The art of landscaping with rocks is not as hard as you might think. Using rocks for your landscape is one of the best yet often overlooked options for front yard landscaping. Rock landscaping, often called “hard landscaping” does not give you the complications and headache compared to dealing with lots of plants, hedges and shrubs. Second, it is low maintenance giving your more time to enjoy the view.
Landscaping With Rocks
The advantage of landscaping with rocks is you can use it no matter your climate. Almost every planting zone has plants that are conducive to growing among rocks. This makes it really easy to incorporate indigenous plants into your landscaping theme. Consult with your local nursery before you begin selecting plants for you area.
Start With A Plan
It is always a good idea to put your landscaping plan on paper. This is really important when using rock landscaping. Many of the rocks you will be using may be extremely heavy and you will not want to move them twice! Also, plan traffic patterns throughout your landscaping to make it easier for planting and maintenance landscaping rocks
Placement
Every rock or boulder must be placed with a specific purpose for aesthetics, design, or balance. Again, planning ahead of exactly where each rock will be located will ensure a much better overall design. To achieve the look you want consider using everything from small rock or stone for accents along paths to large permanently placed rocks for stability.
Consider using landscaping rock around your front porch. The porch makes an excellent backdrop for this type of landscaping and will add interest to your home’s entrance. Another often over looked area is the walkway leading to the porch. Do not just line the walkway; create a rock garden along the way to the front door.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not burying the rock. If you bury the rock you will create a natural look and blend in with the overall landscape. As a general rule, bury large landscaping boulders deeper than smaller landscaping rocks. Burying large rocks four to six inches is ideal.
Avoid lone rocks. Try to group them together in patterns of from three to five of them in different sizes. This helps you minimize space while setting up a more natural and artistic view.
Every rock has a face, that is, the side that has the most character. Place the rock with its best face forward so that it creates the most appeal for your yard.
Landscaping with rocks will undoubtedly boost the unique appeal of your yard. Be the envy of your neighborhood and enjoy the beauty of landscaping with rock.
