Rock Uses for Ground Cover

Patios

• Flat, even stones like sandstone, limestone, flagstone or slate make excellent patios when laid on a bed of sand or minus gravel, which is finely crushed rock. Minus gravel and sand will pack down and hold the stones in place. Rock patios are nearly indestructible and can be a stunning addition to any backyard. These stones can also be used to create pathways and driveways, but sandstone may not be the best choice since tires will leave black marks on the stones. Sandstone will erode when scrubbed, unlike the other stones.

Yards

• In arid regions crushed rock is frequently used in yards to reduce outdoor water consumption. Many of these landscapes employ the combination of rocks and crushed rocks combined with native plants that do not consume much water. While crushed rock is popular in lieu of lawns in hot, arid climates, crushed rock will work anywhere people want to use it. Rock doesn't need to be fed, watered, or mowed, and combined with plants, these landscapes can be attractive. Plant debris like dead leaves, twigs, and branches are easy to clean off rocks and crushed rock with rakes and blowers.

Rock Gardens

• Where native soil is poor, rock gardens can be constructed and planting soil added to create a beautiful accent area in a yard. Small plants thrive in the small places created by piling rocks on top of each other, especially when round or oval rocks are used to form the garden. These gardens can have a wide variety of plants in them that provide a long season of color and texture. Once built, these gardens will last for many years and if annual plants are used in them, the appearance can be changed every season.