In order to define your style, you need to identify the most attractive way to approach landscaping your garden or yard. Rocks are a natural element of earth, and can also be used in landscaping and gardenscaping.
With Landscape Rocks and Decorative Rocks, you can easily add texture and color to your landscape design. Often times, rocks that are used outdoors compliment plants and other landscaping items in your garden.
What are Landscaping Rocks?
Landscaping rocks is a broad term used to describe any decorative rocks added to a property’s interior or exterior. This could be small 3-5cm sized rocks or even large rocks you could sit on. Using rocks as a part of landscaping has been present throughout centuries, but it isn’t going away anytime soon.
Why Landscaping Rocks
Landscaping rocks can provide a natural edge that compliments existing plants and designs, while also adding some much-needed texture and color. Here are five reasons to add landscaping rocks to your landscape:
1. They’re versatile: Landscaping rocks can be used in a variety of ways, from creating an edge around your garden to adding texture and interest to a space.
2. They’re affordable: Unlike many other materials you might think of for landscaping, landscaping rocks are affordable and easy to find.
3. They’re easy to care for: Because landscaping rocks are essentially just rocks, they require little care in terms of watering or fertilizing. All you need is a little patience (and maybe a shovel) to get started!
4. They prevent soil erosion: A myriad of rocks placed as a layer on top of your garden will protect the soil underneath it from getting washed away by rain and wind.
5. They add character: Landscaping rocks can add personality and individuality to any space, making them the perfect choice for any garden. From classic cobblestone textures to more whimsical options like whimsical rocks, there’s a rock for every personality!
6. They come in a variety of options: That’s right, there isn’t just one kind of landscaping rocks. You can pick from a wide range that includes pebbles, lava rock, river rock, pea gravel and lots more.
What Kinds of Stones and Rocks Can Be Used for Landscaping?
There are many different types of stones and rocks that can be used for landscaping purposes. Some popular choices include river rocks, granite rocks, pebbles, and sandstone rocks.
Polished pebbles
Polished Pebbles, a type of landscape rock, are smooth and polished to look their best. The rocks come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 50mm-200mm in size. This type of rock is perfect for adding shine, color, and aesthetic value to most landscapes. They especially serve well as a filler between stepping stones.
Pea Gravel
The size of pea gravel is about the size of a pea. The rock is typically smooth, making it both look good and feel good under the foot. Pea gravel is affordable and can be used for both aesthetic purposes and for foot traffic.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, pea gravel has multiple uses. It is a popular landscaping rock, but it’s also useful in other areas. For example, it is often used for patios, walkways and play areas where there is a lot of foot traffic since pea gravel does not give way like sand or leaves when stepped on. Pea gravel can also be used for areas requiring drainage.
Cobble Stone
Cobble Stone Landscaping Rocks are a natural stone that is available in many sizes. Despite typically being large blocks, these rocks are highly versatile, capable of being used to highlight features, like ponds and waterfalls, in the yard or other landscape design.
Cobble Stone Rocks are amongst the most common landscaping rock types, even in areas that experience heavy foot traffic.
Landscape boulders
Landscape Boulders are as big as landscaping rocks get. These are typically available in a wide range of sizes, ranging from 10″ to 40″.
They are mainly used for natural stone focal points in landscaping, but can also be used for other purposes, such as adding a natural little spot to sit in your yard. These rocks are subject to more customizability than any other option. You could even have them chipped to be the exact shape you like!
River rocks
River rocks are yet another type of smooth, durable rock. They are often used as a replacement for mulch in landscaping or to fill in spaces between other rocks or pavers (similar to pea gravel we spoke about earlier). due to their being naturally attractive, these stones can also serve an aesthetic purpose as a decorative rock.
River rocks are an ideal choice for your ponds, fountains or other water-based elements. River rocks can help bring a natural sense of tranquility to your front or backyard with their natural, decorative look.
How to Maintain a Landscape with Stones and Rocks
Landscaping rocks can add interest and function to your yard, and they do not require the same level of maintenance other landscaping features do.
However, you still need to care for your rocks to ensure they are still attractive for decades to come. You could care for your smaller rocks such as pea gravel by using the right sized rake to sweep off any leaves or debris between them. You may also use a leaf blower.
Larger rocks, such as landscape boulders may require an occasional scrub with a nylon and a little pressure under the hose to stay clean.
How to Pick The Right Stones for Your Property
Landscaping rocks can be a great addition to any landscape, but it’s important to choose the right type of rock for your needs.
You could use landscaping rocks to highlight certain features in your yard, to prevent soil erosion, or to facilitate foot traffic. You could also choose large landscape boulders to provide a spot to sit on in your back yard.
Regardless of your choice, landscaping rocks will always prevail to be a cheaper option to most other landscaping options. If you wish to give your yard, driveway, garden or footpath a natural look, contact JW Landscaping to add a little “rocky” detail to your property.
