How to USE ROCKS IN YOUR LANDSCAPE

All landscapes benefit from one kind of hardscape or the other. The use of a natural element, such as rocks, make a space seem more natural and part of the overall enviroment. Rocks can be used to define a area, enclose a area or to simply add a focal point to a special spot. There are so many ways to use rocks to enhance your outdoor space, here are just a few.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Rocks, of all kinds
• Manpower
• Leather gloves

1. Rocks are usually plentiful no matter where you live. Sometimes you find them on your own property, or a friends place, or you might have to buy them. If you have to buy them they can be an investment. A pallet of river rock or shale can cost hundreds of dollars, but the many different uses can make the expense worthwhile. I used river rock to hide the reservoir for the waterfall at my pond. The pond itself is edged with thick pieces of shale. These rocks hold and hide the liner at the waters edge.
2. Elevate an area and enclose with rocks to make a spot special. You can also use rocks to define an area. In the picture shown, I used rocks to enclose an area where I wanted to highlight a specimen tree. Although it's early in our spring, there are plants all around these rocks and in a couple months this area will be full of plant life.
3. Getting from one area to another is made easy with rock. This picture shows how you can make a pathway using several kinds of rocks. The path itself is pea gravel, a good medium that drains well. The path is bordered with river rock that help contain the smaller rock. In the center are concrete pavers that make walking easy. The two steps to higher ground are the same thick pieces of shale that I used around the pond. This rock pathway makes it easy to get to my garden shed and keeps my feet dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Get creative with finding rock. Try construction sites where large rock may have been dug up. Call your local road department and ask if they have any rock free for the hauling. Maybe there is a old rock quarry in your area that is no longer in use. Ask if you can look around for free rock. Sometimes a friend or neighbor has rock they no longer want. I always take free rock, I can find somewhere to build a new planting bed, path or who knows what!
• It is always a good idea to wear leather gloves when working with rocks. The gloves will really save your hands and protect your nails.