With a wide variety of rocks out there, you can build entire rock gardens (such as a serene zen garden), using stones to create focal points and provide accents. While you can place statement, stand-alone rocks, piles or blocks of stones can also be functional for walls, pathways, and seats in your garden. 

If you’re curious about incorporating rockery into your garden, we’ve put together a guide on the most common landscaping stones, breaking down what you need to consider with each type.

How do you pick the right rocks for your rock landscaping project?

To get started on your rock landscape, check out what’s available at your local quarries, rock yards, and home improvement stores — you’ll save on transportation and other costs this way. But also keep in mind what project you’re pursuing instead of simply buying what’s available. It makes sense to prioritize boulders for water features and flagstones for pathways. It may be helpful to work with a contractor or designer to bring your vision to life.

To help you get a feel for the different kinds of rocks out there, here are basic types of rocks for landscaping that you should know about. 

Pea gravel

Pea gravel is a tiny stone (usually between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch big) that’s ideal for filling in driveways, patios, fire pits, and more. It’s also great for filling spaces between larger landscaping rocks, such as boulders and flagstones. Functionally, it’s also the perfect answer for controlling weeds and providing drainage, which could be great for a drought-tolerant garden.

Unlike mulch, it won’t break down over time. While it won’t provide nutrients to your soil, it’ll last for a long time. Keep in mind that it can be rough and bumpy to walk on and harsh weather can displace it.

Flagstone rocks

From sandstone to quartzite, flagstone rocks are smooth and flat, which makes them versatile for creating paths in high-traffic areas. You might also find them as stepping stones or edging around garden beds. Made up of fragmented sedimentary rocks, they can come in a wide variety of colors.

When it comes to maintenance, they’re fairly easy to clean, as their large surface area makes them easy to sweep or rake through. Bear in mind that they can be pricey since they’re so big (about 1 to 2 feet wide). Some weather patterns may impact Flagstone rocks, in that they get very hot during the summer and very slippery during bouts of rain. 

River rocks

Found near freshwater sources, river rocks feature a naturally smooth and polished appearance. They’re actually pretty similar to pea gravel stones, except they feature softer edges and are usually much bigger. About 1 to 2 inches in diameter, they can be used to fill in patios, but they can also work for accenting garden flowerbeds and succulent plant arrangements.

And, of course, they look great with water features, perfect for a basin around a fountain. River rocks do tend to be pricier than pea gravel and might be a bit dangerous as a walking surface.

Boulders

Adding a weathered texture, boulders are perfect for focal points in a garden. You can use them to line a walkway or section off certain areas of your landscape. They can also work perfectly beneath a tree or by a garden bed — don’t be afraid to get creative!

When it comes to functionality, boulders can also be quite useful for building retaining walls and benches in a landscape. Do keep in mind that they’re very heavy, so you’ll likely have to hire help to place them in your outdoor space.  

Lava rocks

Jagged and porous, lava rocks, or volcanic rocks, are great for mulching your soil. Small in size, they help your soil keep its moisture, provide weed control, and offer drainage. They can be gray, black, or red in color, so they also create a visual contrast in your space. One thing to keep in mind is that lava rocks do tend to be very light, so harsh weather can scatter them around.

Marble chips

If you’re looking for a bit of shimmer and luxury, marble chips are probably one of the fanciest rocks you can incorporate into your landscape. When light hits these white rocks, they give off a luminous appearance. Like gravel, you can use them for filling walkways and garden beds.

When using them in your garden, it’s important to keep in mind that they can make the surrounding soil more alkaline, which can be good for some plants (like hydrangeas) but bad for others (like magnolias). 

Cobblestones

Often used for walkways and driveways, cobblestones have a bit of a classic charm to them. They typically come from granite from riverbeds and are cut into rectangles or other shapes. However, you might find them in their round state at a rockery. Besides being used for entire paths, they also work well for walls and plant beds. Do keep in mind that cobblestone can be uneven as a landscaping rock, which makes removing snow and walking long distances difficult.

Building a rock garden can be a neat, low-maintenance alternative to keeping a lawn. With so many stones available out there, you can find just the right textures, colors, and sizes for your stonescape vision. From simple pea gravel to statement boulders, you’ll be able to create a stunning, easy-care space with a little bit of planning and manual labor. 

Beauty bush

Beauty bush has several names, including Linnaea amabilis, Kolkwitzia amabilis, or simply beauty bush. Native to China, this shrub is popular for being extremely easy to grow. It’s tolerant of all soil types, moderately drought tolerant, and grows quickly. The beauty bush earns its name by growing many pale pink, bell-shaped flowers in the spring. This shrub can grow to between 6 and 10 feet tall and wide, but you can also keep it smaller through regular pruning.

Azalea

Azalea is a classic flowering shrub, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a type of rhododendron (another popular flowering bush) that comes in an array of colors. Although the flowers are classically pink or purple, you can also find them in orange, red, white, and yellow, making it easy to match an azalea bush to your garden’s aesthetics. Additionally, the bush’s popularity makes it easy to find at any nursery or garden center.

Butterfly bush

If you want to draw pollinators to your garden, or want stunning flowers that won’t wilt in dry weather, then a butterfly bush might be the right choice for you. Available in a wide variety of colors, the bush’s conical flower spikes are a favorite of butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds! In addition to being drought tolerant, these shrubs have long-lasting blooms, so they’re a great choice if you want your garden to stay colorful most of the year.

Loropetalum

For a gardener with more unusual tastes, loropetalum is sure to be a delight. Also called the Chinese fringe flower, this shrub grows bright pink flowers with long, thin petals that splay outward. When not in bloom, this shrub is still a beauty. It has dark purple or pink leaves that won’t fade or fall in winter, providing color all year long!

Weigela

Weigela is the perfect shrub for northern gardeners who struggle to find flowering plants that survive cold weather. This bush can survive temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can enjoy its beautiful flowers each spring without fear! Its flowers can be many shades of pink, and there are even varieties with variegated leaves.

Whether you’re looking for a flowering shrub that can survive drought or cold weather, or you want something that’s easy enough for a true beginner to grow, we’ve got you covered. One of these five flowering bushes is sure to meet your needs and bring you joy. These shrubs make it simple to create a colorful garden full of flowers!

This diverse aroid genus actually contains about 50 different species, so you can definitely collect a wide variety of Monstera houseplants for green tropical vibes year-round. To introduce you to the gorgeous world of Monstera plants, we’ve rounded up some of the most sought-after cultivars below.

Monstera deliciosa

If you’re just getting into houseplants, one of the most ubiquitous plants you’ll come across is the Monstera deliciosa. Often mistaken for a philodendron, this lush plant features large, heart-shaped leaves with holes, or fenestrations.

Native to Central America, this plant has a tendency to grow quite large and all over the place if you don’t pin down its aerial roots. That’s why it’s a good idea to tie it to a moss pole stake. Other than its eventual need for a stake, it’s a pretty easygoing plant. You can even allow its soil to dry out before giving it a good soak.

To keep its growth ongoing and its leaves healthy, fertilize your Monstera deliciosa every other week during the growing season. Also, make sure to give your plant plenty of bright indirect light for full leaves!

Monstera Peru

Imagine a lush pothos plant with thick, scaly leaves, and you’ll get something like the Monstera Peru (Monstera karstenianum). As its name suggests, it comes from tropical Peru. The dark green leaves, which measure about 9 centimeters long, feature a prominently ridged texture and don’t have any fenestrations.

Again, you can give this plant a moss pole (or even a wooden plank) to climb, or else it will trail. This Monstera thrives in airy, well-draining soil, so mix perlite and bark into your growing medium. Because the leaves are somewhat succulent, you can let the soil dry out in between waterings. Bright indirect light and monthly applications of a balanced fertilizer will keep your plant happy.

Monstera adansonii

The Monstera adansonii, or Swiss cheese plant, features pointed green leaves with prominent fenestrations. It tends to grow quite prolifically and trails as it grows, so it makes for a beautiful hanging basket plant. This fast grower, which comes from South America, benefits from bright, indirect light and a biweekly application of a balanced fertilizer.

You can let your plant dry out before soaking it thoroughly. The thin, lacy leaves also appreciate extra humidity, so turn on a humidifier or leave your plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Monstera dubia

Originating from Central America and South America, the Monstera dubia can often be mistaken for a Scindapsus with the silvery sheen on its green, heart-shaped leaves. Sometimes called the shingle plant, it has a tendency to climb if you keep it on a plank or moss pole. While rarer than many other Monsteras, you’ll likely be able to track down a Monstera dubia online.

Bright indirect light is best for this plant, as it can easily get scorched. It appreciates loose, loamy soil and you should water it when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This is another Monstera that appreciates the extra humidity, so leaving on the humidifier won’t hurt!

Monstera Thai Constellation

Avid plant collectors may have their eyes on this rare foliage beauty, which can easily sell for hundreds of dollars for a full plant. It looks exactly like a Monstera deliciosa, except it features creamy flecks across its fenestrated leaves. As its name suggests, the Thai Constellation was developed at a tissue culture lab in Thailand. This plant can be a bit fussy, so pay close attention to its needs.

Keep your plant by bright indirect light so the green parts of the leaves can photosynthesize, but don’t expose it to so much bright direct light that it burns. Water your plant only when the soil feels dry on top, and make sure it has well-draining soil. The most important thing is to pay attention to the humidity level — it prefers a 60% to 80% humidity level, so a humidifier is your best bet for preventing crispy, curled leaves.

Monstera obliqua

If you love the look of a Monstera adansonii but want to try a more challenging plant, the rare Monstera obliqua may be right up your alley. It features extra large fenestrations, so much so that it may sometimes appear to be more hole than leaf.

While Monstera plant care is generally easy, Monstera obliquas are notoriously difficult to maintain, even if you’re an experienced grower. Constant humidity is a must, and you may even want to keep your plant in an indoor greenhouse cabinet. Room temperature is OK for this plant, but you want to be careful with light, as too much shade will lead to wilting leaves and too much direct light will burn them. During the growing season, give your plant a gentle, slow-release organic fertilizer.

With all the different Monstera plants out there, you can definitely find one that matches your specific taste. Keep it simple with a Monstera deliciosa, or go for a more textured look with a Monstera Peru. If you’re a seasoned houseplant lover, you may even want to try your hand at a Monstera obliqua or the Thai Constellation. Whichever plant you go for, it’s bound to grow monstrously with dedicated care and perhaps a bit of extra humidity. 

Forget-me-nots

Forget-me-nots, also known as scorpion grass, are sweet little flowers. They’re classically pale blue, but can also be light pink or white. These flowers typically only grow to heights of around 5 inches and can grow in small clumps for a more full appearance. They prefer moist, well-draining soil, but can develop mildew if the soil becomes waterlogged.

Lily of the valley

Lily of the valley is a slightly taller plant, but is still quite small and has thin stems. Reaching heights of 6 to 12 inches tall, this flower prefers morning sun, light shade, and slightly moist soil. Lily of the valley spreads horizontally through underground rhizomes, and some varieties can spread quickly. If it fills your flower pot, you can gently divide it into multiple plants, which make great gifts. Alternatively, you can clip some of the excess stems to place in a vase or for use in a bouquet.

Candytuft

Candytuft is a lovely white flower with dark green leaves. It typically only grows 6 to 8 inches tall, but it does have a spread of 1 to 2.5 feet. This spread is smaller when grown in containers, but it will fill a pot. Candytuft often drapes over the sides of its container, creating a beautiful waterfall-like effect. Planting your candytuft along the top of a wall can create the same cascading effect. For the best results, use well-draining soil and keep your candytuft in full sun.

Fairy foxglove

Fairy foxglove, or alpine balm, isn’t actually related to foxglove. This small European wildflower is hardy and extremely easy to grow. Native to rocky mountain slopes, it will even grow in sidewalk cracks! Simply plant this little flower in moderately dry soil and place it in a sunny area. Fairy foxglove only grows 3 to 6 inches tall, so it’s a perfect desk plant.

Plants to avoid

Some plants are large enough that it’s easy to avoid them. Most trees and shrubs, for example, as well as plants like sunflowers and Brussels sprouts. However, plants that spread can quickly get out of control without you even realizing it. Mint, ivy, and blackberries are small at first, but can easily take over a space if left unattended. If you plan on growing one of these plants, regular pruning can help keep them small.

Whether you plan on growing a single plant in a pot or creating a tiny garden outdoors this spring, these four flowers are the perfect starting place. They’re easy to grow, so even beginners can care for them without issue. This makes these flowers a great choice for practically any gardener!