How to Landscape With Small Rocks

Small rocks help protect, mulch and decorate planting areas.

Small rocks add a natural element to any kind of landscape. In addition to providing decorative features for the yard, small rocks serve as effective mulch. The University of Colorado Cooperative Extension website recommends using rock or other mulch to prevent weed growth and conserve water. A layer of rock reduces water evaporation and soil erosion. Explore pictures of rock landscaping in books and websites for inspiration to create multiple features with small rocks to enhance your landscape.

Things You'll Need

• Small rocks, such as cobblestones or other 4- to 7-inch rocks
• Small rocks, 1 inch, or pebbles
• Small decorative rocks in various colors and sizes

Instructions

1. Line up small rocks around flower beds and other planting areas as a border. For example, place 4- to 6-inch rocks next to each other -- so that they touch -- to edge a planting of ground cover. The border sets off the flower bed and conserves soil and mulch.

2. Spread a 2-inch layer of 1-inch rocks or pebbles in flower beds and between bushes and other plantings. Avoid covering parts of plants, suckers or exposed roots to prevent damage to the plants. The small rocks kill weeds and allow water through to other plant roots.

3. Set larger small rocks between plants to create a natural barrier to deter animals from digging in flower beds, vegetable gardens and other planted areas.

4. Build a rock garden with small rocks. Rock gardens provide a low-maintenance focal point for the yard. A rock garden provides an attractive solution for difficult areas, such as hillsides, locations with poor soil, shady spots or excessively hot areas. Arrange small rocks of various colors and textures to add interest. Pile them at random to make them look like an original part of the landscape or create a design such as a spiral or yin and yang symbol with two or more colors of rock.

5. Pour small rocks on a pathway. Apply a layer at least 1 1/2-inches deep and even the path out with a rake.

6. Place small rocks such as cobblestones around the base of a fountain or statue to integrate the fountain or statue into the landscape. Create a layer of stones placed right next to each other in an area at least 2 feet in diameter around the object's base. The stones reduce weeds in the area and reduce maintenance time, requiring no watering, mowing or other care.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant drought-tolerant plants in a rock garden to create an interesting and low-maintenance landscape.

References

• Colorado State University Extension: Small Acreage
• Indiana University: Teaching East Asia: Creating a Japanese Rock Garden