Looking to create a garden refuge in your own backyard? If so, then hiring a landscape designer is a great place to start. Specifically, a landscape designer will be able to help you transform your vision into a beautiful garden that makes the most effective use of your existing property.
Throughout the landscape design process, you’ll need to make several important decisions. One of the more important choices you’ll make is what type of materials you’ll use in your garden hardscapes (walkways, steps, retaining walls, etc.). These materials can have a major impact on the overall look and feel of your finished garden space.
Many homeowners opt for some form of stone to facilitate a natural and organic look when it comes to their garden hardscapes. By having a better understanding of the many benefits of using stone in your garden design — as well as the many viable stone options available to you — you can end up with a garden retreat that you absolutely love.
Reasons to Use Stone in Your Garden Design
Why use stone in your garden design to begin with? Consider just a few of the many advantages of doing so.
Cut Down on Care and Maintenance
Compared to some other hardscape materials, stone is extremely durable and can stand up to even some of the harshest weather conditions. As a result, you’ll be able to save on much of the maintenance that would be involved in caring for other types of landscaping/gardening materials. Many exterior stones don’t require any special maintenance aside from occasional sweeping away of debris — and you won’t have to worry about them cracking or wearing down with exposure to freezing temperatures.
You already have enough maintenance to worry about when it comes to the actual plants in your garden. Why should you have to worry about maintaining your garden hardscapes, too?
Create an Eye-Catching Focal Point
While the greenery should always be the highlight of your garden, the reality is that many gardens end up feeling a little lackluster because there’s nothing that immediately draws the eye’s attention. By adding a stone focal point, you can create a truly stunning and unique landscape within your own garden. In many cases, stone can also be used to conceal some less desirable features of a garden space (such as a water line that feeds a sprinkler system).
Provide Extra Protection for Plants
When situated properly, stone hardscapes can also provide some additional protection for your beloved garden plants. That’s because stone is naturally absorbent, allowing it to soak up some of the sun’s harshest rays during the heat of the summer. This means your plants can continue to receive direct sun with some added protection from excess heat.
Meanwhile, stone can provide some added insulation and protection to delicate plant roots during the colder winter months. It’s a win-win all year round!
Three Stone Options for Your Outdoor Garden
There are seemingly endless options to choose from when it comes to stone types for your outdoor garden. Not sure where to begin? Consider a few of these popular stones and explore their benefits and potential applications for yourself.
1. Aggregates
If you’re looking for something versatile that can potentially be used in other areas around your house in addition to your garden, aggregates are a great alternative. Also known as chips and pebbles, aggregates are available in a variety of colors and can be used to create garden walkways and decorative borders around the plants in your garden. Plus, they can even help to keep the weeds to a minimum. If you’re looking for a natural stone that can last for years, requires little maintenance, and is cost-effective if you’re on a budget, aggregates are an excellent option.
2. Cobblestones
Are you searching for a durable stone to create that extra special feature in your garden? Cobblestones are a perfect choice, especially if you’re interested in creating a raised garden bed. Ideal for high traffic areas, cobblestones have a textured finish that’s naturally slip-resistant and, therefore, safe to walk on even when it’s raining. They also allow you to make a secure and stable border and are affordable and small enough that even a weekend DIYer can tackle the project. Bonus tip: They are low maintenance, durable, and will maintain their look, shape, and color for years.
3. Concrete Paving Brick
Concrete paving bricks are another option you won’t want to overlook when it comes to your garden walkways and paths. They come in a variety of colors and styles allowing you to create a garden that’s completely unique. Plus, they’re a favorite of the do-it-yourselfers because of how easy they are to install on compacted gravel and sand (mortar or concrete is another option).
Whether you’re looking to create a garden path, roof garden, golf cart path, or another garden accent, concrete paving brick is a versatile, strong material that can complement any landscape project.
Which Stone is Right for You?
With so many wonderful stone options to choose from for your new outdoor garden, you’ll want to put some careful thought and consideration into your final decision. Consulting with your landscape designer can help you with your choice, too.
When deciding on a stone for your garden design, be sure to consider the specific application. For example, aggregates may be better suited for a garden pathway or walkway than it would as a retaining wall material. You’ll also want to think about how much maintenance you’re comfortable with doing on your garden stone; while all stones are relatively low-maintenance, some do require a little more care than others.
Finally, you’ll want to be mindful of your budget when selecting garden stone materials. If you’re on a tighter budget, for example, ThinStone™ can be a very cost-effective option. Regardless of your budget, your landscape designer can assist you in selecting the right materials.
The Bottom Line on Outdoor Garden Stone
Stone can be an excellent choice for your new outdoor garden. From creating a beautiful focal point to providing you with a low-maintenance material for your garden pathways, benches, and more — there are so many different stones to consider for your garden space!