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.

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Building Natural Surfaces and Walls

Two of the most popular choices for creating a natural look to landscaping are armour stone and flagstone. Both exhibit a range of earthy colors, textures and unique visual patterns derived from the specific quarries where they were mined. However, each type has different purposes.

Armour stones are large, rough, cubically shaped blocks weighing from one to several tons each. They are often used in small quantities to create a focal point in the yard such as a small waterfall, a large planter or a short wall. In larger quantities, they make an especially durable wall for erosion control or shoreline retention. Armour stone comes in distinguished grays as well as rich, chocolate browns that will enhance any landscape.

Flagstones are flat and may have natural or cut surfaces. They are ideal for patios, walkways, pool surrounds and short retaining walls when stacked. The material is especially weather resistant. It withstands decades of freeze-thaw cycles without breaking down. It exhibits an even greater variety of colors than armour stone, from pinks to greys, blacks to light purples and myriad shades of brown or gray. Sandstone types of flagstones have an enduring, natural slip-resistant texture.

Both flagstone and armour stone are placed with larger gaps than used for brick or concrete pavers or blocks. This extra space can support filler vegetation such as moss, elfin thyme or alyssum, which further accents the rustic, outdoors theme that they lend to any landscaping project.

Concrete and Clay Brick

If outdoor pavements are salted during the winter, concrete or brick pavers may be a better choice than flagstone since the latter tends to flake or spall in the presence of salt. If you are concerned about cost or want a uniform look for a drive or patio, then clay brick or interlocking concrete pavers may suit you better.

Clay brick is made from a wholly natural material that is shaped, dried and then fired in kilns to achieve its strength. Concrete brick is made with Portland cement and aggregates mixed in specific proportions. It is cured, not fired, to create chemical bonds between its components. These different materials and manufacturing processes result in distinctly different characteristics:

• Clay brick expands over time, whereas concrete brick shrinks
• The color of clay brick is determined by the type of clay used
• Concrete brick’s “natural” color is gray, but pigments can impart any shade.
• Over time, the color of pigmented concrete fades, but clay brick tends to retain its color
• Concrete pavers come in a wider variety of textures and shapes than clay brick

The basic trade-off between the two is concrete’s higher structural strength and integrity versus the more natural look of clay brick. Both can be used to great advantage in your landscape design, however, depending on your aesthetic goals and practical requirements.

A Little Knowledge Goes a Long Way

Now that you are familiar with some of the most popular landscaping materials, you are ready to apply your knowledge to your personal landscaping project. You could also consult a landscape designer who will consider your goals, your lifestyle, current architecture and budget to find what best suits your needs.

The post What Kind of Natural Stone is Best for What Use? appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.