Rock Landscaping

There is a new trend in the Central Texas area - stones on lawns and in flower beds for landscaping. Some of these stones or rocks are extremely large. Driving through the Austin area, I am amazed at the number of homeowners and businesses displaying rocks, stones, and boulders on their properties. The Austin area is beautiful and this new trend brings an added dimension into the neighborhood and commercial landscaping trends.

Commercial properties are using large boulders in green areas to add interest to their landscaping. To the right, you will see a church building with a large rock in front of their campus office building. Though the Central Texas area is rocky, those boulders are not naturally placed. Most of our local rocks are underground and have to be excavated.

Neighborhoods, even the newest areas, are embracing this rustic trend. In the small area of town that I explored, the 'finds' far exceeded my expectations. I could only capture a portion of what I saw.

Driving through the neighborhood with an eye open for rock displays is an interesting endeavor. It is amazing to see the number of homes and their creative uses for stones and rocks of various shapes and sizes.

Some stones display the street address. Others stones are placed in the corner of the yard, sometimes with no landscaping thought to their placement. It looks like a rock was thrown into the yard.

Many homeowners are creative and purposeful with their displays. Because of the drought, many homeowners are abandoning the green grass between the street and sidewalk. These areas are being transformed into a southwest motiff. Small pebbles, ground stone, or other green surfaces that do not require lots of water are replacing these once grassy areas. Small stones or rocks are displayed in these areas as points of interest, with or without added greenery. Some place the stones at intervals and others mix the easy-to-care greenery with various stone displays.

Do you have a corner property? Place a large rock or stone on the corner of your property for safety. If a car jumps the curb, the rock will protect your home and family from danger!

Many interesting stones can be found in beautifully cultivated flower beds. You can find flower beds placed around trees in the front yard that are embellished with an interesting rock or stone which add quality and design to the area. With a combination of trees, shrubs, flowers and stones mixed together, these flower beds become works of art.

Many parks in the area have thoroughly embraced this new trend. Perhaps they have actually set the trend and the homeowners are merely catching their vision? On a local green belt, large boulders have been placed along jogging paths, under trees, and in large fields. This green area stretches for blocks and the repeated theme is repeated with several displays of rocks. They provide rustic appeal as well as a practical place to lean or sit.

A local high school has placed boulders along the entire border of its football field. They provide a natural place to perch during games as well as a barrier to cars and vehicles that might attempt to drive onto the field. The curb appeal is tremendous. The stones are beautiful and well placed.

In addition, builders are joining the trend with green areas strewn with large rocks. Driving into the newly developing neighborhood, the rocky park area is appealing to families. Who doesn't like to climb on the rocks? Though located in the big city, the rocks provide a country and homey flair of design.

Seeing this new trend in our area, I have plans to purchase a medium sized stone for my ivy bed in the front yard. With all of the trees in the yard, a stone will provide an extra touch of curb appeal! Are you planning a landscape project? Don't forget to add a rock, stone, or boulder to complete your project!