Mixing Stone With Vegetation

Xeriscape is a method of landscaping that replaces high-water-consuming vegetation, such as lawns and certain shrubs, with more decorative rich stone elements and native, drought-tolerant plant life. Xeriscape is a minimalist landscape approach which results in an easy-to-care-for garden or outdoor space that also helps reduce water usage. Well planned and properly executed xeriscaping can add beauty and value to your outdoor space. Finding the right balance between stone and vegetation makes all the difference

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTS

Choosing the right vegetation–and the right amount of it–is just as important as choosing the right kind and color of stone to adorn the ground around the water friendly plants in your xeriscape space.

Create a list of vegetation you want to use, and determine where the various plants might be best placed within your design. When planning the design of your garden space, consider the overall size, texture, and blooming season of the plants to ensure added interest through your garden or yard.

Xeriscape should be designed around the use of native plants which require much less water than some non-native plants. Consult local garden centers if you are unaware of which plants are native to the region in which you live, and which non-native plants can still work for your climate.

Consider plants that have thicker stems and leaves. This feature in a plant allows it to store water much longer than thin stem and leaf varieties. Examples of such plants include sedums, hens-and-chicks, ice plants, moss roses, and other succulent varieties.

CHOOSING YOUR STONE

Combine layers of colorful crushed stone to create artistic ground patterns. Selectively insert larger slab stone pieces within your designs to create beautiful paths. The stone you choose for ground cover is important. It is the foundational design of your space. Consider choosing complementing colors and sizes. This will help with variety, and add considerable pop in your design. It will also help your vegetation either stand out or blend in as you have designed. 

Smaller crushed stone is ideal for covering large areas. Place larger patio stones along the walkways to reduce the amount of crushed stone needed, and to create a beautiful path. Line your paths with mid-sized river rock or beach stones. 

Choose small boulder and column pieces to place among the plants. Choose larger boulders, columns, or monoliths to create a focal point or markers in the garden space.

USE YOUR IMAGINATION

It is important to not overload your space with vegetation. Instead, lay out your pattern of ground cover, then selectively place your plants and larger stone pieces within your base design to add focus, interest, color and variety to your garden space.

Our experts can help you design a beautiful water-conserving garden or outdoor living space. You can reduce your water consumption footprint and still enjoy an eye-popping outdoor space! With Xeriscape landscaping, the possibilities of what your yard can become are virtually unlimited. Add a whole new level of depth and elegance to your xeriscape pathway with in-ground lighting. Utilize boulders, monoliths, or stone columns as markers or focal points in your xeriscape designs.