Examples of Landscape Borders Using Rocks

Types of Rock

• Nearly any kind of rocks work as landscape borders. Make your selection based on their color, size, finish and texture so the rocks define spaces and tie in with your existing landscaping. For example, dark and smooth river rocks create a peaceful look in a garden while larger chunks of quartz add more texture and often a light color.

Basic Installation Techniques

• Several installation methods apply to rock borders. The easiest way to begin installing most medium-sized rocks as border edging is to dig a trench slightly wider than the rocks and about one-half as deep as the rocks. Place the rocks in the trench so the rocks touch each other as much as possible; the more they touch, the more powerful the edging works to prevent weed and grass encroachment. Pounding them in place with a rubber mallet sets them securely. Fill the remainder of the trench with soil if necessary.

  If the rocks are large and flat, then they can be stacked. Another option is to create multiple rows of oddly shaped rocks to make them more effective as border edging.

Permanent Installation

• Basic installation techniques allow you to move the rocks at any time, but those methods don't always create stability in border edging. Using mortar or mastic between stacked stones ensures the rocks won't fall if they are bumped accidentally. Setting a mosaic of river rocks in a thin band of cement creates a low border that is simple to mow over with a lawnmower instead of a weed trimmer.

Uses

• Most landscape border edging surrounds flowerbeds in backyard gardens. With a little creativity, however, rock border edging can be used in other areas as well. For example, lining mulch pathways with rocks helps to define the paths and keep the mulch from washing away, and placing rocks beside paved paths helps transition from solid ground to grass and flowerbeds. Rocks also add interesting texture when used to border a driveway or sidewalk to a front door.