Life is busy! When we have the time to just kick back and relax at home, we want to relax—not spend all of our free time doing yard work. Still, having a yard that entices you to relax in it… It’s possible to have the best of both worlds. There is such a thing as low-maintenance landscaping and we’re going to help you rock it!
The low maintenance factor certainly makes using rocks as the focal point of your landscaping appealing. It stands the test of time too! It offers other benefits as well though.
They are:
- Instant curb appeal—You don’t have to wait for your plants to grow… nor nurture them along while they do!
- Natural drainage—Heavy rainfall, left unchecked, can lead to leaky foundations over time. If your property is on an incline—or worse, your home sits at the bottom of a hill—using rocks to landscape provides you with a natural drainage system. You can guide the water right off of your property.
- Always ready for entertaining—No more putting off having friends and relatives over because the yard is in such a rough state. The most you’ll have to do to prepare is whisk a broom over any walkways or the lanai area.
- Affordable—When compared to the overall cost of plants, flowers, sod, and the rest, you’ll find that rock is the most cost-efficient. And, once it’s down, it lasts and lasts.
- Reflect your style—You may be surprised at the array of colors that you’ll be able to incorporate into your design. Natural stone is as beautiful to behold as any combination of plants, flowers, and trees. The same artist created them, after all.
Here are some popular rock choices used for landscaping to get your creative juices flowing.
Use Your Own Stash
If your family tends to gather rocks—and many do—put them to use! Paint some of them to add that bit of pizazz along the way—it’s allowed. Anything goes when you’re inspiration is flowing.
Pea gravel
The name, pea gravel, is derived from the size of the rocks used. Most aren’t much larger than a pea… or maybe a navy bean. This rock is ideal for filling in around your pavers, edging gardens, walkways, and even the driveway.
It’s economical, easy to acquire, and durable. All of these attributes make it a practical choice. And, look how beautiful that image is! No, the plants don’t grow naturally, so there is the low-maintenance landscaping factor to contend with. But with a small investment, the aesthetics will be nothing short of beautiful!
River rock
River rock is another beautiful addition to your landscaping design—no plants are required for visual effect! The colors tend to dull when the rock is dry, but if you aren’t spending money to water all those plants, setting the sprinklers to hit them now and then will make a dramatic difference. And on those gray, rainy days, they’re a mood booster every time you glance out the windows. If the sun pops out, it can be nearly as spectacular as the most vivid rainbow!
Though they’re known as “river” rocks, they actually come from along the Mexican and Caribbean beaches. The smooth surface comes from being naturally tumbled by the ocean for hundreds of years.
If you’re looking for a specific color palette, a little online research will be beneficial. For instance, Black Mexican Beach Pebbles have color hues ranging from gray to charcoal. However, since you don’t have to go out and gather the rocks yourself, you can limit yourself to a visual search from home.
Lava rock
Lava rock actually comes from fragments of lava. The melted sedimentary material melts, cools, and solidifies, then breaks… or is purposely broken… into small pieces. It’s tough, porous, and adds a rustic texture to your environment. It can be used to accentuate your landscaping design in any number of ways. These rocks add color and natural beauty to your surroundings.
We’ll mention that they’re great for your fire pit area too!
Flagstone
Flagstone comes in millions of shapes and sizes. The color is dependent on where it comes from. It’s incredibly diverse with its varied degree of thicknesses and textures. Homeowners use this product of nature to create beautiful—and unique—landscapes.
Flagstone is a sedimentary rock that breaks off in layers. There are many varieties.
Popular varieties for landscaping are:
- Sandstone
- Quartzite
- Bluestone
- Limestone
They are often found used as paver stones or to lay out the floor of a lanai. They could easily be used as pool decking as well. In case your wondering about the expense of a project of that magnitude, the price averages around $20 per square foot.
Rock your world
Many homeowners who decide to use some type—or types—of rock in their landscaping design choose to tackle the job themselves. Sure, it’s labor intensive—but the sense of accomplishment as you gaze across the end result is, to coin a phrase, priceless!
If you’re looking for low-maintenance landscaping, rocks may be your answer. They’re economical and every bit as beautiful as flowering plants and greenery. You can create an oasis of your very own. A place to gather with family and friends to relax or play surrounded by beauty.
If that’s not the catalyst for the best of memory-making, we don’t know what is!