Ideas for Incorporating Stone into Your Garden

If you want to add visual interest to your garden, you could use rocks. They come in different shapes and sizes, and they can see suit various needs. Here are some ideas for your backyard.

Stone Mulch

While rock can be carved into pavers and blocks, it can also be used as gravel, pebble and stones in a more natural form. Spread stone mulch over garden beds, for example, to help retain soil and keep weeds at bay. Some rocks absorb the heat from the sun, which can be harmful to certain plants. Ask your landscape supplies experts to determine the best rock mulch for your garden.

The stones will be categorised by colour, shape or species, so you can choose which ones would look best in your garden. Crushed sandstone exhibits gold, orange, blue, creams and grey, for example. River rocks polished by flowing water come in various hues, including pinks, greys, creams and browns. To make the garden beds stand out, use all cream stones. Alternatively, blend tans and blues. To create a harmonious landscape, choose shades that accord with nearby elements like pavement, exterior home walls or plants.

Gravel Surfaces

You can also use stones to construct natural-looking walkways and driveways in your yard. Crushed stone, with its sharp edges that lock together when they're walked or driven over, compacts better than smooth round pebbles. These tend to roll and don't click together as neatly.

The gravel layer shouldn't be too shallow or too deep. Stones don't compact together as effectively in shallow gravel as they do in deeper rock when the hefty top layer compacts the surface. However, if the gravel layer is too deep, the stones can move about and become unstable. Check with an expert about the proper depth for the gravel you're buying. To hold it in place, use edging. Otherwise, let the stones scatter at the sides for a natural effect.

Paving 

A third method to create distinctive hardscape rock elements in your landscape is to use interlocking pavers in slate, granite or travertine. You could generate flooring across your paths, driveway or patio using different shapes that piece together in patterns. Lay rectangular pavers in a diagonal herringbone pattern, or mix square and oblong bricks to make an ashlar pattern. Because the stone pieces lay on a substrate of sand and gravel that soaks up the rain, this flooring provides natural drainage.

To learn more, contact a company that provides landscape supplies.