If you want a balanced and beautiful patio or backyard, then choosing the right elements will make a difference. It’s not always about the most expensive materials. Rock and mulch, for instance, is a favorite among DIYers and professional landscapers for their versatility and affordability. You can spot these components at work in cottages, suburban bungalows, and even celebrity homes.
Interested in rock and mulch landscaping? Here’s how to get started.
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Why Use Mulch and Rocks for Landscaping?
Whether you’re after a small, cozy backyard or a Midwestern patio with lots of personality, rock and mulch can give long-lasting benefits beyond the aesthetics. They’re a great option for landscapers and DIY gardeners because they are cost-efficient, low maintenance, and provide a natural look for any type of yard. It’s a matter of understanding when and how to use each.
Mulch, for instance, is an awesome addition to topsoil for giving extra nutrients for plants. Stone, on the other hand, can be used on walkways or for bordering plant beds. Mulch can get expensive compared to stone as you’ll need to change it every year. Stone is a better weed killer than mulch. Put them together and they can make your garden a stunning green escape.
Before using rock and mulch, factor in your budget, time, and yard theme in mind. For example: collecting rocks and stone will surely save you money – but may steal precious hours of your weekend. Hiring a professional will save time and energy; but it will no doubt cost you. Do your research before jumping into anything.
Best Rock and Mulch Landscaping Ideas
Rock and mulch work beautifully together and are relatively inexpensive. They are sure to complement any type of yard project, too. Explore the best rock and mulch landscaping ideas right here!
1. Succulent Corner Landscaping
Credits to Farm Food Family
Want a mid-western style garden? With succulents, it’s possible – not to mention, low-maintenance as well. Use small pebbles, gravel and rock for texture, and add straw and lucerne as mulch. Just don’t put them near the base of the plants to avoid retaining moisture.
2. Sloped Gardens
Credits to Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design
A sloping backyard can be challenging to landscape. But not with the help of the right mulch and rocks. River rocks are wonderful options for variety, whereas mulch can make tress and shrubs stand out. They’re also great for transitional gardens.
3. Get Creative with Shapes
Credits to A Nest with a Yard
Don’t be afraid to create eye-catching designs in your yard! Experiment using different rocks and slabs, include small trees, or even decorate with potted plants. Offbeat shapes are a fun way to draw the eye to your focal point, especially in small gardens.
4. Rock and mulch on Two Different Sides
Credits to Farm Food Family
You don’t even need to put rocks and mulch together. You can create contrast by placing just rocks on side, and mulch on the other. The rocks could serve as a base for water features such as fountains, ponds, or a small waterfall. The mulch, on the other hand, would soften the look as base for flowers, hedges, or grass.
5. Leveled Garden Beds
Credits to Planted Well
Leveled gardens are beautiful and functional. They work well for themed gardens (e.g., Fairytale, Mediterranean, Tropical, Medicinal/Apothecary, etc.) and for those with sloping backyards. Make levels of various shapes and heights using stones, bricks, and pebbles, then add mulch based on the type of plants you want.
6. Boulder Pathways
Credits to Barrett Studio Architects
Introduce the ‘wow’ factor immediately even before guests enter your home with imposing boulders and large stone slabs. Soften the corner with ornamental grasses, shrubs, perennials, and evergreens on mulch.
7. Japanese Crossover Garden Idea
Credits to Farm Food Family
Want something Asian-inspired but not exactly ready for a Zen garden? A crossover could be what you’re looking for. With a few Japanese elements mixed with a rustic look, this rock and mulch landscaping idea features irregular fieldstones on a bed of red Hemlock mulch.
8. Add Water Works
Credits to Aden Landscaping
Water features like fountains, waterfalls, ponds, or even pools can make any garden look majestic. For fountains, adding river rocks should give it a natural, organic vibe.
9. Compare and Contrast
Credits to A Nest with a Yard
Putting rocks beside mulch (especially those made from bark, wood chips, or bark) will create an interesting contrast to any yard. This is an affordable and easy landscaping trick, too!
10. Water Puddling Solution
Credits to Farm Food Family
Rock and mulch landscaping is not only beautiful, it’s also a wonderful puddling solution. Mix mulch made from bark and wood chips, then border them with rocks and crushed gravel for variation. The mulch will help absorb water and act as an efficient drainage.
11. Center Fire Pit
Credits to Outdoor Happens
A trendy yet practical addition to any yard or garden is a fire pit! Use it to roast marshmallows during summer months and then sit around it for warmth come winter. Smooth-cut rock slabs against wood mulch should provide the perfect backdrop for your family fire pit.
12. Grass Alternative
Credits to Farm Food Family
Can’t grow grass? Don’t worry – rock and mulch are the best alternative. Why not make a stone bench? And there are good mulch varieties to help improve your soil’s conditions so you can plant all kinds of shrubs, flowers, and vegetables in your garden.
13. Desert Rock Garden
Credits to 1Kindesign
Low-maintenance, idyllic, and best for hot climate, desert rock gardens featuring rock and mulch landscaping is a dream. Make sure to include native plants and succulents to complete the look.
14. Compact Landscaping
Credits to Farm Food Family
Who says you need a lot of space? This landscape design with mulch and rocks is ideal for homes with small yards but still presents plenty of aesthetic opportunity. Experiment with geometric patterns for a modern yet gorgeous result.
15. For Bordering
Credits to Homespecially
Yards aren’t the only places that needs landscaping. You can border the sides of your home with attractive rocks, mulch, and plants. It’s easy, affordable, and looks amazing!
What do you think? Ready to give rock and mulch landscaping a try?