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.

1. Natural Mulch Decomposes

Well, technically, rubber can too. But it takes a very, very long time. Natural mulch will decompose within the year, ensuring your garden gets a steady supply of nutrients during the growing season. Rubber on the other hand, pollutes your soil.

2. Natural Mulch has Nutrients

Piggybacking off our last reason, natural mulch actually nourishes your garden. There is no nutritional benefit of adding rubber to your soil, so why bother? Mulch may as well be multi-purpose and, therefore, provide plants with food while also preserving moisture levels and offering protection.

3. Pollution & Fire Hazards

Heavy metals and various inorganic compounds (including combustible materials) exist in rubber due to the manufacturing processes. Therefore, in addition to not adding any nutrients, rubber also adds pollutants, toxins and fire hazards to your garden, which hurts more than it helps.

4. Natural Mulch Has no Additives

Some organic mulches may have stabilizers and chemical additives, but when you go all-natural, you can rest assured your garden is safe from these.

5. Versatile Uses

Natural mulch can be used in any type of garden. Conversely, rubber mulch is restricted to aesthetic gardens due to its makeup.

Summary

View our infographic to read a summary on why natural mulch is a better option than rubber mulch in five important categories.

There you have it. Natural wood mulch is safer, prettier and more versatile than rubber mulch. Having the right mulch can go a long way towards making your garden long-lasting and beautiful too.

Shop our 2024 Mulch Collection Today

At Grand River Natural Stone we exclusively carry natural mulch because we believe it’s a superior product which delivers great results for homeowners and contractors. For all you mulching questions and needs, feel free to contact us today. We have the products and expertise to help you make the best decision for your garden or landscaping.

Related Topics:

• How To Buy Good Quality Mulch & When Is The Best Time To Buy It 
• Should You Mulch in the Fall?
  
• Why It’s Important to Mulch One Last Time Before Winter Arrives

The post 5 Reasons Why Natural Mulch is Better Than Rubber Mulch appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

What to Look For When Choosing a Landscape Contractor

Selecting the right landscaping contractor can make the difference between a hassle-free, beautiful outdoor space and unnecessary stress. It’s essential to do your due diligence before making your decision. Here are six critical factors to consider:

1. Reviews and Social Proof

Time to dig! Past customers’ experiences can provide valuable insights. Do your research and look for contractors with positive online reviews and ask for references. Check their social media platforms to see examples of their previous work.

2. Professional Certifications

Certifications demonstrate a contractor’s commitment to their profession and guarantee a certain level of expertise. Look for affiliations with professional bodies as well as valid licences, insurance and more.

3. They Understand Your Goals

A good contractor will take the time to understand your vision, whether it’s a complete overhaul or minor changes. They should be able to align their services with your goals and give an accurate quote and timeline based on your specific project.

4. Project Costs

Always get a written estimate from potential contractors. It should include a breakdown of labour, materials, and other costs. Comparing these can help you understand where your money goes and who offers the best value.

5. Project Timelines

Every project has a start and end date, but landscaping projects can be delayed by weather or unforeseen problems. Choose a contractor who can provide a realistic timeline and commit to it.

6. Warranties and Guarantees

Good contractors stand by their work. Ask about warranties on their services and the plants they install. Guarantees can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.

Bonus Tip: Consider Their Knowledge of Local Ecology and Microclimates

When choosing a landscape contractor, many homeowners focus on aesthetics or cost, but overlook the importance of local ecological knowledge. A contractor who understands your region’s microclimates, native plant species, and soil conditions can make all the difference in the longevity and sustainability of your landscape. For instance, they might select drought-resistant plants suited to a sun-exposed backyard or recommend strategic tree placement for natural shade and wind protection. Ecological awareness will improve your yard’s health and reduce maintenance needs and water usage, potentially saving you money and time long term. Always ask about their experience with local environmental conditions.

Want More Information? Grand River Natural Stone is Here to Help

Are you ready to start your landscape renovation project? Contact us and speak with one of our experts today.

The post 6 Things to Look for When Choosing A Landscape Contractor (With Infographic) appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

From large buildings and bridges to backyard stone pathways and retaining walls, natural stone has been used for its versatility and reliability.

Plus, natural stone outperforms other materials time and again.

Why? Well, natural stone has a low environmental impact, it’s extremely durable with little maintenance, and it has a timeless beauty and grandeur.

1. Low Environmental Impact

Natural stone is made from nature, by nature. This means it requires no chemicals, pollutants, and releases no hazardous gases like other building materials do.

Plus, no energy is needed to manufacture stone—only quarrying and processing.

Natural stone is as “green” as it gets.

2. Easy Maintenance

Stone requires very little maintenance and care to keep it beautiful.

While other building materials need to be regularly painted, stained or sealed, natural stone doesn’t. It creates its own natural patina, which naturally enhances its beauty over time.

You, like your clients, want to spend time enjoying your home’s landscaping. Not maintaining it. That’s why natural stone is so great.

Typically, regular sweeping is all that’s needed to keep your natural stone beautiful for years to come.

3. Strong and Durable

Natural stone is one of the most popular building materials for its durability and resistance to damage. Plus, it’s a long-lasting material that you most likely will never have to replace.

What else makes stone the strongest and most durable choice?

• It doesn’t rot
• It is resistant to pests
• Fireproof
• Less susceptible to frost damage
• Small chips and damage are difficult to spot

4. Timeless and Versitile

Natural stone retains its natural beauty and has a much longer lifespan than its building counterparts (concrete, brick, etc).

Stone never goes out of style and can look just as stunning after 100 years, as the day it was installed.

Plus, since it’s a natural material, it blends seamlessly with outdoor surroundings and its colours and textures vary naturally. Stone can be resurfaced in many ways to match any style and ambiance, and it can be cut into any shape or size for any application.

5. Great in All Seasons

Unlike other landscaping materials, natural stone is consistent through temperature changes.

Common building materials, such as wood and cement, expand and contract throughout the changing seasons. This can cause major damage and warping. Meanwhile, natural stone remains consistent through even the harshest Canadian climates.

How can you make sure your stone is safe throughout the Canadian winter?

• Remove snow from stone and interlocking pavers before it melts—Once snow melts and water seeps into the cracks in your stone, it will freeze in the cracks causing your stone to expand and warp.
• Seal your natural stone in the fall—Prevent damages before they happen by having your hardscaping sealed in the fall months.
• Be cautious with snow shoveling—Metal show snovels can scratch your natural stone or pavers, and it can even scrape off sealant. Try using a snow blower or plastic snow shovel instead.

Let Us Help With Your Stonework

Grand River Natural Stone has the tools to make your home beautiful throughout the year, so trust us with all of your landscaping needs.

For more information about our services, give us a call or visit us!

The post 5 Reasons Why Stone Outperforms Other Materials 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.

Flagstone is a popular choice among Canadians because of its endless benefits:

• Large variety of designs, styles, and colours
• Safe and sturdy, especially in Canadian climates
• Long-lasting
• Increases home value (by up to 15%)

The best part about flagstone? It can be used indoors OR outdoors, and still look like it belongs!

What Can Flagstone Be Used For?

Flagstone is an elegant and unique design element that brings a touch of personality and functionality to your property.

It can be used inside or outside for:

• Walkways
• Tile floors
• Backsplashes
• Fireplace surrounds
• Fire pits
• Stepping stones
• Retaining walls
• And much more!

Save Money on Your Next Landscaping Project

What’s In It For Me?

Our experts put this handy guide together to showcase how great flagstone is, and all the things it can be used for.

When you get your FREE guide, you’ll get…

• Insider tips and tricks to installing and designing with flagstone for interiors and exteriors
• Everything you need to know about how to properly care for and maintain your flagstone so it lasts as long as you need it to
• Specific landscaping tips based on your location and personal preferences
• Design inspiration for you to DIY or show to your installer

Take A Peak Inside!

Here’s a preview of what awaits in this FREE guide:

Don’t Wait, Get It Now!

A wealth of (FREE) knowledge is at your fingertips.

If you’re looking for design inspiration for using flagstone inside and outside the home, this guide was made especially for you.

The post FREE GUIDE: How to Use Flagstone For Your Home appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

• Use more water than usual in order to maintain a nice, green lawn, or…
• Put the sprinkler away and watch the grass dry out and turn brown

It doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition, though.

By following some helpful water-conserving lawn care tips (and some municipal regulations – more on those later), you can keep your water bills low while still having a good-looking lawn.

Before you pull out the hose or sprinkler, you should…

Step on your grass

Prior to watering your lawn, take a nice, leisurely walk on it.

Look back at the footprints you’ve just made:

• If they instantly disappear, and
• The grass springs right back up

Then your lawn is in good shape and doesn’t need to be watered at that time.

Put the lawnmower away…

How often do you cut your grass?

Whatever your regular grass cutting schedule is, you should reduce it. By as much as 50% if possible.

Grass that’s longer in length tends to be more tolerant of hot, dry conditions (as well as being more weed resistant) than shorter grass.

…But keep its blades sharp

Meanwhile, when you do cut your grass, make sure your mower’s blades are nice & sharp.

Dull blades tear grass, which means they need extra water to heal and grow back properly.

Don’t pick up grass clippings

After you’ve mowed your lawn, leave any grass clippings there.

They’ll break down and provide healthy nutrients your grass can use to grow and stay strong.

Adjust your irrigation system sprinkler heads

If more water from your sprinkler system is landing on things in your backyard such as:

• Interlocking pavers
• Patio stones
• Landscaping rocks

Or other hardscaping materials than your actual grass, make sure to reposition the heads accordingly.

Follow local watering by-laws

In case you aren’t aware, here are the watering by-laws for each Grand River Natural Stone location:

Kitchener

Designated watering times are 5:30 am – 10:00 am and 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm.

Ending house numbers & watering days are as follows:

• 0 or 1: Mondays
• 2 or 3: Tuesdays
• 4 or 5: Wednesdays
• 6 or 7: Thursdays
• 8 or 9: Fridays

Stoney Creek & London

• Home addresses ending in 0 or even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) are permitted to water lawns on even calendar dates
• Home addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 are permitted to water lawns on odd calendar dates.

Fergus

Designated watering times are 5:30 am – 7:00 am and 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

• Home addresses ending in 0 or even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) are permitted to water lawns on even calendar dates.
• Home addresses ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 are permitted to water lawns on odd calendar dates.

Enjoy the best of both worlds

This summer, keep the green lawn you’ve worked so hard to maintain.

At the same time, help the environment (and your wallet too) by using less water than necessary.

And if you need any help with your lawn (such as getting fresh topsoil for those very bare spots), all you have to do is contact us.

We’ll get back to you – fast – with all the information you need.

The post Water-Saving Lawn Care Tips appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.