And not just on Father’s Day, but throughout the summer as well.

Instead of venturing out to the mall, you should head on down to your local landscape supplier and get Dad a gift that he’ll truly love.

Gift Idea #1: Mulch and topsoil

Wait, what? Much and topsoil? As a Father’s Day gift?

Yep.

Think about it. If Dad is always working in the garden – or planting new items – then he probably has a supply of topsoil at his disposal.

And, chances are, that supply is getting low – which means he’ll have to replenish it.

By giving him a supply of topsoil for Father’s Day, he’ll have it ready to go in his garage or tool shed. No need to order it, because it’s already there.

It’s the perfect gift idea for the practical Dad.

Then, he can keep his fresh topsoil in place – or bring some colour to a garden bed or tree bed – by laying down fresh mulch. Again, another practical gift you can give Dad for Father’s Day this year.

• Unsure how much Dad will need for his garden? Try our free calculator to see just how much topsoil or mulch to get.

Gift Idea #2: High-pressure washer

Dad loves his patio or driveway that he built from interlocking paver stones.

And Dad hates it when they get dirty from dust and grime. He just hates it.

Give him a high-pressure washer this year to help him keep his interlock bright, clean and fresh.

With a high-pressure washer, it will be super easy for Dad to clean his interlock paving stones. And he won’t have to spend hours on end doing it.

If you’re worried about storage, don’t be. Modern high-pressure washers are compact in size. And some of them even fold for easy storage in Dad’s garage or tool shed.

Gift Idea #3: Hammock

Is Dad always dozing off outside in a cramped or tiny lawn chair?

Well, the next time Dad falls asleep in the backyard, make sure he does it in a nice, comfy hammock.

Hammocks are available in two main styles:

• Tie hammocks: These are hammocks which can be tied between two trees
• Post hammocks: These hammocks come with posts which need to be installed into the ground

Whether he’s sleeping, reading a book, listening to the game or spending time with the grandkids, your Dad will love his hammock.

Gift Idea #4: New garden tools

Is your Dad always working with his:

• Shears
• Pruners
• Spades
• Digging fork
• Wheelbarrow

And are they old and worn out? Could they use replacing?

You know that Dad won’t spend money on himself and purchase brand new lawn tools. That’s just the way he is.

So you should do it for him this year. He’ll really appreciate it – especially when he sees how fast he can get yard work done.

Happy Father’s Day from Grand River Natural Stone

To all the Dads out there, we want to wish you a Happy Father’s Day. And we want to say thank you – for all that you do.

This year, make Father’s Day truly unique by giving him outdoor-themed gifts that he’ll enjoy. Not just on Father’s Day – but every day too.

Unsure where to start? Contact us at Grand River Natural Stone today and let us know what you have in mind for Dad. We’re certain to have the right outdoor gift for you to give this year.

The post Outdoor Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Dad appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

What Makes Landscaping Rocks Special?

Landscaping rocks are special due to their carefully selected shapes, sizes, and colours, with some consisting of rare minerals like amethyst or turquoise. Unlike ordinary rocks, many landscaping rocks are cut, polished and treated to enhance their appearance and durability. Processing makes them more suitable for elements like water features or decorative accents while ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance. Ultimately, this sets them apart from common stones and rocks found in nature.

What Are Some Common Types of Landscape Rocks?

Some common types of landscape rocks include limestone mossy rock, river rocks, crushed stone, lava rocks, and flagstone. Each type serves different purposes:

• Mossy Rock: Naturally covered in lush moss, these stones bring a serene, woodland charm to your garden
• Zebra Rock: Strikingly patterned with stripes, these unique stones are bold and artistic
• Granite Boulders: Strong, timeless stones that look good anywhere.
• River Rocks: Larger, smooth stones perfect for creating natural-looking water features or as garden accents.
• Mexican Beach Pebbles: Smooth and rounded, these stones are perfect for decorative accents and pathways.
• Lava Rocks: Known for their porous texture and bold colours, these rocks are suitable for mulching and adding dramatic visual interest.
• Turquoise Boulders: Eye-catching stones that add vibrant colour and a unique focal point to any landscape. These feature rocks vary widely in colour, size, and texture, offering numerous decorative uses in landscaping.

What Are the Best Rocks for Pathways?

If you’re looking to use feature rocks for pathways, large flat stones like slate, granite, or flagstone make stunning, rustic walkways. These substantial rocks provide stable footing and add visual interest to your garden. Additionally, they come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for customization according to the garden’s design theme. They are relatively easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial landscapes.

Which Rocks Are Best for Water Features?

If you’re looking for modern, angular rocks, consider waterfall rocks and ledgestone. These are flatter, sharper and look ideal in structures around waterfalls and ponds.

River rocks and ornate pebbles are also suitable for water features because of their smooth surface and sleek look, which resemble natural water-worn stones. Their varied sizes also help in building natural-looking ponds and streams that blend seamlessly with the rest of the garden.

How Do I Choose the Right Landscaping Rocks Based on Color and Texture?

Choosing the right rock colours and textures involves considering the overall landscape design and the colour scheme of your home’s exterior. Go for contrasting colours to make features stand out, or select harmonious shades for a subtle, integrated look. Textures also play a crucial role; smooth rocks add a refined touch, while rough, angular rocks create a more rugged natural appearance.

Are There Eco-Friendly Landscaping Rocks?

Lava rock is an eco-friendly choice among landscaping rocks. It is naturally formed from volcanic activity, meaning it doesn’t involve extensive mining or manufacturing processes.

Lava rock’s lightweight nature also reduces shipping weight and, subsequently, carbon emissions. It’s also excellent for water conservation in garden beds, as it retains moisture effectively.

Can Landscaping Rocks Affect Soil Health?

Yes, landscaping rocks can impact soil health depending on their mineral composition. For example, limestone can gradually raise soil pH, making it less suitable for acid-loving plants. It’s essential to choose rocks that complement your soil’s natural conditions or prepare to adjust soil treatments accordingly to maintain plant health.

What Type of Rocks Are Best for Layering in Landscapes?

Slate and schist are excellent choices for layering in landscapes due to their flat, thin structure, which allows for easy stacking. These types of rocks can be strategically arranged to build natural-looking, layered features that enhance both the depth and complexity of garden designs.

How Should I Prepare My Site for Rock Installation?

Here’s a very quick step-by-step guide for preparing your site:

1. Clear the Area: Remove all weeds, debris, and old landscaping materials. Dig out large stones and extensive root systems to ensure a smooth surface.
2. Level the Site: Use a rake or hoe to even out the soil, removing dips and mounds to prevent water pooling.
3. Improve Drainage: If necessary, install a drainage system or create a gentle slope to facilitate water runoff.
4. Install Landscape Fabric: Lay the fabric over the soil, securing it with staples and overlapping edges to prevent weed growth.
5. Add a Base Layer: For heavier rocks or pathways, place a layer of small gravel to enhance stability and drainage.

How Long Do Landscaping Rocks Last?

Landscaping rocks are extremely durable and can last decades with minimal maintenance. However, lighter-coloured rocks might require washing to restore their brightness, and smaller rocks could become scattered and need replenishing over time. Periodically checking and adjusting the rock layers ensures they maintain their functional and visual qualities.

All The Landscaping Rocks You Need at Grand River Natural Stone

Selecting the right landscaping rocks for your garden is vital for enhancing its beauty and balance. If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor space with the perfect landscaping rocks, look no further! Grand River Stone has an extensive selection of high-quality landscaping materials. Find the perfect rocks for your landscaping projects by visiting us today!

The post All About Landscaping Rocks: Types, How to Choose Them & More appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

You can do a lot to build a more environmentally friendly garden.

• Use local plants.
• Stick to the rules and don’t use banned pesticides.
• Coat your topsoil with mulch.

The biggest impact, however, comes from using less water to maintain your garden.

That means planting drought tolerant plants so you can use less water without losing the colour and enjoyment your garden brings.

Drought tolerant plants still need to establish themselves in your garden, so water them like any other plant in the first season. Their roots will grow larger and deeper than other plant varieties, and a well-established drought tolerant plant will do better with much, much less next year.

The best drought tolerant plants for Ontario

Ontario is home to lots of colourful, drought tolerant shrubs, perennials, grasses, vines and trees.

In no particular order, your low-water garden will still enjoy colour and variety, and draw bees and birds, with these plants.

Shrubs like…

• Tamarisk
• Ninebark
• Dwarf Burning Bush
• Butterfly bush
• Ivory halo dogwood
• Smokebush

Or flowering plants like…

• Geranium
• Echinacea
• Hosta
• Lavender
• Hens and chicks
• Daylilly
• Yarrow

Experienced low-water gardeners love Mediterranean plants. Some require no water through even the most painful heatwaves. They’re well suited to low water, poor quality soil environments.

Don’t forget ornamental grasses. There are thousands of varieties, and all are drought resistant.

How does mulch help lower my water use further?

Adding mulch to your garden greatly reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation.

Even if you water your plants with a drip system feeding the roots almost directly, you inevitably lose moisture to evaporation.

Mulch creates a barrier between the heat of the sun, the wind, and your moist soil – locking that moisture where it’s needed most.

And more, mulch:

• Inhibits the germination and growth of weeds in your soil.
• Helps regulate the temperature of the soil so plants or trees don’t get stressed from low to high summer temperature fluctuations.
• Breaks down very slowly, improving composition and preventing it from becoming too compact.
• Increases biodiversity in your yard by giving a variety of insects and other tiny creatures homes and shelter.

Get the full benefits from your mulch by adding a layer of at least 2-3 inches and maintaining  it as long as you have plants in your garden.

Trees and shrubs benefit all year round, so do vegetable gardens in the summer.

Rake the mulch seasonally to freshen up the colour.

We can help with the mulch for your drought tolerant garden.

Cedar, pine, black or red – whatever matches the look you want – are all in stock right now.

Stop by and stock up today and finish your project up this weekend.

The post How to Build a Drought Tolerant Landscape appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

Good quality topsoil and mulch are among the most important factors contributing to a healthy garden.

For healthy growth, you have to feed your plants and protect them from unwelcoming conditions.

Topsoil and mulch (along with water and sunlight) take care of the feeding.

So how do you know the topsoil and mulch combo your landscape supply store offers is good for your greenery?

Learn what makes a good topsoil and mulch team so you can ask the right questions from your supplier.

Topsoil, literally the top soil

Topsoil is full of vitamins, nutrients and organisms that help plants grow strong and thrive. Good topsoil is teeming with it all.

Generally, all this good stuff rests in the top several inches of soil. So good quality topsoil comes from the most productive part of soil, the top.

Inside your rich topsoil, you will find:

• Microorganisms
• Minerals
• Insects
• Earthworms
• Organics
• Water
• Air pockets

Together, these ingredients keep the soil healthy and feed your plants.

How to spot good quality topsoil

Spotting good quality topsoil for your landscaping projects is easy if you know what to look for.

• Colour: Excellent topsoil should be dark brown or black. Dark colours mean the soil is rich in organic matter.
• Odour: Fresh topsoil should have a sweet smell to it. If it smells old, musky and stale, it’s past its prime. That’s the smell of decaying organics.
• Texture: Grab a handful of topsoil and squeeze it into a ball. When you open up your hand, the soil should easily crumble apart. You don’t want to create a mud ball.
• Fragments: If you easily see big stones, weeds or unwanted seeds in your topsoil, stay away.

When you feel good about your topsoil, move on to the mulch you use to finish your garden.

Natural mulch or rubber mulch?

Cover your topsoil in a layer of mulch to reduce soil erosion, lock in moisture and nutrients, and grow your plants faster.

You can buy natural or rubber mulch from some landscape suppliers.

We only carry natural mulch because we believe it’s the best choice for homeowners and landscapers building a garden in harmony with nature.

What do you get with natural mulch?

• It contributes to the long term health of your soil and plants. Unlike rubber mulch, natural mulch decomposes over time, lending its nutrients to the soil below. This means you have to replace natural mulch regularly (every couple years is good), but your plants will grow more vigorously year after year.
• Your environmental impact is lower than if you used rubber mulch. Petroleum is a main component of rubber mulch, and heavy metals can leach into the environment. Natural mulch is a renewable, sustainable product.
• The earthy appearance you want in a garden. Natural mulch decomposes and fades over time. Some homeowners prefer non-fading rubber mulch. We prefer shredded bark mulch (natural mulch) because it looks less manufactured and ages like it would in nature.
• Your organic veggie garden benefits as much from natural mulch as your flower beds, shrubs and trees. It’s a versatile product that enhances every outdoor planting space.

Now is a great time to buy mulch and topsoil for your summer garden. There’s lots of time for growing and admiring the colours, birds, bees, pesky squirrels and more in your private oasis.

Visit your nearest Grand River Stone location to stock up on your mulch and topsoil today.

The post When to buy topsoil and mulch, and how to know yours is good appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.