Backyard Landscaping Stone Idea

Arbors and Trellises

• You can break up wide-open backyard space with stone arbors and trellises. An arbor is a free-standing arch that climbing plants are meant to grow around. A trellis is a free-standing section of wall that is also meant for climbing plants to grow over. You can create small specialized gardens and conversation nooks with an old-world feel with artfully placed stone arbors and trellises. Encourage climbing vines, such as ivy and grape, to grow up along them. Hang flowers from the tops of arbors. A backyard broken up into a set of individual spaces can become one large piece of landscaping by tying them together with stone paths.

Pathways

• You can make stone pathways with flagstones that are sunk in level to the ground. Use stones that are at least ¾ inch thick. Thinner stones crack too easily. Stone pathways can show people how to get from one place to another. They can also tie together different areas of your backyard. Stone pathways provide a pleasing contrast to the green of a lawn. You can lay your paving stones next to each other to form a solid path or arrange them in geometric or abstract patterns, making the path itself a work of art.

Furniture

• You can furnish your backyard with stone furniture. Stone furniture will not stain or break because of harsh weather, and can complement the look of conversation nooks and gardens with walls or arbors of stone. Benches, tables, and chairs are all popular types of stone furniture, which is usually made out of granite or marble.

Water Fountains

• You can center a garden or other area around a stone water fountain. The water, both as a fountain out of rock and pooling into a stone basin, can complement your greenery. If your backyard is partitioned off into separate spaces, the stone fountain can become a pleasant surprise for wandering guests. Granite and marble are the most common stones used for water fountains.