your yard – a common landscaping mistake that is often impractical and seldom looks good.

11. Plant up a pretty alpine scene

There are lots of vibrant rockery plants to choose from

(Image credit: christopher smith/Alamy Stock Photo)

A rockery is a classic way to use this material in your yard, but although traditional, they're certainly not an idea to overlook. Small rock gardens can be built in a container, whilst larger set-ups in raised beds can make a gorgeous yet low-maintenance focal point. 

Whatever the size, there are tons of planting picks to choose from, including all the delights of alpines. Think saxifrages, creeping thyme, campanula and dianthus for vibrant color and interesting texture. Orchid primroses, which look like miniature red hot pokers but in tones of purple and crimson, are another statement choice.

How much does it cost to create a rockery?

When planning a new look for your garden, it's always worth having an idea of how much landscaping costs. And if you love the idea of a rockery, Checkatrade explains how the cost 'varies, depending on how large it is and the kinds of rocks you'd like to use.' But, on average, the cost to install one is between £300 and £500 (around $415–$690). Using local stone can help cut down costs, and it's also worth checking with your neighbors or nearby building developments who may be happy to give away excess rocks for free.

What about the cost of installing those dramatic feature boulders? 'First, you need to choose and buy your perfect boulders – these can cost between £250 and £556 per tonne [$345–$765], plus the cost of delivery,' the team explain.

'As for where best to place your boulders and the actual positioning of them, you may need to bring in a professional landscape gardener. This can cost around £22 [the equivalent of $55] an hour.'

Larger boulders can be expensive to install, especially once you factor in the delivery

(Image credit: darek/Alamy Stock Photo)

How do you build a rockery?

Want to know how to build a rockery? It's quite easy to do yourself, as Checkatrade explains:

  1. Dig up any weeds and grass in your rockery area.
  2. Pour on a layer of stones and rubble to create a base for your rockery.
  3. Next, choose a range of large rocks to form the structure of the rockery and place them around the edges.
  4. You can then use smaller stones to fill your rockery space and stabilize the large rocks. It is worth bedding these in using topsoil.
  5. Carefully add your alpine plants in positions according to your plan.

Looking for more DIY projects for a sunny weekend? Our guides on how to lay a patio and how to build a garden pond are worth a look.

These pale stones add interest to a raised garden level

(Image credit: Darren Chung/Future)

How do you lay landscaping rocks as a ground cover?

Laying gravel or larger pebbles as a ground cover is a super easy solution for pathways, or as an alternative to your paving ideas. There are just a few steps to follow to achieve the look:

  1. Prepare the ground by removing all plants, including weeds, as well as any large rocks.
  2. Level the soil to create a flat surface.
  3. If you're looking to plant into the soil through your stones, it's a good idea to add a layer of compost to boost its nutrients.
  4. Although it's not strictly necessary, you can put down a weed membrane to make maintenance even easier in the long run. Simply make holes through it when planting.
  5. Don't forget to install your edging, if using. This will give the design a neater appearance.
  6. Then, pour over your stones and level them out evenly.

The addition of lights in this rocky waterfall means the display can be enjoyed when night falls

(Image credit: Beau Lark/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images)

The garden was always a big part of Holly's life growing up, as was the surrounding New Forest where she lived. Her appreciation for the great outdoors has only grown since then. She's been an allotment keeper, a professional gardener, and a botanical illustrator – plants are her passion.

Landscape design stones: varieties and uses

Stone is a popular and relevant element of modern landscape design, which is often used in the design of suburban areas. Landscape stone boasts the following set of advantages:

  1. Decorative
  2. Aesthetics
  3. Naturalness
  4. Environmental
  5. Strength
  6. Durability
  7. Utility

Landscaping stones: varieties

Granite is one of the most durable and expensive materials. It easily withstands any aggressive manifestations of the external environment, whether it be snow, rain, hail or temperature changes. Keeps an excellent appearance with a shiny surface without cracks and chips for years, can withstand high loads. Granite elements are especially appreciated for such unsurpassed stability and are widely used in alpine slides, in the design of retaining walls, in rockeries and for other landscape elements. The main colors of natural granite are white, black, red. But this stone needs to be balanced in color as its shades are very dark.

Diabase - mainly green stones with sandy veins of volcanic origin. They can be found in purple, black or dark gray. Luxurious glossy sheen makes diabase very effective. The stone is not inferior to granite in strength: it can withstand temperature fluctuations and high static loads without damage. In design it is used as an element of rockeries, rock gardens and as a bright accent in monotonous compositions.

Dolomite is a durable stone with a rich color palette of light and warm shades. Among the variety, you will find beige, white, and greenish-gray options. Sandstone is gray, reddish, crimson or yellow. It differs from other stones in its embossed surface. Sandstone is a stone similar in properties to dolomite, but differing from it in a palette of shades.

Dolomite and sandstone are sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks of stones, albeit slowly, but nevertheless are destroyed under the influence of the external environment and lose their decorative effect. The process of destruction lasts for years, but it cannot be avoided. Therefore, when choosing sedimentary rocks as an element of landscape design, be prepared for their fragility.

Slate is a strong and resistant stone mixture of mica and quartz. The most common stones are black, gray and gray-green shades, less often - yellow, red and purple. The most valuable options are light-colored slates, which delight with their shade and shiny surface. Slate easily splits into thin plates, can be processed, therefore it is widely used in garden compositions and for cladding facades of buildings, retaining walls and rock gardens.

Jasper - bright, beautiful, opaque semi-precious stones with an amazing pattern in the form of stripes, ribbons and specks. Stones are blue, red, purple, green or gray. In oriental-style gardens, platforms and flowerpots are decorated with stone chips of jasper. A crumb of a blue tint is great for creating dry ponds. Large stones act as accent elements in rockeries and rock gardens. Jasper flagstones are used to line retaining walls and foundations of houses. Jasper is not afraid of the impact of the external environment and does not lose the intensity of the shade over time.

Quartzite - smooth shiny stones based on quartz sandstones. The main color is grey. It is most often found in nature. The rarest species is crimson quartzite, which can only be found in the Onega region. The palette of this type has many shades of pink, raspberry or red. Quartzite looks luxurious on sunny days, when its smooth surface reflects the sun, creating playful highlights, and inclusions of minerals shimmer with all sorts of shades. Valued for its incredible strength and decorative effect.

Serpentine is a hard and durable rock with an amazing color that varies from dark green to light green. Looks great in rock gardens and in the design of artificial reservoirs. Large serpentine stones can become accent elements of a landscape composition.

Migmatite - when you look at this stone, it seems as if it comes from some unknown planet: an amazing pattern of multi-colored stripes from dark blue to rusty and sandy, painstakingly created by nature itself, and a relief of furrows and depressions create an incredible decorative effect . Migmatite is a durable material that can be used without fear in paving paths and as an artistic element in landscape compositions.

Limestone is not recommended for landscaping - it is a soft material that breaks down quickly on contact with soil and water. Dissolving, it penetrates into the soil, increasing its Ph (salinization occurs). Under such conditions, it is difficult for plants to absorb nutrients, even if fertilizers are applied in a timely and systematic manner.

Stones in landscape design: a selection of interesting solutions

Paths

Paving with stones will become not only a stylish element, but also a practical solution. In modern landscape design, both step-by-step and main paths are made of stone. For paving the main paths, wild flat stone is often used, and for step-by-step paths, special slabs of granite or sandstone are used. The modern assortment of stones offers a large selection of such slabs: you can find large-sized, aged, and various shapes. When paving the main path, do not use backfill, crumbs or small pebbles. These stones will get stuck in the soles of your shoes and spread throughout the area, creating an untidy garden look.

Retaining walls

Retaining walls are a necessary element of areas where there is a slope. On the one hand, they strengthen the soil, and on the other hand, they become a decorative design element, allowing you to create multi-level gardens. If the elevation difference on the site is large, then you need to build a retaining wall that will protect against landslides. Cover its foundation with thin plates of natural stone to make this complex engineering structure a stunning decorative element. An excellent design solution would be to veneer the foundation of the house and the retaining wall with the same stone. Thus, the landscape will be harmonious. If the difference is small, then you can immediately use the stone. Choose suitable wild stones in the store, stack on top of each other, creating a unique landscape on your site. Such walls can also be erected for decorative purposes: to construct a fence, create a multi-level garden or decorate a slope. Pay attention to the restrictions on the height of retaining walls without a foundation. Such walls cannot be designed too high.

Rockery

Rockery is a composition of stones and plants on a plane. From the outside, it seems as if you are deceiving nature - plants grow directly from stones. But in reality, all it takes is a bit of good planning. Any coniferous or flowering plants are suitable for rockeries, and choose stones so that they are combined with other stone elements on the site: building cladding or paths.

Rock garden (alpine slide)

A rock garden is a composition of stones and plants that imitates natural alpine landscapes: the slopes and gorges, decorated with vegetation, remind you of traveling to the mountains. The right rock garden, as a rule, needs a large area and plants from the alpine area, which in the middle lane must be carefully looked after, and some even shelter for the winter.

Dry waters

A dry reservoir - a dry pond or a dry stream - is a stylish and unusual element of the landscape. Artificial recesses in the ground are covered with bluish, grayish and white stones, imitating a river or a pond. Plants are planted along the banks. You can install a decorative bridge or organize a “green” island with coniferous and flowering plants, adding credibility to the landscape. Such a pond looks amazing, especially with thoughtful lighting.

Czech rolling pin

The Czech rolling pin is an imitation of real rocks using flat stones laid at an angle to the ground. Plants are planted between groups of such stones, creating amazing compositions that are so pleasant to admire. To make the Czech rolling pin especially decorative, try playing with shades of plants that will emphasize the relief of the composition.

Rock garden

The rock garden is a gift from Japanese culture: a composition of unhewn stones arranged in a certain order on gravel. Sometimes coniferous or deciduous plants are added, emphasizing the severity of the stone. As a rule, the background for such a composition is gravel dumping, which is laid out in colors, imitating waves. This garden is ideal for those who love peace and privacy or appreciate Japanese heritage. In order to create such a garden, you need to delve into its philosophy and understand all the subtleties.

Gabions

Gabions are the most flexible stone construction, with many uses ranging from fences and firewood to small figurines. It is a frame made of metal mesh, the base of which is filled with stones.

Recreation area and fireplace

No homestead is complete without a recreation area. Decorating it with stone is a great move. Firstly, this is a stylish solution, and secondly, the stone will keep the neat appearance of the territory for a long time, interfering with the growth of weeds. Lay out a stone platform, install several benches or chairs, and put an interesting-shaped fire bowl in the center, and a cozy corner for relaxing with family and friends is ready.

Size and shape matter

Landscape stones have the following classification:

In landscape design, you can use any size. Boulders and cobblestones will harmoniously fit into an alpine hill, cobblestones will decorate flower beds and become the basis for a retaining wall, pebbles will be suitable for creating an integral space of a recreation area.

How to properly use landscape stone on the site?

1. Create a project. In order for stone to become an integral part of your landscape relief, it is necessary to think over the concept and design, taking into account the size of the site, the location of the main buildings and the style. A marble five-meter Apollo will look comical in a small area with a wooden house, and a miniature rockery will simply get lost surrounded by huge pine trees.

2. Calculate the required amount of stone . This is one of the most important tasks: if you buy less stone than you need, you will have to buy more. And to find exactly the same natural stone is not always possible. And you can accidentally buy more than you need. Given the cost of some types of stone, this is at least not economical.

3. Place the stone correctly. Properly laid stone is pleasing to the eye and does not cause any problems. But laying errors not only “lubricate” the decorative effect of the entire composition, but can also cause damage to plants. At best, the stone element will need to be removed or relocated. At worst, the plants will have to be replaced.

4. Take into account the peculiarities of style. A competent combination of species will help emphasize the beauty of the plantations, and the logical repetition of the selected combinations throughout the site will allow you to decorate the landscape in a certain style, avoiding the effect of fragmentation.

5. Maintain level. Sometimes, the stone element turns out to be crooked. This is due to the fact that initially the shrinkage of the structure was not taken into account or the surface on which it was installed was improperly prepared. Even more often there are cases when the stone elements did not coincide in level with the lawn. Such errors are striking and make the site sloppy, even if it is a very expensive material surrounded by luxurious plants.

The choice of material and landscape solution is completely dependent on the taste and wishes of the customer. The stone adds relief, uniqueness, reflects the individuality of the customer and helps to create a design full of harmony.

If you want to create a landscape project for your site quickly and professionally, we invite you to the landscape studio of our garden center. Professional designers will bring to life any of your ideas, consider zoning, help you choose plants and materials: your beautiful garden will delight you for years and delight your guests.

More about landscape design.

18 ways to use stone in garden design - Roomble.com

2022-05-20T07:40:08+00:00 2022-05-16T11:14:39+00:00 18 ways to use stone in garden design 2022-05-20T07:40:08+00:00 Do not rush to get rid of boulders and stones on the site. Here are 18 ways to spice up your garden and make it showy and stylish with rocks. 18 ways to use stone in garden design

Do not rush to get rid of boulders and stones on the site.

Rocks in landscaping are a beautiful way to add personality to your garden without changing the global green trend. From stones, you can create not only alpine slides, but also functional elements of garden design. The lack of stones on the site is not a problem. There is always the opportunity to look for them in the forest and quarries, or buy them at stone processing enterprises. How to use stones in the country - 18 stylish ideas.

Natural stone is an excellent material for creating garden paths and paths. Granite and sandstone slabs, marble chips or pebbles - and your paths are stylish and neat.

With the help of a stone retaining wall, it can decorate slopes and gardens, zone space, create multi-level flower beds and fences, strengthen the soil, protecting a site with a height difference.

To create a beautiful rockery in landscape design, it is not necessary to contact a designer. A composition of stones is created on a flat surface, decorating with coniferous and unpretentious flowering plants.

A well-known element of garden design, which is more effective the less decorative glamor like painted hedgehogs and gnomes. It is important to remember that the rock garden requires constant care. If time is in short supply, it is better to stop at a less whimsical rockery.

Editor's note:

Rockery and rock garden - what's the difference? These two elements of garden design are often confused: both are made from stones and plants. And yet they are different. A rock garden is always a hill covered with plants, it is characterized by height and tiering, and the plants are planted mainly alpine with imitation of mountainous terrain. Rockery is located on a plane, and its large area should be occupied by stones. In addition, unlike a rock garden limited by a curb, rockeries can be a continuation of the site.

It's a great idea to turn landscaping stones into a dry stream in your country house. You can add a decorative bridge. Or even functional and solid, if you mask a ravine on the site with the help of a dry stream.

Czech rock garden, layered rockery, Czech hill - as soon as they call this modern garden element, which is a more modern version of the rock garden, more aesthetic and functional.

The peculiarity of the Czech rolling pin is in the way of laying stones of different thicknesses with an inclination or vertically to create an imitation of a rocky hill with unpretentious mountain plants. A role model is rocky outcrops of limestone.

There is a patio area, even if it is small and near the house itself, on every plot. A hearth made of stone in combination with a stone-decorated platform is a stylish solution for a recreation area, and at the same time weed protection.

A spectacular garden bench in the patio area can be made according to the gabion scheme or completely stone, insulated with a wooden seat or mattresses with pillows.

Stone benches are usually made of marble or limestone, granite, basalt and travertine.

Seasoned summer residents often use stones to create small sculptures, as markers for seedlings in the garden, and instead of garden gnomes, by hand painting the cobblestones with moisture-resistant paints.

The stone-filled plot is a real gift for those who dream of creating a Japanese-style garden. The three main components of the Japanese garden, which is created for relaxation and contemplation, are the stones arranged in a clear order, emphasizing their harshness of the plant and the backfilling of stone chips to simulate waves.

To make gabions with your own hands, you need stones and a metal mesh frame. Gabions are used to create spectacular fences, patio benches, firewood sheds and beautiful installations in the garden.

Stone steps are ideal for blending in with the landscape in uneven areas with height differences. Especially in combination with a stone platform in the recreation area and other stone garden design elements.

Low borders and fences for flower beds, edging garden paths, zoning the site, finishing areas and so on - small stones can not only decorate the garden, but also play the role of drainage, protect flower beds and beds from sliding onto paths.

Decorative elements for garden decoration can be created from gabions, boulders, multilayer stone structures. Most often, tuff, slate, gneiss, and large pebbles are used for such purposes.

One-level and multi-level, oval and round flowerbeds are even more spectacular if stones are involved in their design. Among the most popular options are flower beds made of gabions, flower beds raised with the help of stones, stone borders flowing into steps or paths.

As a fountain, stones are used in pre-produced shapes (for example, a stone bowl) or in their natural form - from a large solid stone or flat cobblestones, stacked in the form of a tower and mounted on a pipe.

Learn more