When you think of landscaping, you probably imagine a home with neatly-maintained grass and bushes. While that is a great start for any property, you can take your landscaping to the next level by adding river rocks. Homeowners come to us all the time at Tampa Bay Pond & Rocks for suggestions on river rock landscaping ideas, and we never run out of unique ways to use this versatile landscaping material.
River rocks can be used to create a pattern in the landscaping around your home, they can be arranged to create a faux fireplace, or they can be left in their natural state to provide a stunning backdrop for your porch or patio. They come in a range of sizes, so it’s easy to find river rocks that can be used to create an interesting focal point in your landscaping.
There are many different types of landscaping rocks, but let’s talk about a landscaping favorite- river rocks. What are they? Why should you use them? How can they improve your outdoor space?
What are River Rocks?
River rocks are rocks that are naturally formed by water, particularly by flowing rivers. Their smooth rounded edges and varied colors make them perfect for landscaping and gardening. Their neutral hues mean they will blend with almost any color scheme, making them perfect for most home designs. There are several types of river rocks, including:
- Basalt
- Granite
- Limestone
- Sandstone
Each is made up of different minerals and has unique colors and textures.
However, all of these rocks are all suitable for landscaping, so you can choose the one that best matches your home’s design.
What are the Benefits of Using River Rocks in Landscaping?
River rocks are an excellent choice for landscaping because they add both visual interest and texture to any home design. Their neutral hues also mean they blend with most color schemes, making them perfect for a wide variety of home designs.
They also have a variety of other benefits that make them an excellent choice for landscaping.
- Easy to install- Just level your area and lay down landscaping fabric to reduce weeds and prevent the stones from sinking into the soil.
- Low-maintenance- Simply spray them off with a garden hose if they start to look dirty.
- Durable- River rocks are resistant to a wide variety of outdoor conditions including rain and snow
- They’re affordable and widely available- They are an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget.
Now that you understand the benefits of using river rocks, you may be wondering how you can use them around your home. We have some suggestions to leave you feeling inspired:
River Rock Landscaping Ideas: A Chunky, Coated Rock Walkway
A walkway made of river rocks is a stylish and cost-effective addition to your home. It’s simple, so it’s easy to install, and works in a variety of different design styles. A coated, chunkier variety of river rock is a fantastic, modern choice for homeowners who want to create a walkway that stands out.
Coated river rocks are a great choice for walkways because they are easy to clean. They also come in a wide variety of colors, allowing you to select the one that best matches your home’s design.
River rock is smooth and comfortable underfoot, even on bare feet, making it an excellent choice for your backward walkway.
Create River Rock Gardens
River rock gardens are a stylish and creative way to add visual interest to your home. You can create a river rock garden in almost any space on your property, from a large area in your front yard to a small nook in your backyard oasis. You can even create a small-scale rock garden on your front porch or balcony. Creating a river rock garden is a great way to add a unique and stylish element to your home.
Add a variety of interesting plants to your river rock garden to create a natural and beautiful aesthetic. This easy design is a great choice for homeowners who want to add something unique and interesting to their property.
Maintaining and Designing a River Rock Garden
River rock gardens are generally easier to create than other types of gardens, but they do have a few requirements. You’ll need a large number of river rocks for your garden, as well as soil and seeds for planting. You may also need some sort of fencing or other materials to keep unwanted animals away from the garden.
River rock gardens can be very easy to maintain depending on the types of plants you choose. Flowers and simple greenery like hostas usually need very little maintenance. On the other hand, if you grow vegetables or other plants that need regular watering and fertilizing, the maintenance requirements will be higher. Another idea is to have no greenery at all, and decorate the river rock garden with your favorite lawn ornaments instead.
The most important thing to keep in mind when creating a river rock garden is to choose a proper location. If you choose to add plants you’ll want a sunny area close to a water source. However, if you want to forego plants and add some seating you might want to pick a shadier spot.
Once you have chosen your rocks, plants, and location it’s time to assemble your garden.
- Weed the area thoroughly, and rake up any weeds and debris.
- Level the area as much as possible, sharp inclines or protruding tree roots will make it harder to achieve a clean look.
- Lay down landscaping fabric to prevent weeds and keep your rocks from sinking into the soil.
- Plant your flowers, shrubs, or other greenery.
- Arrange your rocks. The most common approach is to evenly spread the river rocks on the ground and have them cover the entire space. You won’t want to see any grass or dirt through the rocks.
- Add your personal touch. Maybe it’s a cute lawn ornament, a decorative boulder, or a couple of comfy chairs. Use this opportunity to show your personality and creativity.
A Rock-Based Landscape Bed
A rock-based landscape bed is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to add a bold design element to their property. This style of landscaping is typically used to create a bold and dramatic garden bed near the home’s entrance. It’s an excellent addition for homeowners who want to make a statement with their landscaping.
You can choose to design a rock-based landscape bed that features a bold black color that is sure to stand out. It’s a bold and dramatic design that’s sure to make a statement for your landscaping. It’s sure to catch the attention of all your guests and make your home stand out from the rest. This design is fairly easy to create and is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to add a little drama to their home’s exterior.
Get River Rocks Landscaping Ideas from Tampa Bay Pond & Rocks
Tampa Bay Pond & Rocks is the premier supplier of river rocks for landscaping in Florida. We offer a large variety of river rocks, including granite, basalt, limestone, and sandstone. You’ll also find plenty of different sizes and textures, making our river rocks perfect for almost any home design.
If you have questions about our river rocks, including the cost, please give us a call or stop by our store. You’ll be delighted at your selection of river rocks and other landscaping elements, including glass rocks and Mexican beach pebbles. The choices are endless!
