Apr 30 2008
Add Natural Beauty to your Outdoor Space with River Rock Landscaping
There are many ways to dress up your outdoor space, but one of the quickest and easiest is to use river rock landscaping that will add texture, dimension and definition. Rock is a wonderful contrast to plants and lawn, serving as a natural border for various areas in your yard and defining different spaces that are used for a variety of functions. There are many different types of rock that are available, from gravel that is perfect for walks and play areas to larger stones that are commonly used in river rock landscaping.
River rock is stone that has been smoothed and rounded after years of washing around in rivers and streams. The smaller rocks can be polished and used in arts and crafts, while the larger pieces can make a lovely addition to your landscape. You can collect your own rock if you live near a natural habitat where the stone is abundant, or you can order in bulk from a landscaping company or rock yard. There are many uses for river rock landscaping, and the fact that the rock is inexpensive allows you to use it for a variety of purposes.
Borders and Walkways
One of the most popular uses for river rock landscaping is bordering around lawn and garden areas. This is generally done with smaller stones that are relatively uniform in color, shape and size. The lighter color of the river rock makes it a nice contrast to a lush green lawn. It is also often seen as an additional border around mulched planting areas to add additional texture and color contrast. You can line a walkway with larger rock, creating a defined path that leads to your lawn or through your garden. Many people will add river rock landscaping around a deck or patio to avoid having mud and debris tracked onto the area.
Using River Rock Landscaping in a Water Feature
With the huge attraction to ponds and other water features in outdoor spaces today, river rock landscaping has become a natural addition to these areas. You can create a dry creek bed out of larger stones, or line a pond area with a collection of smaller rocks. If you are going to add water to your river rock landscaping, make sure that you have a method for circulating the water so that your pond or stream does not become a breeding ground for algae and bacteria.
River rock landscaping is a beautiful way to dress up your outdoor space by adding color and texture to your yard. Check out your choices for borders, walkways and water features and love this natural approach to outdoor design.
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