5 Unexpected Ways to Add Stone to Your Landscape Design

by Kevin Smith Author

Rock and stone have been a natural part of landscape design since the very first gardener decided to plant a vegetable garden. In the beginning, it was probably because the rocks had to move to get to the tillable soil. But eventually, the ability to move and manipulate stone into any size and shape imaginable made this enduring material a desirable addition to any backyard design.

Here are a few ideas you can use to add impact to your home’s curb appeal with natural stone.

Wayfinding

Is your house set back from the road? Maybe first-time guests complain they can’t find your house number when they come to visit. Consider adding a large decorative engraved boulder at the base of the driveway, or near the house, with your address on the side. If you plan on living in the home for the foreseeable future, you could even include your family name!

Smore’s Anyone?

The perfect addition to a comfortable back yard experience has got to be a stone fire pit or fireplace. These functional units can be fueled by wood or natural gas, depending on your personal preference.

Extend the annual use of your patio area into early spring and later in the fall. Bundle up in a sweater and enjoy toasting your toes, and maybe a hot dog, in front of a roaring fire pit. Or, serious home chefs might enjoy bonus features, like a pizza oven, available with outdoor fireplaces. Yum!

Just Add Water!

Turn your backyard into a fairy-tale grotto with a pond surrounded by lush greenery. Natural stone makes a more elegant, luxurious statement than a typical concrete and tile version. Use irregular-shaped rocks of similar but varied size to line the edge of the pool and disguise the liner. Vary color and texture, and intersperse with plants and flowers. You’ll feel like you stepped into the pages of your favorite story book. Keep watch for fairies and garden gnomes!

Got a Brown Thumb?

No problem! Stone is perfect for people who have little time or patience for gardening. Use it as mulch in flower beds to hold in water, and keep out weeds. Make a sculptural statement with rocks of varying sizes in place of a bush. Put down a smooth paved patio in place of grass.

Artwork

Speaking of sculpture, consider adding some art to your backyard design. You can find fountains, planters and statuaries designed to complement everything from classical estates to contemporary Japanese water gardens.

Ready to get rocking? Contact a landscape professional to add stone landscaping in your Alpharetta, GA, backyard today!