Rocks, stones of various sizes and masonry work have always been commonplace when it comes to landscape design. It adds a certain sense of permanency and requires much less taking care of than plants and other elements that become part of a landscape. They can be used in many creative ways and also serve a very practical purpose as well. Steps or pathways: these are very common additions that landscapers have used in various ways to enhance landscape settings.
They are extremely versatile and can create a natural age old feel to a setting. A popular method is to use sandstone tiles Brisbane or slaps to create steps or even pathways. While these can be very smooth, there are instances where rough hewn rock is also used to merge with naturally existing rock. Stone for use in such instances can be granite and limestone as well. Streams: rocks are also used to create little pools or collection points for excessive rain water. While it is a beautiful addition; it also serves as a solution for drainage issues on uneven landscapes. They are usually placed at a location to collect water before it rushes downstream causing erosion. Walls: another great purpose for boulders or rocky slabs is to use them as walls.
There are many ways in which walls are used these days. As a functional purpose they are considered great as reliable retaining walls, which are used for retaining soil in a terrain that is at a slope or a landscape that is very steep. Most often they are used to hold soil at different levels or in situations where land needs to be specifically engineered such as in special farming conditions. Not only are they great for retaining, but also as boundary lines and wind breaks. There are two main methods used today in constructing walls. One is called dry stone, where rocks are stacked on top of each other with no mortar, while the other method is with mortar. The dry stone method is more of an ancient method where there was no mortar available. Seating arrangements: stones are also great to create seating arrangements in the outdoors. Most often designers would place a seat with a secure back end such as a wall or a hedge with a great view leading at the front. These are great for creating a homely atmosphere and make an outdoors more beautiful. Outside seats can be simple slabs of rock or can be carved and elaborate like in olden days. Stones are great additions in any garden setting but one must think carefully of the colour, shape and size used.