If you are looking to liven up your garden to the next level this spring, you might want to consider something that, ironically, is not alive: stonework. Although usually not something people consider, unless they have a masonry background, a couple of well-place rocks can do wonders for your backyard garden, either by providing some much needed support or by providing a strong frame for the whole thing. And, when coupled with a nice waterfall, garden stone work is a great way to add a little motion to a traditionally stagnant area.
How to Use Stones and Rocks in a Garden
Around the perimeter
One way to incorporate rocks into your garden, which we at the Parke Company are happy to do, is by creating a border, either around the whole of the garden itself, or by laying stones along one side to create a border. A nice stone border or even something like a retaining wall is a great way to create a sense of elevation or to portion off an area for something special. Rock borders can also be used to force guests to walk a certain way, or to draw attention to a specific plant or area. Of course the rocks themselves can be a focal point; a nice large boulder of an unusual shape might be just the thing you need to set your garden apart.
Rocks and stones are also a great way to cover up a yard that is sorely in need of water, since they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Just plant some water-friendly plants, and instead of a boring drought-ridden deathbed, you have yourself a nice, exotic area people will want to spend time in.
Rock for the Ages
Rocks also make a wonderful substitute for mulching. Although we at the Parke Company are happy to help with all your mulching needs, we understand that sometimes you just want something that is going to last for a while. The nice thing about rocks is that they will last virtually forever. You might want to wash them after a while though, but that’s about the extent of the work you’ll need to put into it.
Using rocks for their color options is also a good idea. If your garden is in a shady area, using white or marble for the bedding is a clever way to add brightness. If you’re looking for something on the minimalist side, a bed of black lava rocks is a surefire way of getting your message across.
It is understandable that some people might be a little hesitant to incorporate something as inherently lifeless as rocks into a garden, which is traditionally an area of life and vitality, but we at the Parke Company are experts when it comes to stonework and masonry, and would be happy to work with you to achieve your goals. Spring is here and summer is just around the corner, so now is the time to give us a call and let’s get started!