 | Today’s gardens and landscapes employ rock and stone in many traditional and also novel ways. Stone adds a durable element to the garden that is also aesthetically pleasing. From ornate stone walls to simple gravel paths, there are purposeful ways to incorporate rock and stone into your space for great effect. The following article discusses ways to transform your garden and landscape with rock and stone features.
A most appropriate use of stone in the landscape is a walkway. A flagstone path is easily attained by laying large smooth stones along a prescribed route. An alternative might be a stone paving with a mosaic designed employed throughout. Also, consider a gravel path using decorative gravel chips such as pink gravel or pea gravel. A garden path will not only prove an attractive feature, it is extremely useful to get from here to there without disturbing your lawn or other plantings. Be sure to consider width—you will want to establish a path wide enough for your garden implements like wheelbarrows. Also, be sure to use heavily textured stone which will be less slippery for those garden strolls.
There are many large scale uses for stone in most landscapes and gardens as well. A formal garden might be greatly enhanced by a stone porch or patio. Stone is more durable and easier to maintain than wooden structures that must be seasonally monitored and cared for. Also, stone walls generally offer more privacy than most types of wooden fences and add an old-world appeal that no other substance can equal. For landscapes that have slopes, consider a series of stone retaining walls to transform a difficult gardening situation into a lovely terraced garden.
Planting a rock garden is another extremely attractive way to use stone. Both western and eastern gardens employ stone to dramatic effect. Use stone to create a microcosm for many different types of plants. Rock will also break up the monotony of a flat landscape. Certain types of gardens may benefit from stone mulch or stone pools when water is not easily available. Rock formations are frequent in many Oriental gardens. Stone is also useful for edgings and borders in the garden. Or, add more visual interest to your landscape by using stone to make raised beds for your plantings.
Stone is also a great compliment to any water feature in the landscape. Consider rimming your garden pond with colorful river stones or paving the area around your pond for a container garden or seating area. A stone fountain makes for a superb focal point in the garden and there are simple to highly ornate fountain styles. Even a large rock with a dip for rain water collection makes a rustic basin. Also, a bird bath is a popular stone feature and there are many styles to choose from to suit any landscape.
Stone furniture may not seem highly comfortable, but benches interspersed throughout your large garden will be greatly appreciated by your visitors. Stone tables flanked by more comfortable seating are also highly decorative and functional features. You patio might even be enhanced by a stone bar made of marble of granite. An interesting design might be to build a traditional looking stone bench complete with sides and back, but use plantings like chamomile for the actual seat section.
Finally, there are a wide range of stone ornaments for your garden to consider. Planters of stone make stately containers for you plants. Consider stone sundials and statuettes as well. Many statues double as water garden features like fountains for example. Stone lanterns add charm and light to your evening entertainments in the garden. Again, there are many options available; look online or at your local garden center for other decorative stone ornaments suitable for your landscape style.
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