Using Decorative Landscaping Rock as Landscape Edging

Creating a beautiful and well-defined yard can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your home. One effective way to achieve this is by using decorative landscaping rock as landscape edging. This technique not only adds a visual appeal but also serves functional purposes such as preventing soil erosion and delineating different areas of your garden. In this blog post by Kilgore Landscape Center, we’ll explore the benefits of using decorative rock as edging, the types of rocks you can use, design ideas, and tips for installation and maintenance.

Benefits of Using Decorative Rock as Edging

Visual Appeal

Decorative rock can instantly elevate the aesthetic of your yard. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, allowing you to customize the look of your landscape to match your personal style and home’s architecture. Whether you prefer a rustic, natural look or a more polished and modern design, there is a type of decorative rock that can meet your needs.

Durability

Unlike other edging materials such as wood or plastic, decorative rocks are incredibly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. They do not rot, warp, or fade, making them a long-lasting solution for your landscape edging needs. This durability ensures that your garden remains well-defined and beautiful year-round without frequent replacements.

Low Maintenance

Once installed, decorative rock edging requires minimal maintenance. Unlike plant borders that need regular pruning or wooden edges that may need painting or staining, rocks maintain their appearance with little effort. Occasional cleaning to remove debris and repositioning any displaced rocks is typically all that’s needed.

Prevents Soil Erosion

Using rocks as landscape edging helps prevent soil erosion, especially on sloped areas. The rocks act as a barrier, holding the soil in place and preventing it from washing away during heavy rains. This not only helps maintain the integrity of your garden design but also protects your plants’ root systems.

Weed Control

Rocks can help suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds. When combined with a weed barrier fabric, rock edging can significantly reduce the amount of time and effort you spend weeding your garden.

Types of Decorative Landscaping Rock

Choosing the right type of rock for your landscape edging is crucial for achieving the desired look and functionality. Here are some popular options:

River Rocks

River rocks are smooth, rounded stones that come in various sizes and colors. Their natural appearance makes them ideal for creating a rustic or organic look in your garden. They are perfect for edging water features, flower beds, and pathways.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel consists of small, rounded stones that are easy to work with and come in various colors. It is ideal for creating a clean, polished look and is often used to edge pathways, patios, and flower beds.

Lava Rocks

Lava rocks are porous, lightweight stones that come in red, black, and grey tones. Their unique texture and color make them a striking choice for edging flower beds and other garden areas. Lava rocks are also great for mulching as they retain moisture and provide excellent drainage.

Crushed Stone

Crushed stone is a versatile option that comes in various sizes and colors. It is ideal for creating a more structured and formal look. Crushed stone works well for edging driveways, pathways, and large garden beds.

Flagstone

Flagstone consists of large, flat stones that can be used to create a natural, stepping-stone effect. They are ideal for edging pathways, patios, and creating garden borders. Flagstone comes in various colors, including red, blue, and grey, allowing you to match it to your overall garden design.

Design Ideas for Rock Edging

Classic Border

Create a classic garden border by lining your flower beds with small to medium-sized rocks. This simple yet elegant design helps define the edges of your beds and provides a neat and tidy appearance. Use rocks that complement the colors of your flowers and foliage for a cohesive look.

Rustic Pathway

Enhance the natural beauty of your garden pathways by edging them with river rocks or flagstones. This rustic design creates a charming, country-style look that invites you to stroll through your garden. Pair this edging with a gravel or mulch pathway for a cohesive design.

Multi-Layered Edging

Add depth and dimension to your garden by using multi-layered rock edging. Start with larger stones at the back and gradually use smaller stones towards the front. This tiered effect creates visual interest and can make small garden beds appear larger.

Water Feature Edging

Enhance your water features by edging them with decorative rocks. Use river rocks or smooth pebbles to create a natural, flowing look around ponds, fountains, or waterfalls. This design not only looks beautiful but also helps keep the water feature’s edges clean and defined.

Installation Tips

Plan Your Design

Before you start installing your rock edging, plan your design carefully. Outline the areas you want to edge and decide on the type of rocks you’ll use. Consider factors such as the size of your garden, the existing landscape elements, and your overall garden design.

Prepare the Ground

Clear the area where you’ll be placing the rocks. Remove any grass, weeds, or debris and level the ground. If necessary, dig a shallow trench to place the rocks in, ensuring they sit securely and don’t shift over time.

Lay a Weed Barrier

To prevent weeds from growing through the rock edging, lay a weed barrier fabric on the prepared ground. This will also help keep the rocks in place and make maintenance easier.

Position the Rocks

Start placing the rocks along the edge of your garden bed, pathway, or other areas. Position them closely together to create a continuous border. For larger rocks, you may need to use a rubber mallet to tap them into place.

Fill in the Gaps

Once the rocks are in place, fill in any gaps with smaller stones or gravel. This will help create a seamless look and prevent weeds from growing between the rocks.

Compact the Edging

After positioning the rocks and filling in the gaps, gently compact the edging by pressing down on the rocks. This will help secure them in place and create a stable border.

Maintenance Tips

Regular Cleaning

Keep your rock edging looking its best by regularly cleaning it. Remove any leaves, debris, or dirt that accumulates on the rocks. You can use a garden hose or a soft brush to clean the rocks without displacing them.

Weed Control

Although rocks help suppress weeds, some may still find their way through. Regularly check your rock edging for any weeds and remove them promptly. Using a natural weed killer can also help keep weeds at bay.

Repositioning Rocks

Over time, some rocks may shift or become dislodged. Periodically check your rock edging and reposition any displaced rocks to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.

Refreshing the Rocks

Depending on the type of rocks you use, they may fade or become dirty over time. Refresh your rock edging by adding a new layer of rocks or cleaning the existing ones thoroughly.

Conclusion

Using decorative landscaping rock as landscape edging is an excellent way to enhance the beauty and functionality of your garden. With various types of rocks to choose from and numerous design possibilities, you can create a stunning and low-maintenance landscape that suits your style and needs. At Kilgore Landscape Center, we offer a wide range of decorative rocks and landscaping products to help you achieve your garden vision. Contact us today to get started on transforming your yard with beautiful rock edging.