Perhaps one of the most overlooked and underestimated landscape enhancements is rocks. They provide a variety of benefits for plants and people. However, there are also some disadvantages to adding rocks to the landscape. It’s best to consult with a professional landscaper that can provide expert advice.

Low Maintenance

Rocks are very low maintenance. They don’t need to be watered or fertilized and they’re not attractive to insects.

Mulch Alternative

Rocks can be used in the same manner as traditional wood mulch. It’s available in a wide variety of sizes and types that includes lava rock, granite, marble, terra cotta, river rock, gravel, crushed stone, pebbles, quartz, and even crushed concrete. They are effective for enhancing water drainage in soil, reducing weed growth, and they can also help retain soil by reducing erosion.

Decorative

Stones can be used to line walkways and similar spaces. Flat stones are an ideal addition to create walkways and similar areas around pools or freestanding statuary.

Adds Interest & Contrast

Light-colored rock chips and stones are an excellent way to lighten up dark areas of the landscape. Different sizes are available, allowing individuals to customize different areas of their environment.

Colorful Options

The color variations in rocks and stones are almost endless, making them highly versatile elements in the landscape.

Durable Ground Cover

Rocks are a highly durable ground cover with a long lifespan. Depending on the landscape, individuals may need to add some rock from time to time, but they have an extensive lifespan since they don’t deteriorate like mulch. It’s an excellent choice for high foot traffic areas.

Relatively Inexpensive

Using rock is a relatively inexpensive way to highlight flower beds and it’s a quick and easy way to create a backyard makeover. The cost will largely depend on the type of rock that’s chosen and the amount required for a particular project, but the wide range of benefits offset the initial investment.

RCH Landscaping is a full-service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians has an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Rock gardens come in all shapes and sizes. The simplicity of a rock garden doesn’t require big open spaces to enjoy the beauty and eco-friendly benefits. The beds encompass small, raised beds to those built on the ground. The style depends on how much space is available, the amount or rock an individual has with which to work, and personal preference.

Clear the Space

For those that are building their rock garden on the ground, clear the area of grass and vegetation, digging down far enough to get the roots.

Build a Perimeter

Use larger rocks to build a perimeter around the outside of the area that will be the rock garden. The dimensions of the rocks don’t need to be more than 12 inches.

Add Some Sand

The base layer is going to be sand to provide drainage. For those that have a clay-based soil, some compost can be added. Then tamp the soil down by walking on it to create a firm base.

More Rocks

Lay another perimeter of stones within the first layer, leaving enough room between the two perimeters to enter some plants later on. The second “layer” of rocks can be made of more attractive rocks, since they’re the ones that will be most visible within the bed itself. Use smaller rocks on this layer than the outer perimeter.

Pick the Plants

Some individuals choose a specific color scheme for the plants they select, while others prefer to use a mix of colors. The color of the plants is typically chosen to complement the rock color. There are plants of red, green, yellow and silver that can be combined in various ways.

Be sure that the selected plants have similar moisture and sun requirements. Plants that are drought-resistant work well. Add interest by varying plant heights and textures. It can help to first place the plants in their positions while still in the pot to see what the effect will be. Don’t be afraid to rearrange them.

When the layout is pleasing, remove the plants from the pots and enter them in the ground. Add soil as needed. It can be helpful, and attractive, to add a layer of mulch using small stones. It will also help retain moisture.

RCH Landscaping is a full-service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians has an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760