by Lisa Truesdale
rock beds make landscaping low-maintenance and beautiful
WHEN IT COMES to landscaping in the Southwest, an eco-friendly and low-maintenance option is also one of the most eye-catching. Rock beds—with rocks ranging in size from tiny pieces of crushed stone to giant boulders—add interest, dimension, texture and even swaths of color (yes, really) to your yard.
Rock landscaping is suitable for virtually any type of yard— especially those with steep slopes, says Scott Lardner, president of Rocky Mountain Stone in Albuquerque. “It’s generally very difficult to grow grass or any other living ground cover on steep slopes due to the water drainage that is difficult to contain,” he explains. “Larger-sized crushed aggregate will stay in place over time.”
Interested in installing a decorative and functional rock bed? Read on for tips from Lardner and Donna Nash, owner of A Woman’s Touch, a Santa Fe design firm specializing in sustainable landscapes.
Plan your space. Lardner says an entire yard covered with dirt and rock isn’t very appealing. “I’m a fan of having some diversity in a landscape,” he says, “so plan for some green areas or pockets of trees to make it more interesting.” A designer can determine which areas of your yard should be landscaped with rocks, which rocks to use, and where to plant native, low-water plants that thrive in the high-desert environment. Nash advises against planting directly in rock beds, though: “Rocks tend to compact the soil, inhibiting healthy root spreading.”
Choose carefully. When selecting hardscaping materials, consider the area you’re covering. Crushed aggregates are best for walking paths or driveways because they compact and “lock” together, providing a stable surface, says Lardner. Because these rocks are blasted directly from the quarry, they don’t contain contaminants that could lead to weeds. Round stones from drainage pathways like rivers and arroyos may have organic matter and clay; they’re best for areas without foot or vehicle traffic. You can also include a large boulder or a series of stone columns as a focal point.
Add color. Although round rocks from the Rio Grande Valley are typically gray or brown, aggregates come in a variety of colors, from brown and ivory to pink and blue. “Earth tones blend well with the desert landscape,” says Nash. “You can also find softer shades of bluish-grays that are wonderful for highlighting perennial beds.”
Get creative. Swirls, swooshes, circles, stripes—the possibilities are endless. A landscape designer can help with custom, stylized patterns like a dry “riverbed” meandering throughout your yard or a design resembling a waterfall spilling from a small hillside. Nash, who is also a beekeeper, likes to incorporate small water features to welcome pollinators. “Granite water features use regenerated water from a buried holding container,” she says. “They add that crucial element of a serene, meditative space. You’re surrounded by the colors and scents in your garden, combined with the soothing sounds of a stream.”
Enjoy the benefits. Rock beds don’t decay or decompose, so your yard stays clean and beautiful for years. They also don’t need to be watered, weeded, mulched or fertilized, leaving you more time to enjoy your lovely landscape and its stunning curb appeal.
resources
Rocky Mountain Stone
A Woman’s Touch
