In sunny Florida, we can enjoy our backyards year-round so it makes sense to create a beautiful functional area where we can relax or entertain guests. One easy way to make your yard beautiful is by incorporating rocks and pebbles into your landscaping. These small elements can make a big impact on the look and functionality of your backyard oasis.
Greenery, such as plants and flowers, is essential to make any property look like a home. However, you need to do more than just plant a few shrubs if you want your backyard to be a retreat- you need landscape design. The right landscape design can be your answer to privacy, atmosphere for entertaining, and even natural air filtration. Keep reading to learn how you can landscape with rocks and pebbles in your yard, and how to decide what type of landscape design will work best for your property.
What are the Best Landscaping Rocks and Pebbles?
When choosing the best rocks and pebbles to use in your landscaping, you’ll want to consider size and affordability.
The type of landscaping you plan to do can determine the rock size that will work best. For example, tiny pea gravel works well for paths and walkways, driveways, accents, and trim. Medium-sized river rocks, work great for mulching flower beds and lining walkways. Large boulders work best as focal points, retaining walls, or even seating.
The type of rock material you choose will influence the cost of your landscaping rocks and pebbles.
Crushed limestone is some of the most affordable landscaping rocks to consider. Limestone can cost from $10 to $20 per cubic foot while pricier granite can run anywhere from $50 to $75 per cubic foot.
Other affordable landscaping rocks are sandstone, travertine, and brick. Sandstone can cost from $5 to $10 per cubic foot, travertine can cost from $6 to $15 per cubic foot and brick can cost from $3 to $6 per square foot.
Fun Fact: Did you know the most expensive landscaping rocks are Mexican beach pebbles? These rocks will run you up to $1,000 per cubic yard.
How to Use Landscaping Rocks and Pebbles
Now that you know about the pricing and size considerations for landscaping rocks, you’re probably wondering exactly how to landscape with rocks and pebbles. The possibilities are endless, but here are a few popular ideas that you’ll find local homeowners using.
- Use Colorful Rocks and Pebbles in Your Landscaping: There are gorgeous rock and pebble options that can add a splash of color to your pathways, patios, and walkways. You can also add colored rock gardens to your landscapes to make your garden look more decorative. Patios can be decorated with colored pebbles to complement your decor.
- Create a Path: Rocks and pebbles are a great way to create a path in your yard. You can use a variety of smooth rocks and pebbles, depending on the look that you want to achieve. You can also add small decorative elements, such as individual stepping stones, to create a more formal path setting.
- Add to Potted Plants: You can add a layer of landscaping rocks and pebbles to your outdoor potted plants. It adds depth and texture visually but it also helps with drainage and gives protection against high winds.
How to Install Landscaping Rocks as Edging
There are a few different ways that you can install landscaping rocks and pebbles as an edging. You can use landscaping rocks as an edging around your yard or patio or use them to line an existing pathway.
If you have a driveway, driveway culvert, or walkway, you can also install a decorative border using landscaping rocks and pebbles. This allows the rock border to blend with the surrounding landscape. This option brings plenty of personality to your outdoor space!
How to Build a Stone Wall for Landscaping
If you have the space or budget for it, a stone wall can be a beautiful landscape addition. These walls can be used for several purposes, including as an outdoor room, a pool border, or a garden wall. Stone walls can be constructed using natural or masonry-made material.
Natural stone walls should be cleaned and sealed before use, while masonry-made walls can be assembled and cleaned like any other outdoor structure. The type of stone wall that you should choose depends on the look that you want to achieve, as well as the durability of the stone and the maintenance it requires. Stone walls can be painted or stained if desired, but you should avoid applying sealants or paints that may damage the stone.
Decorating a Backyard Waterfall with Landscape Rocks
Adding a waterfall to your backyard landscape provides an incredibly relaxing and serene atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing with a book or enjoying a barbecue with family and friends. Waterfalls are incredibly popular with homeowners because they add an element of nature and can even attract wildlife to your backyard.
Bringing a waterfall to your backyard landscape can be as easy as installing a few landscape rocks. You can place landscape rocks anywhere in your backyard that needs a little extra character, such as a walkway or near a viewpoint in your backyard.
Make a Pea Gravel Driveway
Pea gravel driveways drain well if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, such as here in Florida. A gravel driveway can be a beautiful and functional addition to your property, but you need to take into account the complete landscape. First, make sure that the slope is not too steep. If it is, you will need to install some drain pipes beneath the roadbed for drainage.
Also, make sure that the soil is not too soft or too hard. If your soil is soft and loose, it may be difficult to form a good base for the gravel. On the other hand, if it is too hard or compacted, you will have trouble retaining water and preventing erosion.
Consider a Crushed Stone Driveway
Pea gravel is popular but there are several advantages to using crushed stone as your driveway surface material as well. It is naturally smoother and more consistent than pea gravel, which can result in a much nicer look for your home.
There are also environmental benefits to using crushed stone over pea gravel. Crushed rock requires less energy to produce, and there are fewer emissions from the transportation associated with it. In addition, crushed stone is better for the environment because it does not contain any plastic additives or toxic chemicals.
Finally, crushed stone is easier to install than pea gravel. This is because you do not need any tools to separate the pieces before laying them down. You can simply drive over the crushed stones which pushes them into place.
Add a Bold Element with Boulders
Boulders are a great way to make a focal point in your landscape. They can be used as seating areas, plant stands, or water features.
While boulders can be used in any type of landscape, they are especially effective in natural settings. A boulder placed next to an outdoor water area creates an inviting space that is ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature. Boulders can also be used to create seating areas that are perfect for outdoor parties.
If you want to make the most of your space, boulders are a great way to create an impact.
Get Landscaping Rocks and Pebbles from Tampa Bay Ponds & Rocks
Landscaping with rocks and pebbles is an inexpensive way to create a beautiful outdoor space. All you need to do is dream up an idea and find the right rock for the job.
Do you need help coming up with great landscaping ideas to use rocks and pebbles? Come visit our store and see our eye-popping selection of rocks, ranging from boulders to pea gravel and more. We’re happy to help you design your dream landscaping!
