There are a number of different options for river rock landscaping. River rocks can be used for making pathways to gardens, mailboxes, and driveways. They are also utilized as borders around lawns, ponds, and outbuildings. River rock landscaping is sometimes used to control the growth of grass and weeds around mailboxes, flagpoles, carports and drainpipes. River rocks can also be spread under canopies and at the entrance to decks and patios.
One of the most common uses of river rock landscaping is for pathways. These pathways can lead to a front or rear door, mailbox, driveway, or outbuilding. River rocks are frequently used to create a small footpath through a flower garden. Another common use for these rocks is to create a dry riverbed effect on barren areas of a lawn. This method of river rock landscaping typically utilizes pea gravel.
River rocks can be spread around the edges of pond liners to create a more natural-looking appearance. They are sometimes used to provide a textured covering for the bottom of pond liners as well. These rocks are also utilized along the edges of small streams to make the area less muddy. The addition of river rocks at the bottom of waterfalls can help inhibit erosion. These rocks can also be used to build up soil depressions near drainpipes.
These stones are frequently spread as a border for flower gardens and are sometimes scattered within the garden as well. River rocks can also be utilized as a border for an entire yard. This material is also often spread along fence lines to prevent the growth of tall, unsightly grass. A layer of river rocks around a mailbox, birdhouse, or flagpole may help to eliminate unwanted grass and weeds. This same technique can be used to conceal the ends of drainpipes.
River rock landscaping can be placed next to the foundation of a home to prevent dirt and debris from splashing onto the exterior walls during a rainstorm. They are sometimes mixed with mortar to create a texture paving material for driveways, sidewalks, patios, and steps. River rocks may also be used without mortar for driveways and parking areas. They can be utilized as an inexpensive paving surface under carport canopies as well.
These rocks are very useful for landscaping areas around and beneath swings and other types of playground equipment. River rocks are also helpful at the entrances to exterior doorways, decks, and outbuildings. These stones may also be used as a base for large rocks and boulders to keep them from settling. River rocks are sometimes arranged into small mounds in cactus gardens to give the appearance of a desert.