Natural stones offer lasting beauty, durability, and versatility, making them a top choice for landscaping projects. They enhance outdoor spaces with a timeless appeal while providing functional benefits such as erosion control and low maintenance. They come in various types with unique characteristics, helping you create outdoor spaces that blend with their surroundings.
Below, we explore some of the most popular natural stones for landscaping and how they can be effectively used in your projects.
1. Flagstone
Flagstone is widely favored for patios and pathways. Its flat, irregular pieces provide a natural look with excellent slip resistance. The earthy tones and varied shapes of this stone also allow for creative, custom layouts that blend seamlessly into gardens and yards.
2. Granite
Granite is an extremely durable, hard igneous rock that withstands weather and heavy foot traffic. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, from light gray to deep reds and greens. It is often used for walkways, outdoor steps, and polished surfaces, such as countertops or benches. Granite also works well in dry-stack stone walls, which provide a natural, mortar-free look that suits rustic landscapes.
3. Limestone
Limestone offers soft, muted colors and a smooth texture. Large blocks are well-suited for retaining walls that serve both structural and aesthetic purposes. Smaller pieces are often used for patios, walkways, and garden borders. While it is softer than granite, limestone holds up well in outdoor conditions and pairs easily with a wide range of design styles.
4. Slate
Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that naturally splits into thin, flat sheets. It is available in shades of gray, black, green, and purple, providing a refined and elegant look for gardens. Its natural slip resistance makes it a safe option for outdoor surfaces, particularly paving patios, walkways, and pool surrounds.
5. Sandstone
Sandstone harmonizes well with natural landscapes, thanks to its warm, earthy colors such as reds, browns, and tans. Its porous nature allows it to absorb heat, making it comfortable for patios and walkways. This stone can be easily cut and shaped, making it suitable for custom features such as benches, retaining walls, and decorative borders.
Tips To Make the Most of Natural Stones for Landscaping
Keep these practical tips in mind to maximize the impact of your stone features:
- Plan for function and style. Consider how the stones will be used and ensure they fit your overall design vision.
- Use a mix of sizes and textures. This creates visual contrast and helps tie the design into the surrounding environment.
- Incorporate native stone when possible. They are often more affordable since they are locally sourced.
- Leverage dry-stack techniques for walls. It allows for natural movement, effective drainage, and a more natural appearance without the use of mortar.
- Balance stones with greenery. Plants offer a soft contrast to the hard edges of stone, creating a more inviting and balanced outdoor space.
- Consider maintenance needs. Choose stone types that align with your long-term upkeep preferences—some stones weather more evenly and resist staining better than others. Some natural stones need to be sealed to prevent staining.
- Use large stones as focal points. Boulders or oversized pieces draw attention and define space, whether used alone or in groups.
- Layer stones for stability and style. Thoughtful layering, especially on slopes or raised beds, improves both the structural stability and the overall design impact.
Well Rooted Gardens: Crafting Stunning Landscapes With Natural Stones
If you’re looking for a trusted company to handle your natural stone landscaping, look no further than Well Rooted Gardens! With more than 23 years of experience, we combine design expertise with hands‑on craftsmanship to build hardscapes that are visually striking and built to last.
Call 402-800-7389 or contact us today to start your project!