Are you tired of spending weekends mowing, weeding, or refreshing your mulch beds every season? If you’re looking for a low-maintenance and budget-friendly way to upgrade your yard, creating a DIY rock garden with river stones might be exactly what you need. With the right materials and a little bit of creativity, you can give your backyard a relaxing, artistic, and natural look without breaking the bank—or your back.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from planning your layout to choosing the right rocks and installing them like a pro. Whether you’re landscaping a large space or a cozy corner, a rock garden can instantly elevate your outdoor space.
Why Choose a Rock Garden?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s look at some of the reasons why more homeowners are turning to rock gardens:
- Low Maintenance: Say goodbye to constant watering, pruning, and fertilizing.
- Eco-Friendly: Rock gardens require less water than traditional lawns or flower beds.
- All-Season Beauty: Rocks never wilt or turn brown—your garden stays attractive year-round.
- Natural Weed Control: When properly installed, a rock garden discourages weed growth.
- Aesthetic Appeal: River stones create a natural, peaceful look that complements any garden style.
Step 1: Plan Your Rock Garden Layout
Start by thinking about where the rock garden will go. Look for areas where grass doesn’t grow well or where drainage is poor. Rock gardens work great in those awkward corners or around patios and walkways.
Tips for planning:
- Use a garden hose or rope to outline your garden shape before digging.
- Sketch a simple plan on paper to visualize zones (larger rocks, plants, pathways).
- Consider the sun and shade exposure—some drought-tolerant plants might still need light.
Step 2: Choose Your River Stones
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we offer a wide variety of decorative stones, including premium river stones perfect for rock gardens.
Popular options:
- 1-3” River Rock: Great for a more natural, rustic look.
- ¾” River Rock: Ideal for tight spaces, borders, and between pavers.
- Polished Stones: For a modern, zen garden vibe.
Make sure to calculate how much you need based on square footage and depth (usually 2–3 inches deep for good coverage). You can use an online calculator—or give us a call at 973-347-3117 and we’ll help you figure it out.
Step 3: Prepare the Area
Clear the space of any grass, weeds, or old mulch. This is where a little hard work pays off big time.
- Remove vegetation: Use a shovel or sod cutter to dig out the area.
- Level the soil: Smooth out the area, sloping slightly away from your home for proper drainage.
- Install landscape fabric: Lay down a weed barrier to prevent future weed growth.
Pro tip: Overlap fabric edges by 6–8 inches and secure with landscape pins every couple of feet.
Step 4: Add a Border (Optional but Recommended)
While not required, adding a border or edging gives your rock garden a clean, finished look and keeps stones from spilling into your lawn or pathways.
Edging ideas:
- Natural stone slabs
- Steel or aluminum edging
- Pressure-treated wood
- Bricks or pavers
Choose an edging style that matches the aesthetic of your home and other landscaping features.
Step 5: Place Your River Stones
Now comes the fun part—installing your river stones!
- Start at the edges and work your way inward.
- Pour stones carefully and spread evenly with a hard rake.
- Use a hand trowel to tuck stones into tight spots and around edging.
- Avoid walking on the stones as you work to maintain a smooth surface.
Optional: Add larger accent rocks or small boulders for visual interest.
Step 6: Add Plants (If You Want)
Although not required, plants can soften the look of your rock garden and add seasonal color. Choose drought-tolerant or low-maintenance options that thrive in your climate.
Good plant options:
- Sedum
- Hens and chicks (Sempervivum)
- Lavender
- Yucca
- Ornamental grasses
- Creeping thyme
Space plants apart and nest them among the stones so they look natural. You can also leave the garden completely rock-based for a modern, minimalist look.
Bonus Ideas: Design Variations
Here are a few creative ways to customize your DIY rock garden:
- Zen Rock Garden: Rake patterns into fine gravel and add decorative rocks for a meditative vibe.
- Dry Riverbed: Create a winding path of river rock to mimic the flow of a stream.
- Succulent Showcase: Add succulents in pots or directly into the soil for a desert-themed garden.
- Rock Pathway Garden: Line a stepping stone path with river rocks and low-growing plants.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Success
Even though rock gardens are low-maintenance, they’re not no-maintenance. Here are a few quick upkeep tips:
- Check for weeds every few weeks and pull them early.
- Re-rake stones if they shift or sink over time.
- Blow off leaves or debris in the fall to keep it clean.
- Top off stones every couple of years to refresh the look.
Ready to Start Your DIY Rock Garden Project?
Creating a DIY rock garden with river stones is one of the easiest and most rewarding landscaping projects you can take on. Whether you’re tackling a small corner or redesigning your entire backyard, river stones offer beauty, durability, and simplicity.
If you’re in New Jersey or nearby, stop by Kirk Allen Landscape Supply or contact us today at 973-347-3117. We’ll help you choose the right materials, estimate how much stone you need, and even offer delivery to your home or job site.
Kirk Allen Landscape Supply
🔗 https://www.kirkallenlandscapesupply.com
📍 Serving Northern New Jersey
📞 973-347-3117
