How to Choose the Right Stones for Your Landscape Design

One of the key elements in creating a beautiful outdoor space is the incorporation of stones in the landscape. However, this is easier said than done because landscaping is an art that requires combining nature and design in such a way so as to transform your garden, walkway or patio into a captivating and inviting place. Stones can also be incorporated into exterior facades and feature walls which I’ll describe in more detail later on in this article.

With so many options available in the market, choosing the right stone can become a daunting task. So if you are planning a dream garden or landscaping project, here are some answers to your stone surfacing needs.

Let’s first discuss the different applications where a stone finish might be suitable in a landscaping project.

Different Applications for Stones in the Garden Landscape

In a garden landscape, stones serve as versatile elements that can be employed in numerous ways to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of outdoor spaces. From creating pathways to defining borders and adding focal points, the strategic use of stones can transform a garden into a captivating and harmonious retreat.

Here are some common applications for stones in garden landscapes:

1. Pathways and Walkways: One of the most popular uses of stones in garden landscapes is for creating pathways and walkways. Whether using natural stepping stones nestled within lush vegetation or neatly arranged pavers, stones provide a durable and visually appealing surface for navigating through the garden while adding texture and interest to the overall design.
2. Borders and Edging: Stones can be used to delineate garden beds, borders, and edges, adding structure and definition to the landscape. Whether employed as low walls, stacked stones, or decorative borders, they help to contain plants, define spaces, and create visual interest within the garden.
3. Retaining Walls: In gardens with sloping terrain or uneven topography, retaining walls made of stones can help to level the ground, prevent soil erosion, and create terraced planting areas. These walls not only serve a practical function but also add vertical interest and architectural appeal to the landscape.
4. Water Features: Stones are integral components of many water features, such as ponds, streams, and waterfalls. Whether used to line the edges of a pond, create cascading waterfalls, or form natural-looking streambeds, stones add a sense of tranquility and natural beauty to the garden while providing habitat for aquatic plants and wildlife.
5. Rock Gardens: Rock gardens, also known as alpine gardens or xeriscapes, are designed to showcase the beauty of rocks and other hardscape elements alongside drought-tolerant plants. Stones of various sizes, shapes, and colours are strategically arranged to mimic natural rock outcroppings, creating a striking and low-maintenance focal point in the garden.
6. Veneered Stone Walls: Stone veneer offers a striking solution for enhancing the visual appeal and durability of exterior walls or dividing garden walls within the landscape. Whether used to clad the façade of a home, enclose outdoor living spaces, or create privacy barriers between different areas of the garden, stone veneer adds a touch of timeless elegance and natural beauty to outdoor environments. You can compare natural stone veneer from a wide range of finished stone models, in order to enhance the appearance of your new space.
7. Seating Areas and Garden Accents: Large, flat stones can be repurposed as seating areas or garden benches, providing comfortable and inviting spots for relaxation and contemplation amidst the beauty of the garden. Additionally, stones can be used as decorative accents, such as boulders, sculptures, or focal points within garden beds, adding visual interest and creating a sense of drama.
8. Mulch Alternatives: Instead of traditional organic mulches, such as wood chips or bark, stones can be used as a low-maintenance alternative. Gravel, crushed stone, or river rocks can be spread over garden beds to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and add a decorative touch to the landscape.

The Importance of Stone Colour in Landscaping

In landscaping, the colour of stone plays a crucial role in shaping the overall aesthetic and ambiance of outdoor spaces. Whether used for pathways, retaining walls, or decorative accents, the colour of stone can significantly impact the visual impact of the landscape. Here’s why stone colour matters:

1. Aesthetic Harmony: Choosing the right colour of stone ensures aesthetic harmony within the landscape. Stone that complements the surrounding environment, such as the hues of existing vegetation, architectural features, or outdoor furnishings, creates a cohesive and visually appealing composition.
2. Mood and Atmosphere: The colour of stone can influence the mood and atmosphere of outdoor spaces. Warm-toned stones, such as shades of brown, tan, and gold, evoke a sense of warmth and cosiness, perfect for creating inviting outdoor living areas. In contrast, cool-toned stones, such as gray, blue, and green, impart a serene and tranquil ambiance, ideal for meditation gardens or reflective spaces.
3. Visual Interest and Contrast: Incorporating stones with varying colours adds visual interest and contrast to the landscape. Contrasting colours can highlight architectural features, define pathways, and draw the eye to focal points within the garden, creating a dynamic and engaging outdoor environment.
4. Seasonal Variation: Consideration of seasonal changes is essential when selecting stone colours. Stones that complement the seasonal foliage, such as vibrant reds and oranges in autumn or cool blues and greens in spring, can enhance the beauty of the landscape throughout the year, creating a dynamic and ever-changing outdoor experience.

Matching Stone Colours with Other Landscape Features

To achieve harmonious colour coordination within the landscape, it’s essential to consider the following factors when matching stone colours with other landscape features:

1. Existing Elements: Take stock of existing elements within the landscape, such as the colour of existing structures, vegetation, and outdoor furnishings. Select stone colours that complement or enhance these features to create a cohesive and unified design.
2. Natural Surroundings: Consider the natural surroundings, including the colours of the soil, rocks, and vegetation. Choose stone colours that harmonise with the natural palette of the environment to create a seamless transition between built and natural elements.
3. Design Intent: Determine the design intent and desired aesthetic of the landscape. Whether aiming for a rustic, traditional, or contemporary look, select stone colours that align with the overall design theme and style of the outdoor space.
4. Sample Testing: Before making a final decision, obtain samples of different stone colours and textures and place them in the intended location within the landscape. Observe how the colours interact with the surrounding elements and how they change throughout the day in different lighting conditions.
5. Professional Advice: Consult with landscape designers or horticulturists for expert advice on selecting stone colours that harmonise with the landscape and achieve the desired design objectives.

Application Advice

Here’s an overview of stone installation in the garden landscape, covering the best practices for laying stones in paths and walkways, applying stone veneer to walls, using gabion cages for retaining walls, and incorporating stones into water features:

Laying Stones in Paths and Walkways

Paths and walkways serve as functional elements in the garden landscape, providing access and guiding visitors through outdoor spaces. Here’s the best way to lay stones for paths and walkways:

• Preparation: Start by outlining the path’s layout and excavating the area to the desired depth, removing any existing vegetation or debris.
• Base Layer: Lay a base layer of compacted gravel or crushed stone to provide stability and drainage for the pathway.
• Setting Stones: Arrange the stones in the desired pattern, leaving consistent gaps between them for jointing material.
• Jointing Material: Fill the gaps between stones with sand, gravel, or mortar to secure them in place and prevent shifting.
• Finishing Touches: Compact the stones and jointing material with a tamper or roller to ensure a level surface, and add a top layer of sand or gravel to fill any remaining gaps and provide a finished appearance.

Applying Stone Veneer to Walls

Stone veneer can be used to enhance the appearance of exterior walls, garden walls, and other vertical surfaces in the landscape. Here’s how to apply stone veneer to a wall:

• Surface Preparation: Clean the wall surface and ensure it is structurally sound, free of debris, and properly waterproofed if necessary.
• Priming: Apply a layer of bonding primer to the wall surface to improve adhesion between the stone veneer and the substrate.
• Installing the Veneer: Apply a layer of mortar or adhesive to the back of each stone veneer panel and press it firmly onto the wall surface, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
• Grouting: Fill the joints between the stone veneer panels with mortar or grout to create a seamless appearance and improve stability.
• Finishing Touches: Clean any excess mortar or grout from the surface of the stone veneer, and allow it to cure fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Using Gabion Cages for Retaining Walls

Gabion cages are wire mesh containers filled with stones or other materials and used for constructing retaining walls, garden borders, and decorative features. Here’s how gabion cages can help with retaining walls:

• Assembly: Construct the gabion cages by connecting the wire mesh panels and securing them with wire ties or clips.
• Filling: Fill the gabion cages with a suitable aggregate material, such as crushed stone or river rocks, ensuring even distribution and compaction.
• Placement: Stack the filled gabion cages in a staggered pattern to create a stable and visually appealing retaining wall.
• Reinforcement: Depending on the height and structural requirements of the retaining wall, additional reinforcement such as steel rods or geogrid may be necessary to provide stability and prevent bulging.
• Finishing Touches: Add a top cap or coping to the retaining wall to provide a finished appearance and protect the gabion cages from weathering and erosion.

Incorporating Stones into Water Features

Stones can be used creatively in water features such as ponds, waterfalls, and streams to add natural beauty and visual interest. Here’s how to incorporate stones into water features:

• Naturalisation: Arrange stones around the edges of ponds or water features to create a naturalistic transition between water and land.
• Waterfall Construction: Use larger stones to construct the framework of waterfalls and cascades, ensuring proper placement and alignment to achieve the desired flow and aesthetic.
• Streambed Design: Arrange stones in the streambed to create riffles, pools, and eddies, mimicking the natural flow of water and providing habitat for aquatic plants and wildlife.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: Select stones of varying sizes, shapes, and colors to create visual interest and texture within the water feature, and incorporate aquatic plants and lighting for added ambiance.

By following these guidelines for stone installation in the garden landscape, homeowners and landscape designers can create stunning outdoor environments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, incorporating stones in paths, walls, water features, and more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the incorporation of stones into garden landscapes is a transformative element that elevates both the functionality and beauty of outdoor spaces. From pathways and retaining walls to water features and decorative accents, stones offer endless possibilities for creating captivating and harmonious environments.

Selecting the right stone and color is paramount in achieving a cohesive and visually appealing landscape design. Whether aiming for aesthetic harmony with existing elements, setting the mood and atmosphere, or creating visual interest through contrast, careful consideration of stone color enhances the overall ambiance of outdoor spaces.