![]() ![]() “They can also be used to create topographic interest or create smaller features, such as raised garden beds,” says Collin Koonce, director of landscape architecture and urban planning at BKV Group, a holistic architectural design firm, based in Washington, D.C. You might think that retaining wall ideas are all about function-after all, retaining walls prevent soil erosion and reduce the risk of flooding-but they are not all utility these structures can enhance an outdoor space by creating levels, evening out a hillside, and even using pavers to produce a pathway. “Though retaining walls are most commonly used to create a functional area out of a sloped terrain, they do serve other functions.” “At the basic level, a retaining wall is a structure that holds or retains soil behind it,” explains Joe Raboine, director of Belgard Residential Hardscapes, an outdoor hardscapes company. That is, if you’re talking about retaining wall ideas in your landscape design. If you are determined to do it yourself, check out our handy guides to building a freestanding stone wall or building a retaining wall with concrete blocks. It’s strenuous work that will take days, if not weeks, to complete. ![]() Regardless of its function, building a rock wall is not an easy task-even for experienced DIYers. Whether they’re purely decorative, function ing as a retaining wall, act as a fence or border, or are used as a transition on a hillside, rock walls add aesthetic value to your home-and may even increase your property value. Check out our directions on how to lay a stepping-stone path. To get started, take inspiration from your home-is it more modern or traditional in style? From there, you can narrow down the types and colors of rocks and stones to use.ĭesign your rock path where you want foot traffic to flow-this will discourage people from treading on your lawn and ruining grass or other plantings. Whether you choose stepping stones or a deconstructed gravel path, the sky’s the limit when it comes to design choices. Create a rock pathĪ rock path is one of the most common rock landscaping ideas. How to Use Rocks in Your Landscape Design 1. If you want to make a dramatic impact with your rock garden, choose rocks of varying sizes to create a moment, or add a couple of boulders to break up a swath of gravel and prevent it from looking too uniform. If you love the look of black rocks but you live in a hot, sunny climate, consider how much heat they’ll absorb and release-potentially damaging plants (and injuring bare feet!) that come into contact with them.Īlso, consider the scale and size of the rocks. How will the stones be used in your garden design, and how will people interact with them?īagged marble chips are an elegant option, but because the edges are sharp, they’re not suitable to walk on-if you use these for a path, you’ll need to add stepping stones as well. ![]() When considering rock garden landscaping ideas, think about what you want to achieve in your outdoor space-what kind of aesthetic you’d like to add, where the rocks will go, and what function they may have. And unlike mulch that disintegrates over time and needs frequent replenishment, rocks are fairly permanent. They can also prevent soil erosion, reduce weed growth, and create a great natural edging between materials. Like mulch, rocks, and pebbles can help maintain moisture in your flower beds-slowing the evaporation process and reducing the need to water your plants as often. Rocks can substitute for mulch and will last longer. If there isn’t flammable material, an encroaching fire can potentially burn out before reaching your house. According to the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, stones, pebbles, and the like are considered ”fire-wise landscaping.” Placing rocks and fire-resistant plants near your home, rather than wood chips and flammable vegetation, may help protect your house from fire. And conserving water, no matter where you are will also save you money. ![]() Rock gardens are so versatile that you can still achieve the yard of your dreams-whether you want a wilderness-inspired garden or a modern minimalist design-without wasting this precious resource. Water is scarce in some parts of the United States, where drought-like conditions mean conserving water as much as possible. Related 6 Budget-Friendly Landscaping Projects The Benefits of Rock Landscaping ![]()
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