About Garden Stone Varieties
Choosing decorative stones is crucial when planning outdoor hardscapes or when xeriscaping. Coming in a wide range of colors, sizes, and textures, different varieties of rock are best suited to different uses. When using types of decorative stone, it will first be important to consider the purpose of the stone. While some stones are more suited for high traffic areas, others may be best used as accents in flower beds or in borders. Using landscaping stones is also a great way to add a creative touch in your yard in the form of water features that utilize rocks or even with the use of larger accents.
Types of Decorative Stones
In general, different landscaping stones tend to be divided into categories according to their size and shape. Smaller varieties like gravel or pea gravel are affordable and have many applications in the landscape. These products will range in color, but offer homeowners a useful uniform size. Those looking for larger stones may need to use varieties such as lava rock or river rock. Lava rocks come in several colors, usually ranging from red to black. These porous stones are rough in texture, and can offer attractive visual contrast when used in the landscape. River rocks differ greatly from lava rocks. Though relatively the same size, river rocks are smooth and rounded stones. These stones are ideal for use as edging in flower beds or as edging along walkways. One of the most common uses for landscaping stones is the creation of garden patios or paths. Larger flat stones are ideal for this task. Whether planning a traditional look or one which is more natural, selecting large pavers will achieve this. Flagstone, limestone, and sandstone all offer different attributes which allow for the desired outcome. Boulders are also commonly incorporated into home landscapes. While the purchase of boulders may be more expensive than many other types of rock, they can definitely serve as a focal point in yard spaces.