Three Design Ideas And Tips For Using Stone In Your Garden

Today I am excited to share this guest post with you from fellow home and garden blogger, Emma.

Emma is a part-time property developer, part-time home improvements and gardening blogger at Fixtures and Flowers, and full time Mum. Given her background, Emma has a lot of advice, tips and tricks that she loves sharing on her blog.

Considering using stone in your garden? We think it’s a good idea!

Not only is stone great for security purposes, but, when done right, it’s also an aesthetic wonder. There’s just something about using stone for a fence, the foundation for a patio, or landscaping that makes the garden cleaner and classier.

That said, let’s explore a few design ideas and tips if you want to go this route.

Stone Fence

In the ancient days, stone walls were used by landowners to prevent attacks and invasions. Fast forward one millennium later, and it’s still a good idea.

A stone fence is a natural defense for your home. Studies have shown that we humans tend to fear the unknown. So when thieves and burglars cannot see what’s on the other side of the wall, they tend to be discouraged and might outright refrain from the intent altogether.

It is also a great addition to the garden. However, it helps to have a clear vision of the kind of design. Here are a few tips:

Consider the theme of your entire area.

If your home is brimming with high-class elegance, it might not be a good idea to build a wall that looks like it came from the medieval times minus the gargoyles.

If your home is painted white, then maybe using white stone would compliment that. Try to picture in your mind the finished product. The biggest question you should ask yourself is: ‘Would I be okay with that?’

Check with your local supplier for the kind of stone.

Sometimes, the style and design isn’t the most critical thing in the world. Sometimes, just having it polished, cleaned, and symmetrical is enough to make the stone fence a beauty.

If you’re okay with that, try to select a kind of stone that can be found in your local area rather than importing. Having to import products would mean additional fees and expenses. So why not save yourself from the expense?

If you’re not doing it yourself, make sure to hire someone who has experience.

Building a wall of stone might not sound like the most complicated thing in the world, but it’s still highly recommended that you get someone who knows what he or she is doing.

Think about it, would you want to have a first-timer building a supposedly permanent structure in your home?

Landscape edging

Landscape edging is basically providing an edge or “outline” to a particular area in your garden. It serves the purpose of creating a clear separation between one area to the next. You can say that it’s a subtle way of communicating where you should walk and what you should avoid stepping on.

This inadvertently designs your walkway and creates the suitable environment for growing and taking care of your plants. With a defensive border around them, this is perfect for growing succulents, snapdragons, geraniums, and other plants that thrive outdoors. So keep this in mind during the planning phase.

Using stones as the material for the edges is not only feasible, but highly creative. There are multitudes of designs and ways you can go about this. Although design possibilities can be almost limitless, considering the type of stone to use for the design you want can be vital.

For example, using marble is best if you’re going for a smooth surface with sharp edges. Granite is also a good choice; however, it is best used for pathways, tiles, or even tables and benches. Gravel should also be taken into consideration because not only does it work for landscape edging, you can also use it as a walkway by laying a gravel path on your garden to match.

River rocks are great, as well! The shape of these rocks is formed through nature’s natural pressure on them over time. This makes them an excellent choice for edging. You may use pebbles as well, but considering how small they are, they are better off in clear jars or glass vases.

Stone Fountain

Adding a stone fountain to your garden is one of the most beautiful objects you can add. It is stunning, chic, and outright magnificent.

What’s great about a stone fountain is that you are not limited to just a type of stone or design. You can mix and match different types, shapes, and sizes according to your will. Same goes for the design; you can be as versatile as possible. There are so many inspirations you can draw from, like the elegance of western stone fountains, to the stylish traditional Japanese design.

Here are a few tips to consider:

Placement

Planning is the key to placement. It is vital to consider this because it will determine the size and shape of the object.

Think about the pathways around the fountain. Will it obstruct your walkway? Is the water fountain going to make navigating around the garden a hassle?

If you answered yes to either of these, then it might be a good idea to reconsider getting one. However, you can get around this problem by installing one that isn’t anywhere near where you typically pass by, such as an empty corner around the garden or even your backyard.

Theme

Just as with the stone fence, consider the overall theme of your area. What kind of look are you going for? Will the design you want harmonize with the rest of the garden or will it create a discord?

Seasonal changes

In most cases, your fountain should be fine if installed correctly. However, the winter season can pose problems for the fountain’s pumps. If you live in an area that has chilly climates, better to get a small fountain that is moveable. Most people bring their fountain indoors until the cold weather has passed.

Make it clean!

No matter which design you wish to go with, there are three key principles to always keep in mind — consistency, determination, and polish.

Be consistent in your overall design unless you purposely want it to be abstract. The design should immediately be recognizable. You would want one coherent piece of art, rather than ten different themes scattered around or cobbled up together.

Be determined to finish what you started. Once you have decided on a theme and begun the project, see it through. It may be okay to take some detours or make a few changes here and there, but ultimately, stick to the plan.

Finishing is important, but finishing with finesse takes that feeling of accomplishment to a whole new degree. Polish your work. Make it sleek, else; it wouldn’t be as good as you imagined.

Good luck!