When it comes to incorporating materials into your garden design, river stone is a great choice. It will last forever, comes in attractive shapes and sizes, and can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Here are some creative and practical ways to use it in your outdoor space.
Landscape designs
Pathways
Smooth river stones create appealing, natural pathways to lead you around your outdoor space. Incorporate steppers into your design, scattering river stones around the edges to enhance the look of your path.
Garden borders
River stone can add definition to your garden beds. Dig a shallow trench, approximately 5cm to 10cm deep, and place the stones to create the desired look. They are great for gardens with curved edges. If you want to make a dry riverbed along your garden edge, you can place larger stones on the outer edge and smaller ones inside to mimic a natural waterway. They can also help to direct water away from your plants. For a clean, modern look, use timber, steel or bricks to create a frame and fill it with river stones. The options are endless – be creative!
Japanese-inspired gardens
For a peaceful and minimalist landscape design, river stone is an excellent material to work with. Combined with different-sized rocks, the river stone works to mirror nature. Remember that Japanese gardens utilise asymmetry and negative space to create a sense of tranquillity and peace. Less is more when aiming for this aesthetic.
Practical use of river stone
Mulch alternative
River stone won’t break down like other forms of mulch. It is particularly effective in windy, dry environments. It looks great with succulents, cacti and drought-resistant plants.
Drainage
River stone is an excellent filler in wet areas and can be used to create a French drain system.
Pot toppers
River stones are great for placing on top of potted plants to help retain moisture and deter pests. They discourage fungus gnats by covering the wet soil where they lay eggs. They also prevent soil splash, so will keep your foliage and surfaces clean after watering. River stone is also an effective way to add weight to stabilise tall or heavy pots.
Plateau Landscapes is your landscape and garden superstore. We sell a range of river stone in different sizes – available by the cubic metre.