Tips for Incorporating River Rock Gardens into Your Landscape

At Ozark Stone Yard, we believe a well-designed landscape starts with a great plan, especially when creating a beautiful and lasting river rock garden. These low-maintenance features add texture and natural elegance to any outdoor space. Using our high-quality river rocks for landscaping, you can craft everything from a simple, elegant border to a dramatic dry creek bed that becomes the centerpiece of your yard.

river rock garden design

Planning Your Layout and Design

Before you begin, sketch your vision. Consider the flow of your landscape and where the rock garden will have the most impact. Think about scale — will it be a small accent or a major feature? Planning your design helps ensure the final result is balanced, proportional, and seamlessly integrated with your existing yard and plantings.

various sizes of river rock

Selecting the Perfect River Rocks

The right stone makes all the difference. The size, color, and texture of your river rocks will define the garden's character. We recommend a mix of sizes for a more natural look, using larger stones as anchors and smaller ones as fill. We have a wide variety of river rocks for sale to match any aesthetic.

person preparing garden bed

Preparing the Garden Bed

Proper preparation is key to a long-lasting, low-maintenance rock garden. Start by clearing the area of all grass and weeds. Next, level the ground and lay down a high-quality landscape fabric. This essential step will prevent weeds from growing up through the stones while still allowing for proper water drainage into the soil below.

man installing rock border near river rocks

Installation and Finishing Touches

Begin by placing your largest anchor stones to define the shape and structure of the garden. Once they are in position, carefully fill in the remaining area with your smaller river rocks to the desired depth, typically around 2-3 inches. Rake them smooth for a clean, professional finish that will elevate your entire landscape.

ways to take your river rock garden to the next level infographic

Choose Our River Rock Suppliers

By following these practical steps, you can create a stunning feature that you'll enjoy for years. Ozark Stone Yard can help you bring your beautiful and durable landscape design to life — contact us to discuss your project’s needs today!

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