How To Create An Exciting Landscape In A Gravel Yard
Gravel has become a popular green alternative to lawns. It has been a staple landscaping option in the southwest for many years, but is gaining traction all across the U.S. as people become more concerned with the carbon footprint and ecological impact of lawn maintenance.
Rocks, Rocks and More Rocks
Let's face it, gravel yards can be boring. So how do you get the "wow" factor in a sea of rocks? One way is to add more rocks, but not just any rocks. You need large rocks as accent pieces and different colored rocks for contrast in planting beds and islands.
Creating Islands and Berms
Think of your gravel yard as a desert, and then create one, central oasis as the focal point of your front yard. This planting should have at least one tall tree to anchor it, but do not choose a tree that will drop volumes of leaves, or you'll be sorry when fall comes. Palms, cacti, succulents and large-leaved tropical plants can create a striking tableau. Raising this plant grouping on a berm serves to keep your water-wise plants dry and also to set it off in your ocean of stone.
Using Contrasting Stones
To make your islands and berms stand out even more, use a contrasting color of stone. For example, if your yard is white gravel, use a blue, gray or brown stone in the island. Create island borders with stones such as limestone, whose cracks and crevices give you places to stick small succulent plants for even more interest. A raised garden bed built with stacked stone walls is a nice contrast to the smaller pebbles and gravel. If you want something artistic, use several different colors of stone to create a mosaic in a large center bed.
Placement of Large Stones
Large stones in a landscape can create beauty or look completely out of place. Since large stones can weigh several hundred pounds, you need to decide only once where their home will be. The biggest deciding factor is the function of the stone. If it is purely aesthetic, then it needs to fit the scale of the site. A huge stone placed in the center of a bed with miniature plants simply looks garish, whereas a grouping of small rocks can add texture and interest. Large stones can be used as seating in a garden, such as next to a fish pond, a reflection pool or in a meditation garden. Larger stones are also often used to create waterfalls.
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint by creating a beautiful gravel and stone landscape, it is best to consult with an experienced professional who specializes in such work. Landscape rock is not cheap, although it will save you money in the long run and pay for itself over the years. A stone landscaping pro can help you plan a stunning, low-maintenance yard while staying within your budget.
Contact a company like Alpine Rock and Block for more help.
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