An eye-catching garden is the perfect background for happy memories with friends and family. But proper garden maintenance can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor.

For fuss-free, low-maintenance landscaping with unmatched depth and texture, you can’t go wrong with landscape rocks. From the tiniest of pebbles to monolithic sculptural boulders, there are rocks for landscaping that fit every need.

Ready to upgrade your garden with some gorgeous stones? Here are the most popular landscaping rocks and their many uses.

Pea Gravel

The rocks in pea gravel are roughly the size of every child’s most (or least!) favorite green vegetable, the pea. Their smooth finish is what sets them apart from other types of gravel you can get from a landscaping wholesaler, upgrading their aesthetic and tactile contribution to your yard.

Use pea gravel for high-traffic areas (such as pathways, around a fire pit, playgrounds, or patios) or in areas that require drainage.

River Rock

River rock is a popular alternative to mulch in landscaping. The smooth stones range in sizes from 1 to 3 inches wide. They come in a variety of earthy tones, adding intrigue and playfulness to your garden.

River rocks are often used in water features and as decorative drainage solutions. Because of their uneven sizes, river rock is not comfortable to walk on without shoes. Use them between stepping stones or in areas you don’t access regularly.

Flagstone

Flagstone is a kind of sedimentary rock broken into thin 1-1.5 inch layers. The most popular and affordable types of flagstone are limestone and sandstone. More expensive options include bluestone and quartzite, which boast moody colors and subtle patterns.

Use flagstone in flat areas in your garden, such as pathways, driveways, or patio paving. Surround each stone with sand, mulch, or small rocks like pea gravel.

Volcanic Rocks

Also called lava rocks, volcanic rocks are available in a dazzling array of warm colors that add warmth and vibrancy to your yard, as well as deep blacks that add depth and drama.

The fiery pieces are often used in place of mulch, as the rock never decomposes. And because the stones are porous, they are ideal solutions when dressing up drainage areas. You can enjoy a simple but stunning yard transformation using gorgeous lava stones from landscaping supplier Fox Landscape Supply.

Boulders

Dimension is essential to keep your yard from feeling flat and boring. Play with the scale of items in your landscaping by incorporating large boulders. They can be expensive to purchase and place, but add timeless intrigue to your landscaping.

Use rough and textured boulders to add a rustic charm to a softer garden, or highlight curves in your architecture with smooth and rounded boulders. Scatter them, stack them, circle them around a tree, or incorporate them into a water feature.

Crushed Stone

Crushed stone is a man-made byproduct of quarrying and large stonework. The small pieces sport angular edges and sharp lines, making them a statement filler stone in flower beds and driveways.

Their sharp angles are uncomfortable to walk on, so crushed stone should never be used for walkways or pathways.

Elevate Your Garden With Landscaping Rocks Today

By now you should know how flagstones, boulders, gravel, or small stones can completely transform your garden. Get your hands on some popular landscaping rocks and upgrade your walkways, patios, driveways, water features, and flowerbeds today!

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By Manali