River
rock and flagstone are just two different kinds of stones that are great for
retaining walls and stepping-stones for any landscape. Flagstone is available
in many different colors to match any home decor. River rock is smaller, but
you will still find the same great quality and choice of colors.
River
rock is a great choice for filling in areas that are left as empty space. It is
also nice for flowerbeds in between the flowers to keep weeds away.
Any
decision that you make in landscaping stones will definitely add beauty and
value to any landscape for home or office.
One of the best ways to use river rock
landscaping in your yard is to build a dry creek bed with it for drainage
purposes. Good drainage is essential to your landscaping project as a whole,
and using river rock landscaping drainage is one of the best ways to handle the
challenge of drainage. Building a dry creek bed with river rock is the best way
to handle this for a number of reasons. First, river rock landscaping adds to
the aesthetic pleasure of your garden. Second, river rock is easy and
inexpensive to obtain. Finally using river rock landscaping to help with your
drainage is almost painless to maintain once it is in place.
To
use river rock landscaping for a dry creek bed, plan the course of the drainage
carefully. You want to mark the edges of that course with landscapers’ paint to
be sure that you place the river rock in the right area when you get to that
step. Remember to try to use a meandering course with your river rock
landscaping, as it tends to look more natural in your river rock landscape
environment. You need to start your slope as high up as you think necessary for
good drainage in your problem area. Finish the course wherever you think is
best.
Some
people like to redirect the water flow to the street, but this needs to be
checked with your city government officials first, as it can overwhelm the
local sewer drains, causing serious problems for other homeowners. If they,
though, are happy with your river rock landscaping plan, be sure to get something
in writing from them. If that is not an option for you, you may want to end
your river rock landscaping project at a location on your property where the
water is not as much of a problem.
Your
second option is to build a pond and have your river rock landscaping project
end at the pond. Your river rock landscaping drainage plan shouldn't conform to
any particular depth and width. Remember, though, that it should be wider than
it is deep. Using a two to one ratio should serve you well in this area.
Once
you are finished planning your river rock landscaping drainage project, you are
ready to start digging. This can be fairly easy, but if you have tough soil, it
can also take you some time to finish your digging. Mound the soil that you dig
out on the sides of the bed. You will also need to tamp it down. Once you're
finished, place landscaping fabric down to prevent the regrowth of plants. Use
garden staples to hold the fabric in place. Your next step is the river rock
landscaping itself. Your river rock landscaping will need to be mortared in
place to ensure you get the best possible drainage. Place the largest rocks to
the sides of your river rock landscaping project.
After
you are done with your river rock landscaping drainage project, you can add plants
to the area to give it the natural feel you may be looking for in your garden
environment.
A captive garden involves more than just
plant material. Natural elements such as river rocks add interest, dimension
and a sense of calm to any garden.
A
popular trend is emerging in garden design: the use of river rocks. In the past
river rocks were used for their functionality in areas where water drainage was
a concern. Today river rocks are commonly used to increase the appeal of a
garden and often reflect that of a Japanese Garden.
A
Japanese Garden combines lush plant material, rocks and statuary and is
balanced and harmonious. A garden that contains only plant material may appear
flat and one dimensional. Incorporating river rocks into a garden adds another
dimension and creates a story or theme; commanding the attention of passersby.
Incorporating
river rocks into a garden design requires a creative eye however, a little
research and planning will go a long way. Below are a few suggestions for
planning a garden design using river rocks.
Whether
you have to buy it from a supplier or just dig it up from your garden, river
rock makes an elegant, inexpensive and all-natural way to add color and texture
to your landscape.
Landscaping
stones are available in a wide assortment of sizes and colors. A fun way to
decorate a new landscape design is with landscaping boulders and stones and
mix in some audio with outdoor rock speakers which
look like small rocks. This design or decorating idea will grab everyone’s
attention. There are a wide range of choices in texture, shape and size with so
many kinds of different landscaping stones to choose from.
