When most people think of landscaping they think about flowers and other plants. However, there are more elements to landscape design then just that. Landscapes rocks can play a role in many landscape designs. Landscape rocks come in all sizes and can be used in many different ways.

Adding to the Design

Landscape rocks can be used to add to the landscape design. They are a really easy way to add another level to your landscape. Most good landscaping will have depth and different levels to it. A boulder, for example, can be used as a background piece.

It is important, though, to place them correctly. For a natural look, you want to bury the bottom of the rock and make it look as if it belongs there. Just sitting the rock on the ground will not allow it to blend and may actually make it stick out.

Rocks also make a great contrast to the plants and other foliage in your landscaping. They give that hard, neutral aspect to an otherwise flowing and colorful area. They can also break up large areas and be used to create borders.

Benefits of Rocks

Besides adding to the landscape design, landscape rocks are simple to care for. They do not need to be watered or fertilized. You will have to weed around them and they may need an occasional wipe down to prevent moss from growing on them. Other than that, though, once you place them you will need to do very little. Best of all, they will last, pretty much, forever.

Fitting them in your Landscaping

You can not just place rocks randomly around your garden and assume they will work. You need a plan. You should put smaller rocks in groups. This looks more natural. Try groups of three to five. You should probably get a little rocks than you think that you will need because once placed, they will look smaller than you thought they were.

Ideas for Using Rocks

After they have been gathered, these rocks and boulders can be used in a variety of interesting ways. Rocks and stones can be used to create a unique garden path or walkway, and larger rocks can be used to create an attractive and useful rock wall. Placing stones in the ground is also a great way to prevent weeds from sprouting around decks, hot tubs, gazebos or other parts of the exterior landscape.

When landscaping with rocks, stones and boulders, the key is to balance the size, shape and color of the rocks you choose with the surrounding plants and other design elements. It is also important to use rocks and stones sparingly, and to keep in mind that during the winter months those rocks and boulders may be the only visible part of the exterior landscape. Rocks and boulders can be a wonderful part of the exterior landscape, but it is important to look at the landscape as a whole when planning the placement of these unique and useful landscaping tools.