Pebbles,  stones and  rocks can add to your backyard design and garden areas. And if you have a supply on your property this will make for a reasonably priced backyard makeover.
photo credit: vladimir.frolov

I happen to have an abundant supply of rock and gravel at the moment. Unfortunately the flooding and storms we had this summer did not place it in the correct place. But in time these rock piles will make small walls around the property and a new driveway for the front yard.

Paths and Drives

Paths and drives add to a landscape and become very low maintenance when covered with a topping of small natural stone pebbles. The pebble size you choose needs to take into account how the path or drive will be used. Heavy car traffic or foot traffic areas need smaller stones, as they are more comfortable underfoot and better for cars to drive over.

photo credit: www.a-middletonphotography.com

Gravel drives and paths should have retaining edging to hold the stones in place. This is especially important if you have a sloped yard and run off after a rainstorm.  Your drive and paths will need to be topped up with extra stone occasionally. I find every four years my areas need a small new topping.

Water Features

A garden water feature adds beauty and atmosphere to any yard or garden. They can be very small or quite large and bold. The main thoughts when selecting a water feature is how will it fit into the family lifestyle and how will it relate to your current landscaping?

When planning a water feature you can incorporate natural stone in a variety of ways. Larger stones around the edge of the feature can add character to your backyard design. And pebbles can also be used to cover the base of the water feature and to cover up any cords or pumps that are used to power it.

Tip: Before choosing your stone remember to wet a sample, as this is how it will look in your water feature.

Ponds

The same rule applies with ponds to wet your sample and check the color of the stone.

Natural stone is normally dusty when collected and when the dust comes off the real color is revealed. Collecting stone can turn into a family event and you will be surprised and pleased with what beautiful stone you can collect. Just remember to ask before you pick up rocks or stone on property that does not belong to you.

Ponds look great with a built-up edging. And by varying the edging you will create a natural look. Remember to mix and match various sized stones for a more natural look.

photo credit: borkur.net

Adding stone to your backyard will create a new look quickly. You can even add a rock garden and add plants that thrive in such a surrounding. Slopes and hard to landscape area lend their selves to rock gardens.

There are many uses for rock, stone and pebbles in your landscaping plans. Explore the possibilities and see if using rock in your yard and gardens will cut back on time spend in the garden and yard.

Technorati Tags: backyard design, backyard projects, ponds, rock projects, water features

Everyone has their own idea of what a Backyard Oasis would be but to me it’s my own private paradise that is a few steps away at all times. It’s so relaxing to head out the door in the morning and take in the fresh air and listen to the wildlife that also enjoys my yard.

photo credit: TenaciousR
One area that my backyard is lacking in would be a water garden, ponds and a miniature backyard waterfall. These features will be added to my backyard design this spring. Until them I can only look at gardening catalogs and dream of creating a backyard oasis filled with the sounds of running water and backyardfish.

This you tube about a Backyard Oasis Paradise that features ponds, beautiful water garden plants and a backyard waterfall caught my attention. Between its beauty and relaxing music it’s like being out in your own backyard oasis. It gave me ideas for my garden plans while I am waiting for the snow to melt.

At this time I am leaning towards adding a small water garden with Koi Fish and water plants, particularly water lilies and lotus plants. I can grow lotus plants in my zone 5 growing zone but I place them in a wire basket and move them in the winter. It’s a little more work but there is something about lotus plants and their striking beauty.

As spring approaches for many of us it the perfect time to make plans to add a water garden to your backyard garden oasis. The entire family and your friends will find your yard the perfect place to relax.

Technorati Tags: backyard design, backyard garden oasis, backyard oasis, backyard waterfall, koi fish, lotus plants, ponds, water garden, water lilies