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Adding landscape rocks to your flower beds is one of the best ways to give your garden a whole new look while keeping it functional and low-maintenance. The right rocks can do much to make your outdoor space pretty and practical. They can help to keep your garden from stubborn weeds to improve drainage. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best landscape rock for your flower beds?
In this article, we will take you through some of the common types of landscaping rocks and creative ways to use them. You also learn about some expert tips to keep your garden looking stunning all year round. Whether you’re a gardening novice or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you make confident choices for your garden oasis.
Common Types Of Landscape Rocks
Landscape rocks come in various shapes, sizes, and textures. Each has its own special benefits for your flower beds and garden. Let’s take a closer look at some popular types of landscape rocks and how they can enhance your outdoor design.
River Rock
River rocks are smooth and round stones with different sizes and colors. The polished appearance makes them work very well in flower beds to achieve a clean and natural look. River rocks also help prevent soil erosion and add great decorative touches to one’s yard.
Lava Rock
Lava rocks are lightweight and porous and will bring quite a striking look to your flower beds. Their rich red and black colors further add contrast to the color of greenery and flowers. Besides that, lava rocks are excellent for heat retention, making it ideal for warmer climates.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is widely popular for flower beds due to its small size and smoothness. It has neutral tones and round shapes, which makes pea gravel perfect to spread and blend well with most of the garden designs.
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone has jagged edges and is available in many colors, ranging from white to gray to pink. It is an inexpensive material that can be used to create pathways or add texture to flower beds.
Flagstone
As its name, flagstones are flat, large rocks, which are often used to create a pathway or border around the flower beds. It can include sandstone, bluestone, slate, quartzite, and limestone. They come in beautiful earthy shades such as gray, beige, and brown and provide a rustic charm to any landscape.
Fieldstone
Many gardeners love fieldstones because they are natural, unpolished rocks. It means that fieldstones will bring a raw and organic feel to your garden. Their irregular shapes make them perfect for building walls or creating an uneven, layered appearance.
Boulders
If you want to add a bold statement to your yard, boulders are a top choice. These large, dramatic stones not only add height but also dramatic visual interest to flower beds. Boulder is an excellent centerpiece or backdrop for plants and flowers for sure.
How To Use Landscaping Rocks To Transform Your Garden
Landscaping rocks brings many more benefits than you can think. They can add texture and structure besides their decorative values. Here’s a rundown of some effective ways to incorporate landscaping rocks into your garden:
Edging Flower Beds
River rock or crushed stone will be your perfect option to give your flower beds clean and well-defined edges. Besides, it helps in preventing mulch or garden soil from getting out of the bed.
Mulch Alternative
Instead of using regular mulch, you can consider using lava rock or pea gravel. These types of rocks help retain moisture in the soil, inhibit weed growth, and can last much longer than organic mulch.
Garden Accents
Rocks such as large boulders or fieldstones will add a natural focal point and rustic look to a yard.
Some Creative Ways To Use Landscape Rocks
If you want to add some artsy look to your yard, there are some amazing ways that you can’t miss as below:
Water Features
The incorporation of smooth stones, like river rocks, with the sound of a water fountain or small pond will set a serene spa-like scene outdoors in your yard.
Rock Gardens
A mix of different kinds of rocks and drought-tolerant plants will create a beautiful rock garden with low maintenance.
Walkway Stones
Flagstones or cobblestones would work perfectly in making unique and sturdy pathways. Moreover, they will give the ground an organic and inviting feel to the garden area.
Stone Retaining Walls & Steps
Flat rocks or fieldstones can be used for building retaining walls or steps. It contributes to adding dimension to sloping gardens, supports flower beds, as well as gives a layered look to your landscape.
Top 10 Picks for the Best Landscape Rock for Flower Beds
The right landscape rock can turn your flower beds from great to gorgeous. Here are the top 10 options of the best landscape rock for flower beds that can help create a perfect blend of beauty and practicality for your garden.
Best Lava Rocks
Stanbroil Lava Rock Granules
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Stanbroil
- Material: Glass
- Color: Black & Red
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Form: Granule
$23.99
- Highly durable & heat-resistant
- Excellent decorative choices for flower beds, water features & vases
- Enhance soil drainage
- Prevent weed growth
- Improves water quality in aquariums
- Lightweight & easy to utilize in a variety of contexts
- There may be dust content in some batches
Why We Love It
The Stanbroil Lava Rock Granules provide an exceptionally versatile and good-looking choice for adding style to everything. In fact, you can use lava rocks from a room to outdoor settings for both practical and decorative purposes. These natural black granules range in size from 2.75″ to 5″. Their durability and temperature resistance are great for fire pits, fireplaces, and grills outdoors.
For decorative purposes, lava rocks give charm to flower beds, walks, and water features. They will bring depth and complexity to your design. You also can use lava rocks to decorate vases or poolsides. In an aquarium, they host helpful bacteria that purify the water, thus making it healthy for the fish.
Best River Rocks
GASPRO Natural River Rocks
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: GASPRO
- Fabric: Natural river rocks
- Style: Mixed
- Weight: 8 pounds
$11.38
- High-polish & glossy finish
- Durable & fade-resistant
- Versatile use in garden decoration
- Variety of sizes in natural colors
- Improve drainage & reduce weed growth
- The pricing may be a little expensive for some users
Why We Love It
GASPRO Natural River Rocks are an absolutely beautiful and versatile addition to any garden, planter, flower bed, or landscaping project. It features with high-polish surface and reflects light beautifully. The 1–1¾ inch pebbles come in various shades of colors, such as brown, black, white, and gray. Their natural beauty effortlessly fits into any setting.
You can use these river rocks for borders in courtyards, walking paths, planter aesthetics, or cover the soil to add that polished touch. They are also functional since they improve drainage and help suppress weeds. This product comes in an 8lb package that covers approximately 2-3 square feet and can retain the shine even after exposure to harsh weather.
Best Glow-In-The-Dark Rocks
NAMTSO Glow in The Dark Rocks
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: NAMTSO
- Material: Resin
- Color: Blue
- Shape: Round
- Weight: 2.62 pounds
$19.99
- Beautiful colors enhance gardens & indoor decor
- Feature blue glow-in-the-dark
- Versatile for many purposes
- Smooth & lightweight
- Easy to place & decorate
- Glow lasts only 1-3 hours
- Smaller than expected for some users
- Maybe a little bit expensive
Why We Love It
These NAMTSO Glow-in-the-dark Rocks will surely add magic to gardens, flower beds, and indoor spots. Each pack contains 500 resin-based pebbles, approximately 1 inch in diameter. After absorbing 1 hour of sunshine or lamplight, they can glow for 3 to 4 hours. While the glow fades after the first 30 minutes, these stones are bright-colored during the day for an exciting view landscape. These stones are light, durable, and can easily be used in aquariums, borders of patios, flower pots, or fairy gardens. They are weather-resistant to sunlight and rain, although some customers have reported that they fade over time.
Best Natural Pea Gravel
FANTIAN Natural Pea Gravel Pebbles
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: FANTIAN
- Material: Stone
- Color: Mixed
- Shape: Irregular
- Weight: 1.98 pounds
$7.69
- Natural stones without added chemicals or coatings
- Perfect for flower beds, aquariums, & craft projects
- Beautiful color mix for aesthetic appeal
- Durable over time
- Price may be high for some customers
- Smaller size than expected
Why We Love It
These FANTIAN Natural Pea Gravel Pebbles come in approximately 3/8 inches in size with mixed 5 earth colors (white, yellow, gray, red, and apple green). They are natural stones with no added color dye or varnish, which are safe for both children and pets.
These pea gravels are ideal for various uses. They can act as soil toppers for potted plants, or help with drainage at the bottom of planters to prevent root rot. They’re also ideal for creative projects like vase fillers, floral arrangements, aquariums, or crafting. They work great in outdoor landscaping for patios, flower beds, and bird fountains. You should wash the pebbles before use to clean off any dust or powder on the surface.
Best Black Rocks
Royal Imports Black River Rocks
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Royal Imports
- Material: Rock
- Color: Black
- Shape: Round
- Weight: 5 pounds
$14.99
- Beautiful polished stones for landscaping & decor styles
- Safe for plants, flowers & pets
- Ideal for both aesthetic & practical uses
- Non-toxic & eco-friendly material
- The sizes may vary in shape & size
Why We Love It
These Royal Imports Black River Rocks decorative are eco-friendly river rocks packaged in a 5-pound bag, ranging from 0.75 to 2 inches in size. Therefore, they are very durable and can be served for a very long period without deterioration. The black tone lends a polished and sophisticated appearance to any environment. The stones are good for flowerbeds, potted plants, water features, walkways, and terrariums. Besides, they also add elegance to indoor decor, such as vase fillers and table centerpieces.
When used for flower beds, these stones are an environmentally friendly substitute for wood mulch, which lasts longer and does not decompose. The rounded edges make them comfortable to walk on and allow for good drainage in gardens or planters. The polished black finish of the stones adds contrast and richness to plants, enhancing decorative displays.
Best Sandstone Landscape Rocks
Emsco Group Natural Sandstone Landscape Rock
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Emsco Group
- Material: 100% Polyethylene
- Length: 11.5 inches
- Origin: USA
$35.94
- Realistic texture & natural appearance.
- Excellent at hiding garden utility.
- Durable & weather-resistant construction.
- Come with stakes for secure placement.
- Value for money with high build quality.
- May have an awkward look at first
- The irregular shape could affect fit for some uses.
Why We Love It
This architectural Emsco Group Natural Sandstone Landscape Rock can help to cover naturally unsightly garden fixtures such as pipes, sprinkler valves, or well covers. Realistic texture and color integrate seamlessly into the gardens and lawns, adding beauty to the scenery. The included stakes ensure that the rock remains securely anchored, even in the most extreme weather conditions. Thus, this rock is quite durable and practical for outdoor spaces.
Many users like how well it hides utilities and how easy it is to place. The dimensions of 11″ x 11.5″ x 8.5″ are perfect for many uses. Its irregular shape and tapered design may take some consideration when deciding where it will fit.
Best Natural White Rocks
Natural White Stones For Garden
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: FANTIAN
- Material: Stone
- Color: White
- Shape: Round, Oval
- Weight: 19.65 pounds
$42.49
- Natural stones & safe for flowers
- Shiny finish & classy look
- Suitable for flower beds, aquariums, plants, & vases
- A 20-pound bag can cover a large area
- May include some gray & yellow stones
- Actual size may vary a little
Why We Love It
You can use these Natural White Stones For Garden as a topper for planters, as a substrate in fish tanks, or as an accent for your yard. They come in sizes 1-2 inches and promise to bring a natural yet sophisticated look to any indoor or outdoor space. They accentuate planters, flower beds, aquariums, and decorative vases.
They also work effectively for drainage for succulents and other potted plants, help retain moisture in the soil, and keep water clean in aquariums. You may find some yellow and gray stones mixed in the package.
When Do You Need To Hire A Professional Landscaper?
While many simple landscaping projects can be done yourself, others require a professional landscaper. Projects with intricate designs in rock features, building stone retaining walls, or pathway installation are indeed better handled with a professional touch.
Especially when your landscape projects involve heavy earth-moving, drainage considerations, and large-scale installations, a landscaper will bring your vision into reality through creative ideas, select the proper material, and advise expert placement. This will be useful to save you time and unexpected costly mistakes.
Tips To Maintain Your Rock Landscaping
To keep your rock landscaping in good condition for years, you need to do some regular maintenance as listed below:
Regular Cleaning: You should regularly remove leaves, debris, and dirt from your rock beds to maintain a tidy appearance. You can do this by using a rake, digging fork, or blower. Washing rocks with water occasionally can help to remove dust and bring back their natural shine.
Weed Control: Even with the weed barrier, some stubborn weeds still find a way to get through. Pull them out quickly or spot-apply herbicide to keep the area clear.
Replenish Rocks: Rocks can move and settle over time. If you notice this, fill it in with a new rock to avoid exposed soil.
Check Drainage: You need to make sure to drain properly by checking for pooled water. Move rocks or soil underneath as needed so that water does not accumulate and cause damage to surrounding plants.
Prevent Erosion: If the area is on a slope, erosion may occur. If the rocks begin to shift, consider using erosion control barriers such as retaining walls, or using heavier stones to hold the area in place.
Last Words
The best landscape rock for flower beds is a practical and creative way to enhance beauty while reducing maintenance. There are many kinds of rocks with unique benefits that you can select to design your garden. But if you have particularly intensive landscaping projects, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice to bring your ideas to life. With proper care and attention, your rock landscaping will continue to beautify your flower beds for a long period.
