Rock landscaping is a great way of adding character to a yard that is too shaded or doesn't lend itself to growing plants. Inorganic mulch can be made from rocks, which can be mixed with plants, shrubs, and succulents. Stones are an eco-friendly option that conserves water, minimizes yard maintenance, and reduces fertilizer usage, no matter how they're used.

Designing a Rocky Landscape

These are some ideas for garden designs with rocks and stone:

• Mulch substitute: Although gravel is more expensive than wood mulch, it has many benefits. Rocks are long-lasting and will last for the life of your garden. Stone's pale color is striking against the foliage of your flowers and shrubs.
• Stone edging for flower beds: You can either build a raised stone border or just lay stones around the edges of your flower gardens. This gives your plants a sense of permanence and anchors them. This is especially beautiful if you have a stone façade.
• Rock garden: Designate a section of your yard for boulders that are surrounded by small river rocks and low-lying plants like ground orchids, portulaca, or decorative cactus. This creates a striking combination of colorful leaves and neutral-colored stones that will add beauty to your property. It also requires less maintenance than traditional flower gardens.
• Pebble border: Before you start to lay the grass, surround your patio, deck, or fence with a few feet worth of rocks. You can set up a container gardening area here to add color and interest without taking up too much space on your deck.
• Xeriscape is a method of conserving water that replaces traditional lawns with drought-tolerant plants. Large boulders and small stones make the perfect ground cover for drought-tolerant succulents and ornamental grasses.

Installing rocks in your landscape

These tips will help you get the best results once you have decided how to arrange rocks in your garden.

• Preparation: Clear away any grass, weeds, or other plants that may be present. Spray herbicide to kill remaining vegetation. Allow at least two weeks for the herbicide's full effect to take place.
• To prevent weeds from growing through the rocks, line the ground with landscape fabric. This reduces erosion and prevents stones from sinking into the soil. Each fabric strip should be layered by 3 to 6 inches. Then anchor the edges using U-shaped garden staples.
• Plant wisely: Before planting in the soil, make a large X on the landscape fabric.
• Lay the rock: After all the plants have been placed in the ground, place the gravel, pebbles, or river rocks, as well as any other decorative stones you may be using. Enjoy the beautiful rocky landscape that you have created.