Most of us may not have an actual bridge to cross while strolling in the yard, but it would be a big hit with the kids, wouldn’t it? Still, bridge or not, there’s no denying that using rocks in your landscaping design can have a big visual impact. They add color, texture, and contrast while providing a hearty and durable ground cover. And, need we mention, there’s little or no maintenance required?
If you’re looking for an attractive, low-maintenance landscaping choice with long-lasting results, your search may be ending here. Rocks are found in a wide array of colors and, therefore, can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your landscape.
Some ideas include:
- Stepping stones to create a pathway
- Steps to maneuver uneven areas
- Build retaining walls
- Create sculptures
- Ground cover
Three primary ways to use rocks and stones for landscaping your yard are to create rock walls, water features, and rock gardens. Let’s dive a little deeper into those topics.
Rock walls
If you have an area of your yard that’s prone to erosion, a retaining wall built out of rock is an economical way to solve the problem. Simply stacking stones, rocks, or even small boulders and placing mortar between each layer is simple enough. A little forethought allows you to be creative with your design. You could mix and match several different types and sized rocks to create quite an eye-catching barrier.
Rock walls can be utilized along the borders of your yard or flower garden. Perhaps you’re looking for something to set apart your raised flower beds. The uniqueness of the stones themselves lends to the rock wall project being a treasured success.
Water features
Rocks can be used to create amazing water features—everything from a free-standing water wall framed in stone to a tranquil pond complete with a waterfall. A babbling, backyard brook isn’t out of the question either! However, if you plan to stock it with goldfish, natural predators living in the area—such as your neighbor’s cat—may cause problems.
Cascading fountains, of any size, add an element of elegance to your surroundings. Bubbling rock features are another popular choice. Pricing them ready to install can be a bit of a shock for some homeowners, though.
If you are skilled at drilling, it’s possible to create this feature yourself using various sizes of rock and plastic tubing. Or, stack some rocks to create an eye-catching visual effect and, while doing so, subtly wind the plastic tubing throughout the design. Creating your own water effects will certainly lower project costs.
We’ll mention, too, that LED tube lighting adds a dramatic nighttime effect to your water features without breaking the bank.
Rock gardens
The word “garden” causes the mind to conjure up images of colorful surroundings. And, a rock garden is certainly no exception to that rule. It doesn’t have to be elaborate to create a beautiful spot that your friends and family will love to hang out in.
Mixing boulders and larger rocks with smaller pebbles or gravel is a mix that appeals to many homeowners. But, don’t feel you have to follow a common trend, use the rocks and stones that you’re, personally, attracted to—you won’t regret the decision. It may surprise you what a deep sense of satisfaction you feel when the job is said and done.
Incorporating a few plants into the design adds a pop of contrast that is aesthetically pleasing. Choosing native plants would be a wise move on your part—especially if you’re not known for having a green thumb—because it will be easier to maintain them. If you don’t enjoy gardening other than the visual effect it has, choose perennials. It helps ensure you won’t be replanting year after year.
If you only have a small area to turn into your rock garden, using small stones, pebbles, and even gravel will make a bigger impact. Large stones or boulders would overwhelm the space.
Don’t forget the pool area
You can make your pool feel like a more cohesive part of your yard simply by surrounding it with rocks and foliage. Create a waterfall that cascades into the pool by piling rocks on top of each other. The sound of the running water has a calming effect on most people that enhances your relaxation time.
If you want to enclose the pool, consider working with a company, like ours for instance, that offers customers a customization feature. Using digital imagery, your design is reproduced directly onto the screens completely transforming the space. Coupled with your beautiful landscaping, you can easily create your own backyard getaway spot. It will seem as if you’re having a little “stay-cation” whenever you head out the back door.
Screen enclosures enhance privacy, take bugs out of the picture, and keep your pool area cleaner. They also create an element of safety because if you don’t want your children or pets near the pool, you can simply lock the door.
Land that you love
Having a yard that makes you and yours feel happy whether you’re arriving home after a long day or just stepping out for a minute to take out the trash is a homeowner’s ultimate goal. After all, your home is your sanctuary—your family’s safe space. Creating an environment where you all enjoy being more than anywhere else in the world is nearly as important for their well-being as food and water.
Of course, we realize that, ultimately, it’s the being all together part that has the deepest effect on the rest of your lives. The memories you make together will last a lifetime. Spending your time together in an environment that makes you feel as if there’s nowhere else you’d rather be but right here, though, is like icing on the cake.
It just makes things even better!