Stones: Hard and Soft Designs for your Landscape

Natural stones are the best accessories and bring out the beauty of your landscape. However, many homeowners do not know how to incorporate these stones in their garden and they can’t choose which one suits their garden well. There are a lot of ways on how to be creative with these stones so one must have a well-planned design in order to achieve an appealing and relaxing outdoor space for your family and home.

While you might have the idea on what you should put in your yard, you should also start to think about the stone style you will use. There are various types of landscaping stones being used today in most gardens.

It is important you know the features and use of each one so you can make a decision on what stone and where to put it in your landscape. Here are some great options of landscaping stones for you:

  • Sandstone – It is considered the most cost-effective stone among the choices. It comes in different colors so you can definitely find one that fits your garden the best. It is a perfect choice in building walls.
  • Limestone – It is used to build walls even though it is not good in absorbing water. It comes in white grey, tan and black colors.
  • Granite – It comes in pink or red shades and other colors might be hard to find. You can find them in medium or fine grain. Since it is considered the strongest landscaping stones, it is used as stepping walls or stones.
  • Marble – It comes in pink, white, yellow, brown and white colors and considered an elegant stone because of its fine grain. This is the reason why many homeowners love them. It is also good in absorbing water so it is usually placed around the pool for functional and aesthetical purposes.
  • Slate – It comes only in black, green and red colors. However, homeowners love them because it is water-resistant. So if you plan to make a man-made feature around your pool, then slate is your best stone option.

In addition to these stones, there are also tumbled, non-tumbled and natural stones. River rock, sand and water are mixed together in order to create stones that look like they have been exposed to hard weather.

They are stones that look like the natural ones you find in the garden but they have smooth surfaces. They are also great for patios and paths because they are not slippery.

On the other hand, non-tumbled stones have sharp edges and they create a focal point in your garden. Natural stones are the ones you naturally find in your garden and they look weathered since they are exposed to different conditions.

Stones are definitely one-of-a-kind accessories to your garden and they look natural just by being there. Placing them at the right spots enhances your landscape in numerous ways. So bring out your creativity and start designing your landscape.

Make sure to use the stone according to its features so you can achieve its functional and aesthetical purposes. Design your landscape with these gorgeous stones now!

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Landscaping should be Fun, Not Expensive

Aside from gardening, many homeowners get involve in landscaping. After tending the soil and placing the right plants and flowers, it would be ideal to improve the landscape to make your garden more noticeable. If you plan to remodel your yard, make sure you have the budget and stick to it until the landscaping project is done.

Here are some few simple landscaping ideas on how to make your garden attractive. Also you don’t have to spend much in order to achieve this:

Create your Borders

Privacy is essential to any property so creating a border or fence around the perimeter of your property is important. These borders will also keep the burglars off your property. You can make use of durable and stylish materials that match your property and the aesthetic of the house.

You should make sure that the design also reflects the overall design of your house and will keep your plants in your garden. For security and aesthetical purposes, borders or fences should be part of your landscape.

Have a Lush Garden

Many people might think that a landscape is boring without flowers. But honestly, most amazing gardens are filled with greenery and they have no flowers at all.

Flowers do not bloom for the whole year unlike green plants. Green is the uniform color in this garden and some people find beauty in this kind of landscape. One can also make use ofplants that have colorful leaves.

You can still have a great garden and colorful landscape without the use of flowers. In landscaping, being creative and resourceful are all you need.

Place your Garden Furniture

Plants are not the only thing that can beautify your garden, furniture also do a great job. You can extend you patio to your garden and design it with tables and chairs. Just make sure they are made up of materials durable enough to withstand harsh conditions.

You can also make use of fire pit which seems to represent your fireplace inside your house. You can also surround your patio with colorful flowers or garden pots in order to soften the edges. This would be a perfect spot for a barbecue party, family reunion or just a small gathering of family and friends.

Benches can also be placed in different parts of the garden. This is for you to enjoy the calmness when surrounded by the plants. It could also be a perfect and quiet place for you to read your book or just spend quality time with yourself.

Lights and Water

The sound of water in fountains or ponds brings a calming effect to people, which is why many homeowners tend to install water features in their landscape. Just placing them on the right areawill improve your overall landscape.

To make it standout during the night, one can install lights on the water feature. This will definitely impress your guests.

Lights can also be used in used in different parts of your property. You could use it along the driveway or around the house to give a warm welcome to your guests. Like borders, it also increases your security all over the house.

With these few ideas, you can make simple improvements in your backyard and will leave a lasting impression on guests. This could also be an advantage most especially if you plan to sell your house. Beautiful landscape definitely attracts many buyers.

So whatever your purpose for landscaping is, it is still you who benefits from your hard work. It is important that you don’t make your landscape overshadow your house since it is the center of the property. Make sure that whatever improvement you have in mind, it should blend in with the aesthetic of your house.

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Pool and Landscaping in One


A pool is definitely a beautiful addition to your property. It brings that appeal to your overall landscape. It is also a good source of enjoyment for family and friends. It could also be the special attraction during events or occasion such as big parties.

This is the reason why homeowners pay much attention for the beautification of the pool. Having right pool landscaping ideas can help someone achieve privacy, appeal and shelter for your pool.

Appeal

Adding gorgeous flowers and garden pots around your pool will enhance its appeal and will also soften the sharp edges of the structure. Use your creativity and the beauty of your plants will surely make an attraction for your yard. Make sure that the design will complement the house; this is a very important factor to consider achieving an attractive pool.

Privacy

To make your pool your private sanctuary, you should focus on fencing and vegetation. Putting around borders in your yard will keep you out of sight of neighbors.

Placing trees and plants on strategic places around the pool will also do the trick. Make sure all will incorporate with the design you want to achieve for your pool so you can achieve both privacy and beauty.

Shelter

Shade or shelter is essential to any kind of pool. This is to protect you and your guests from the heat of the sun while out of the water.

Trees and umbrellas will prove enough shade for the pool. You can also have furniture around the pool where your family and guests can rest while enjoying your garden.

Researching on some great landscaping ideas for the pool will help you in planning and redesigning your pool. Make sure to consider these factors when improving your pool landscape.

Other Factors to Consider

Type of Pool

You can choose from concrete or vinyl pool. Concrete are a bit expensive but you can come up with different designs. Select the shape and size you feel suited for your home.

A concrete pool is more elegant and you can choose from wide color options available. On the other hand, vinyl pools are way cheaper but you only have limited choices.

Patios and Decks

They definitely do a good job in enhancing your landscaped pool. They are usually placed on either side of the pool where family and guests can relax. Using natural stones and bricks for your patios is ideal for your landscape and improves its appeal.

Landscaping Stones

Using rocks and boulders in varying sizes and shapes, one can add a natural look to your pool. You could have rock formation in your water structure for a more relaxing effect.

Remember, all these landscaping ideas must not make your pool stand out above the rest of our property. These should make it blend with the exterior look of your house. This is why pool landscaping is a bit difficult than any other landscaping ideas.

You should make it an extension of your indoor living.  Keep in mind these tips and you will surely have a landscaped pool that is appealing and functional both at the same time.

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