River rocks can serve many purposes from drainage to decoration in a landscape. But first, a disclosure: I am not a geologist, so I did some Googling as a starting point to learn about the many different sizes, colors, and ways to use river rocks in a hardscape.
What garden designs look best with river rocks?
A Japanese-inspired garden features a smooth river rocks at the edge of a stone slab stoop in a Westchester County, NY landscape by designer Marc Peter Keane. For more, see Designer Visit: A Garden Inspired by Japan.
Photograph by and courtesy of Don Freeman.
A 2-pound bag of Small Decorative River Rocks can be used an attractive surface layer on a potted plant; $12.62 via eBay. The colors are also variable, mainly earth tones, so they complement most existing color pallets.
What sizes of river rocks can I buy?
In a Japanese-inspired “ocean garden” by designer Marc Keane, smoothly raked sand contrasts with a rippling, rocky border. For more, see Designer Visit: A Garden Inspired by Japan.
Photograph by and courtesy of Don Freeman.
The main reason people use river rocks is for creating water features, whether grouped around water fountains or used in waterfalls. Another main use is for building dry river beds, whether for the design aesthetics or to actually divert water away from the property and prevent erosion.
What are the best ways to use river rocks in a landscape?
Polished Asian Black River Pebbles are available in five sizes, from 3/4 inch to 5 inch; for more information and prices, see Yardco. Less popular but still pleasing uses of the larger size river rocks are to create a natural edging and boundary for planting beds or lawns.
Photograph by Marion Brenner.
For more of this San Francisco project by Monica Viarengo, see Mission Accomplished: A Modern Mosaic Garden in SF. Smaller river rock, sizes ranging from 3/4 inch to 1 inch, is suited for paths and walkways and their smooth texture makes them surprisingly pleasant to walk on.
Mexican Beach Pebbles in mixed colors are available in several sizes ranging from 1/2 inch to 5 inches; for more information and prices, see Yardco.
A detail of the risseu treatment in a San Francisco landscape designed by Monica Viarengo. Also, Mexican beach river rock is usually an expensive choice, so factor that into the design.
How much do river rocks cost?
A roll of Landscape Fabric is $11.29 from Rona.
Are there any drawbacks to using river rocks in a landscape?