Review author: Terrari School of Design
Landscape designers are increasingly advising to emphasize the beauty of garden plots with a harmonious combination of landscape and natural stones.
You can use stones to decorate flower beds in your dacha, and you can do it yourself. Stone flower beds can be easily combined with various elements and buildings on the site.
Stones suitable for creating flower beds
In landscape design, it is popular not only to create small architectural forms, but also to decorate flower beds with stones. Various materials are suitable for this purpose. These are both natural rocks and artificial analogues.
The most popular are:
- Small pebbles;
- Natural pebbles with beautiful appearance;
- All kinds of debris, elements specially created for decoration.
Stone decor can be an excellent complement to a piece of vegetation. Sometimes stones are given the main roles. This decor looks bright and unusual.
It goes well with natural paths, paving, and other elements of landscape decor.
Pebbles
It is famous for its minimal cost; it is often used in the design of flower beds. Has advantages:
- beautiful view;
- smooth surface;
- variety of colors.
This material allows you to create contours. Pebbles complement the decorative design.
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Popular types of flower beds with stones
When you mention beautiful flower beds with stones, an alpine slide and rock garden immediately come to mind. These are the most popular types of flower beds containing rocks. Third place in popularity goes to a typical flower bed decorated with stones.
Slate
It is a plastic, waterproof material. Its distinctive features are:
- layered structure;
- division into separate plates;
- retains its original appearance for decades.
Its condition is not affected by fungi, chemicals and temperature changes. Disadvantages include overpricing, but you can look for substandard ones or wholesale prices.
Alpine slide
The most popular is the alpine slide. This is a miniature imitating a mountain slope. The stones here are a natural complement to the typical painting.
The main focus is on plants characteristic of the mountain landscape. The Alpine slide looks natural and unusual at the same time, which attracts a massive number of admirers.
Granite
This material has high strength. It is characterized by the following properties:
- stable in humid environments;
- has a beautiful surface;
- has a long service life.
Disadvantages include the ability to oxidize the soil and high cost. This is taken into account when choosing plants.
Main types of flower beds with stones
Simply scattering stones around the flower beds at the dacha is not enough to achieve the right design result. It is necessary to carefully study the rules for forming the chosen type of flower garden.
The following types of flower beds are often made using stones:
- Plains. Small pebbles are used for decoration. It can complement flowers and greenery or replace them in some parts of the ensemble.
- Elevated. The flower garden is located on a hill. The structure is surrounded on all sides by a parapet. The height of the “finishing” strip can be of different levels.
- Multi-level. The body of the flower bed is located on several tiers. Each stage can have its own design, which does not contradict the formation of a holistic overall picture.
Gabions can be classified as a separate group. These are peculiar sculptures made of stones. To form them, a wire or mesh frame is used, which is filled with the selected type of elements.
Preparatory work
Using driven stakes and a thick long string (cord, wire), mark the outlines of the future flower bed, transferring them from the scaled drawing on paper. The sample for the diagram can be copied from a photograph from gardening magazines or you can think of it yourself. It is also worth making at least approximate calculations of material consumption in advance, deciding on the color scheme and choosing suitable plants.
A layer of soil 20-30 cm deep is removed from the site along a slightly larger perimeter than the intended structure. The base is leveled using a building level and reinforced with a metal grid or other rigid frame. For small compositions, it is permissible to cover the bottom with dense agrofibre or membrane. The grating and/or panel is fixed with staples or fastening anchors, the outer edges are covered with plastic or a flange is made to prevent the spread of small lightweight fractions and pebbles. Next, a drainage layer of the foundation is made with coarse sand interspersed with small crushed stone and construction waste, compacted thoroughly and leveled again.
When laying pieces of arbitrary shape, they are adjusted to each other as much as possible to achieve the greatest joint density
When constructing a high or multi-level flower bed, large fragments are laid out first, and smaller ones are installed on them. Periodically check the plane and measure the angle of inclination. The seams between the stones are filled during the laying process, applying the solution directly to the places of their contact, or the internal and external walls are coated with an adhesive compound after completion of the work.
To ensure ease of maintenance and reliability of the flower bed, it is necessary to thoroughly fasten the stones together. Without the use of cement-concrete mixtures, if necessary, the volumetric creation can be disassembled, moved or remodeled in the future, but in this case, to increase stability and to avoid accidental collapse, it is more advisable to limit ourselves to a minimalist structure. Here it is quite justified to assemble a wide flower bed with compacting soil filling the cracks and free space, as well as container planting of “green inhabitants”.
After the building is folded, it needs to be given at least a day or two to shrink and dry. Then the soil is poured and the plants are planted.
The final stage of work is finishing, for example, filling the area around the flowerbed itself or the plants planted on it with gravel or bark
Gabions made of durable wire mesh with anti-corrosion properties are usually filled with uniform fragments of rubble stone.
Configurations of stone flower beds
For flower beds made of stones there are no restrictions on the choice of configuration. It's easy to create different compositions. Popular:
- Triangular raised or multi-tiered models;
- Classic circles, ovals;
- Regular squares, rectangles.
There are original ensembles in the form of spirals and figures of atypical shapes. Often, with the help of stones, they try to add zest to the structure. Even a simple option can look interesting and solid.
Gabion
This type of fencing consists of two rows of welded metal mesh, the internal space between which is filled with crushed stone or stone of a homogeneous fraction.
You can cope with the manufacture of such a design without experience in such work.
The first step is to form the walls of the flowerbed from the mesh. It is given the desired shape and carefully fastened together.
The finished structure is placed in place and filled with the prepared material.
This type of fencing is convenient for creating a high flower bed in a wetland, a multi-level flower bed or a classic flower garden.
The advantage of this design is the good air permeability of the walls, which provides excellent soil ventilation.
Purpose of flower beds with stones
In most cases, stone flower beds are built to give the landscape a stylish look. Such compositions are now in fashion. This is important for many territory owners.
The presence of flower beds with stones creates an unusual impression of the garden. Often such compositions have exclusively aesthetic and artistic value.
Sometimes, with the help of rocky ensembles, they try to change the relief and achieve other functional values. For example, a multi-tiered flower bed with stones or a gabion can be made in a lowland, where not every plant can take root.
Quartzite
This mineral is used for finishing the structure. Its performance properties:
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- reflects light;
- has good strength;
- has a rich palette.
Used to create high flower beds.
Choosing a location
You can place a stone flowerbed anywhere in the garden.
- Be sure to take into account the conditions necessary for the plants that are supposed to be planted there.
- Such a flower bed will definitely become an accent element of the design.
- A flower bed with stones will not require much attention.
Thinking through the idea of a composition
You can create a beautiful flower bed in different variations. Be sure to determine the type and type of flower garden. Perform composition planning. To do this, they create drawings, think through the content and layout. It is easier to carry out work on the ground according to a ready-made plan.
Arabesque
This type of stone flower beds is used quite rarely. This is due to the fact that the design of this flower bed is quite formal and suitable for decorating any government buildings.
The arabesque itself looks like a large canvas on which flowers are located. In addition, you can use your imagination and plant flowers so that they are arranged in a pattern.
Let us remind you that this method is one of the most expensive, since the canvas itself is quite large and you will have to plant a lot of flowers.
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In addition to the fact that planting flowers will take a lot of money, they are also very difficult to care for. They only need to be watered using a special hose with a special spray nozzle.
Considering that this method has quite a lot of inconveniences, it also has a plus. The main advantage of this method is that it looks incredibly beautiful and large-scale.
To summarize, this method of laying flower beds is only suitable if you have a fairly large dacha and have a lot of time and money.
But, if you have a rather small dacha area, then it is better to pay attention to other types of stone flower beds.
Search, preparation of stones
Different stones are suitable for making a flower bed. The easiest way is to walk along rivers and other natural areas. There will definitely be examples that will satisfy your needs.
Suitable material can be specially purchased or made with your own hands from cement or construction waste. Natural stones must be washed and dried. It may be necessary to level the base, perform grinding, and other interventions.
Advantages of natural material
When choosing to create a flower bed from stones, it is much more practical to use a material of natural origin. Natural stone is much more durable than artificial stone, and it is also resistant to humidity, which is always present in the flowerbed, since flowers need watering.
Durable stone is, at the same time, the most environmentally friendly material available in many areas.
An undeniable advantage is the natural beauty of the material and its harmonious combination with ornamental plants.
The process of laying elements
The laying method depends on the type of material used. It is permissible to simply scatter small pebbles onto the base.
- Larger stones are placed in a hole half filled with sand.
- If the stones are heavy and stand up unstable, then it is recommended to additionally strengthen them with cement mortar.
- The surface of the stones can be treated with a special hydrophobic impregnation, which will prevent contamination and also make the appearance more impressive.
Rockery
Quite a beautiful and simple way. It is distinguished by its brightness and color contrast.
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The main plants present in rockeries are greens. As for the stones, the main feature is that the stones are selected in different shapes in order to diversify the appearance.
Making a rockery can be quite simple, here are instructions for making a beautiful rockery.
To begin, decide on the location of the flower bed and dig a trench for the stones.
After this, fill the trench with stones; it is advisable to lay the stones as tightly as possible so that your flowerbed does not fall apart over time. If you cannot fit the stones tightly, then fill the cracks with cement mortar.
Then, compact the stones tightly. If you have cracks in the stones, then lubricate them with sealant.
After the fence is completely secured, you can plant flowers.
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All! Your rock garden is ready!
Planting plants in a flower bed
If a flower bed of stones suggests the presence of plants, then they are planted last.
Follow the plan drawn up in advance. Some specimens will be able to overwinter, while others will have to be replanted every season.
Making a flower bed out of stones is a good solution. It's interesting, fashionable and beautiful. To achieve a successful result, it is important to study the topic in more detail, and also not to forget about the advice that designers give.
Techniques of domestic designers add variety
The Japanese, known for their sophisticated laconicism and minimalism, came up with rock gardens, where they used the technique of creating ponds, paths, and lawns from stone.
Water bodies, for example, are made of homogeneous, identical stones similar in color to water. The lawns emit stones painted in emerald shades.
Domestic designers added a small and valuable nuance to this. They proposed planting living plants among these smooth stone placers. This technique allowed them to build the simplest and most affordable stone flowerbed. Working on such a find will not cause any difficulties even for a novice flower lover.
Photo of a flower bed made of stones
Sandstone
It is a good building material with a porous structure. Has advantages:
- removes excess moisture;
- allows the soil to breathe;
- has a variety of colors.
Large stones look impressive. Disadvantages include rapid aging of the material, destruction and loss of attractive appearance.
Important points in front garden design
Functionality
“It is very important for a front garden to have an accent area”
The front garden must be functional. In addition to plants and all kinds of decor, on its territory you can organize a recreation area or, say, a parking lot for vehicles, and do this in such a way as not to disturb the aesthetics of the area. In addition to the flowers, it is worth planting shrubs of fruit and berry varieties.
Front garden with seating area
When purchasing plants to improve the front garden in front of the house, it is important to know the needs of the latter, so before you go buy them, analyze how well lit the space to be decorated is and what type of soil is there.
It is important to rationally use the local area. If not many squares are allocated for the front garden, then you may have to use specific techniques in its design that will add volume to the space and make it look great in the end. The highlights of the design can include roses and climbing plants that do not need much space to grow and develop.
Small front garden with climbing plants
It is very important for a front garden to have an accent area. An exquisite or exotic plant can act as a focal point. The effect of completeness will be given to the space by elements that support and complement the main idea.
Spectacular do-it-yourself front garden
Front garden design: where to start
Like any finishing work, front garden design begins with planning. When creating a project, you need to take into account the size of the existing site and, of course, your own wishes. In order for everything to be harmonious, the width of the front garden should not exceed the same parameter of the facade wall, but its length should be 2/3 of the height of the house. If you plan to plant bushes under the walls of the house, their height should not be higher than the base.
Front garden project
Ideally, the outline of the front garden should resemble a valley, with a path leading into the distance towards the porch. The outline can be drawn with tall plants. Front gardens designed in a geometric shape, such as a square or a circle, the perimeter of which is marked with hedges, look good.
Geometric front garden
If a blank wall of a house enters the street, then you can hide its unsightliness behind the spreading crowns of trees such as spruces or thujas. Bare areas of land that appear after planting tree seedlings are covered with mulch, which becomes an excellent background for flowers.
Front garden covered with mulch, with thuja
Few people know how else you can decorate the front garden in front of your house with your own hands, except by planting it with beautiful plants. And the secret is simple. A simple picket fence will add beauty to the idea.
Picket fence for front garden
To set it up you will need:
1. Beams with a section of 100x100.
2. Boards, size 25x80 mm.
3. Crossbars.
From the tools, prepare a shovel, a jigsaw, a screwdriver, a hammer, fasteners, concrete mix, and hinges for hanging gates. You need to start work by installing corner posts. Next, between them, at the same distance, the remaining supports are buried. It is more practical to install wooden columns on concreted metal anchors. In this case, the picket fence will not collapse in a few years due to rotten supports.
Installation diagram for picket fence posts
Crossbars (crossbars) are attached to the posts, and picket fence boards are already fixed to them. The gate can not be distinguished from the general background, leaving it as part of the fence. The only thing you need to do is to secure it on its hinges and provide it with a locking bolt or hook.
The gate can not be distinguished from the general background of the fence
Now you can move on to painting the resulting fence. Before covering the boards with paint, the wooden base is treated with primer compounds with fungicides. They will prevent the material from rotting and allow its structure to remain in its original form longer. For painting, it is better to choose a paint that contains mineral pigments and alkyd resins.
Before painting, do not forget to prime the fence
Picket fence care
Bringing beauty to the front of the house is only half the battle; you also need to learn how to care for the landscaped area. Keeping in mind the high hygroscopicity of wood, do not make the picket fence “recessed” into the ground; raise its boards 15 centimeters above the ground. The same reason should motivate you to deal with grass overgrowth in the fence area.
To make the fence last longer, do not let it become overgrown with grass.
The picket fence will have to be updated periodically, systematically replacing rotten fence boards or completely removing the sheathing. In the latter case, you will be free to change the color of the fence, making it even more colorful and attractive. If the picket fence boards have dried out and become cracked, they can be restored by carefully filling the surface. After drying, go over the putty areas with sandpaper and paint. To prevent squeaking, the gate hinges should be lubricated regularly.
Advantages and disadvantages
Sometimes owners of private houses do not understand why front gardens are needed and what their benefits are. Let's look at their main advantages.
- A decorative garden in front of the house will allow you to hide the building from random passers-by.
- You can install a mailbox in the flowerbed area.
- In the front garden you can find a place for a children's playground. Sometimes a swing and, for example, a playhouse or a sandbox are enough (you will have to think about its installation so that the sand does not crumble).
- Among the plantings you can successfully camouflage garbage containers.
- You can also plant fruit and berry plants in the front garden.
- The ability to hide certain imperfections on the facade of the house and emphasize the chosen style.
There is only one drawback to creating a front garden: the need to constantly care for the plants and keep the garden in order.
With the help of a front garden you can hide the shortcomings of the site
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Imitation meadow
Consists of the same type of boulders. They are placed in a limited horizontal space. Pebbles are placed around large cobblestones.
This is an ideal background for small shrubs, juniper, thuja.
Limestone
It has a porous surface and is painted in light colors. Used as a building material or for decorating a finished structure.
Fragile, easily susceptible to mechanical stress. Moss is planted in the cracks that appear.
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