How to Use Natural Stones for Landscaping and Patios

Stones in all shapes and sizes are widely available, generally inexpensive (or free) and can be used to create beautiful natural landscaping, walkways, borders, walls and accent pieces for your yard. Here are some ideas for how you can use natural stones in your landscaping and patio designs.

Stones are perfect for covering the soil between plants in flowerbeds or around trees and shrubs, and will improve drainage and inhibit weed growth. Not to mention that stones make for a much more beautiful flowerbed than exposed dirt and will last longer than mulch or wood chips. Using stones as a ground cover for areas without plants and flowers will also add beauty to your yard while offering the same advantages of inhibiting weed growth, limiting dust and controlling drainage.

Stones offer an eco-friendly, money-saving alternative to lawns. If you have a lot of grass in your front or back yard, consider scaling it down and using landscaping rock to create visual interest and conserve water. This will also allow you to use less fertilizer and toxic lawn care products that pollute the soil and waterways, and can impact your family's health.

Natural stones can also be used to create borders, as stepping stones in walkways, to improve drainage in problem areas and are a great alternative to railroad ties or wood planks when creating raised gardens. Stones are also a much more appealing material for boundary walls and retaining walls than the more often used concrete.

Larger stones and boulders can be used alone as landscaping accent pieces or, if well-shaped can be used to provide seating or as a side table. Benches can be made from stones or from a combination of stones and wood and entire patios can be made out of stone. Stone patios are beautiful and require little maintenance once complete. You can also incorporate natural stones into outdoor living areas by building a fire pit or barbecue, or creating low walls that divide the area and provide additional seating.

Lastly, gravel has, of course, always been a popular, functional material for driveways and walkways, and can be used to create winding pathways between your flowerbeds or around the perimeter of the yard to improve curb appeal and give your yard a clean, well-maintained look.

Whether your goal is to create an outdoor living area for your family, increase the value of your home or to focus on bringing natural elements into your landscaping, natural stones are functional, beautiful, long lasting and easy to maintain.