21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (2024)

Gardening

Landscaping

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Farima Ferguson

21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (1)

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson began her career at HGTV where she worked with designers to write about home design. Her work has appeared in HGTV, Insider Reviews, Travel Channel, and more.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

Published on 06/06/23

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21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (2)

You have many choices when it comes to designing an inviting front yard to help welcome guests to your home. From lush flower beds to symmetrical garden designs, but a landscaping feature many people may not consider is rocks.

Not only are landscaping rocks a timeless design feature, but they have other pros, too. Adding rocks to your front yard is a low-maintenance landscaping option—no green thumb needed. It's also great for leveling sloped yards.

Below, we share our favorite front yard landscaping ideas with rocks, from large stones and boulders to small, smooth pebbles, that anyone can try in their front yard.

  • 01 of 21

    Budget-Friendly Gravel

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (3)

    Gravel is one of the most budget-friendly landscaping materials. Not only does it add texture to a minimalist home exterior but it adds a color on contrast with the plants and trees. There are many types of gravel available, so you can choose one that fits your home's style.

    Continue to 2 of 21 below

  • 02 of 21

    Smooth Pebble Garden Border

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (4)

    A smooth pebble border for your garden is a more visually appealing alternative than brick or plastic edging. Plus, using pebbles makes it easier to adjust the size and shape of your front garden by simply moving the pebbles.

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  • 03 of 21

    A Desert Front Garden

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (5)

    This front yard is a great example of how you can add a combination of different landscaping rocks to help make your garden stand out. The desert garden features large stones as well as gravel that create the perfect backdrop for succulents and bright color through garden art.

    Continue to 4 of 21 below

  • Nothing But Rocks

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (6)

    If you love the idea of a completely maintenance-free garden, landscaping rocks are the way to go. A few large succulents can go a long way when it comes to adding greenery, and garden features like a raised cement garden bed and large boulders add visual appeal and interest without the maintenance.

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  • 05 of 21

    Rocks Instead of Mulch

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (7)

    At first glance, you may think the landscaping rocks in the plant beds of this front yard are only for visual appeal. But, these rocks are functional as well. Adding rocks to plant beds helps suffocate weeds and keeps topsoil in place.

    Continue to 6 of 21 below

  • 06 of 21

    Landscaping Rocks for Sloped Yards

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (8)

    A sloped front yard is a great opportunity to create a stunning garden. This sloped yard features boulders to help level the garden while also adding a one-of-a-kind design feature.

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  • 07 of 21

    A Small Sitting Area

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (9)

    You can still add a place to relax even if your home's front exterior is too small for a porch. The landscaping rocks at this home allow this space to be used as a makeshift porch as well as a garden bed.

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  • 08 of 21

    A Polished Look

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (10)

    The perfectly manicured lawn of this California home gets some color with small shrubs and succulents and a bubblegum pink door. Landscape rocks make up the garden pathway instead of mulch for a more polished look.

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  • 09 of 21

    A Seamless Look

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (11)

    Low maintenance doesn't mean low on style. This home features beautiful concrete pavers that blend seamlessly with the rock garden leading up to the home's front entrance.

    The 8 Best Lawn Mowers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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  • 10 of 21

    Minimalistic Driveway

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (12)

    From the tall privacy fence to the simple, white exterior, this bungalow features a minimalistic design aesthetic. Landscaping rocks and concrete slabs for the driveway and front entrance stay true to the minimalistic design of the home.

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  • 11 of 21

    A Breezeway Pathway

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (13)

    This home features a breezeway that leads from the front yard to the backyard. A simple pathway made from landscaping rocks and concrete stepping stones helps tie the two spaces together.

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  • 12 of 21

    More Rocks, Less Mowing

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (14)

    Landscaping rocks are a great choice if you want to spend less time mowing the lawn and more time enjoying your backyard space. The variety of rocks in this yard add interest and texture and requires minimal gardening, which means more naps on this hammock.

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  • 13 of 21

    Stone Througout

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (15)

    The stone facade on this contemporary home is carried through to the front garden beds where you'll find small succulents bordering the home. The peach front door adds a splash of color.

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  • 14 of 21

    Complementary Colors

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (16)

    This front yard features many lush plants from shrubs to matching topiaries. The large walkway up to the front door features landscaping rocks that complement the home's white exterior and light blue front door.

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  • 15 of 21

    Natural Surroundings

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (17)

    A garden thrives when its an extension of its natural surroundings. This modern cabin on a hillside features large boulders as well as smooth pebble landscaping that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

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  • 16 of 21

    Natural Landscaping

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (18)

    In the Southwest part of the US, the natural landscaping speaks for itself. This home is surrounded by beautiful, natural stone, from the mound in the backyard to the front yard landscaping.

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  • 17 of 21

    A Variety of Textures

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (19)

    You see many textures and materials in this home's front exterior, from brick to concrete to lush greenery. For even more texture, landscaping rocks extend beyond the front pathway to help make the small yard feel larger.

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  • 18 of 21

    A DIY Walkway

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (20)

    Rocks aren't just for gardens and plant beds—they make a great minimalistic front pathway too. Add simple concrete stepping stones to create an easy, budget-friendly home entrance.

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  • 19 of 21

    Succulents and Landscaping Rocks

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (21)

    Succulents and landscaping rocks go together like peanut butter and jelly. Landscaping rocks and succulents are great options in a desert climate where many plants can't grow.

    Continue to 20 of 21 below

  • 20 of 21

    Simple Landscape

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (22)

    Take advantage of your surroundings if you live in a beautiful climate. This home's backyard steals the show, so the front yard is kept minimal with some succulents, ladnscaping rocks and a large concrete front pathway.

    Continue to 21 of 21 below

  • 21 of 21

    Easy Curb Appeal

    21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (23)

    A nontraditional front yard should have a nontraditional garden. This rock garden in front of this home's gate is a maintenance-free way to add curb appeal to your home.

What is the cheapest rock for landscaping?

Pea gravel is one of the cheapest types of landscaping rock available. It costs around $10 per 25 cubic inches. It's a great alternative to mulch because it lasts longer and comes in a variety of colors. It's also a popular option for driveways and high traffic areas because of its smooth texture that's easy to walk or drive on.

Is it better to use mulch or landscaping rocks?

Both mulch and landscaping rocks have their advantages and disadvantages. Landscaping rocks last for years, as opposed to mulch that needs to be replaced every year, which saves money in the long run. Landscaping rocks also come in a variety of shapes, sizes and color, so they can add a lot of curb appeal. They also don't attract pests like mulch does. However, rocks aren't an organic material like mulch, so they don't aid in plant growth, and rocks can overheat your plants and require more watering.

Do you need to put anything under landscaping rocks?

Before laying rocks down, add a layer of landscaping fabric or newspaper. This prevents weeds from growing between the rocks, and it's easier to lift the fabric to remove the rocks than dig them up.

21 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Rocks That Anyone Can Copy (2024)

FAQs

How do I create a beautiful landscape on a budget? ›

11 Cheap Backyard Landscaping Ideas
  1. Use Mulch Alternatives. ...
  2. Repurpose Old Tires. ...
  3. Go Vertical With Your Gardening. ...
  4. Add a Splash of Color. ...
  5. Plant a Functional Garden. ...
  6. Opt for Natural Perennial Ground Covers. ...
  7. Build an Outdoor Fire Pit. ...
  8. Plant a Tree.
Apr 16, 2024

How do you use rocks in landscape design? ›

Incorporate rocks or boulders into your water features , such as a pond or fountain. Build a retaining wall using boulders to define different levels of your landscape. Group boulders together to create a cohesive and natural look . Accent rocks and boulders with landscape lighting that highlights their natural beauty.

How do I make a yard layout? ›

The design process itself isn't hard at all. How do you design a backyard layout? Start by outlining all the fences, add a walkway, place utilities and plants, set out primary paths, and remember not to crowd pathways or patios.

What is the cheapest landscaping rock? ›

The three cheapest options for landscaping rocks are pea gravel, river rocks, and crushed concrete. There are other options, including lava rock, which is more expensive, and slate, which can be brittle and break easily.

What is the cheapest landscape fill? ›

Opt for gravel, organic mulch, recycled wood, and locally sourced rocks and stones to create a beautiful, low-budget landscape.

What color rock is best for landscaping? ›

Consider the ambiance you want to create, as different colors evoke different emotions. If you're planning a calm and serene project, then select cool-toned rocks in shades of blue, gray, or white. If your project is aiming for something more warm and cozy, then opt for earthy tones like browns, tans, and reds.

What size rocks are best for landscaping? ›

The best river rocks for walkways and pathways are small, measuring 1 to 3 inches in diameter. This size is easiest to walk on, as it won't shift as much as smaller stones and will give a more even surface area than larger stones.

What is the best rock to walk on in landscaping? ›

Pea gravel works excellent for projects with high foot traffic like walkways, patios or playgrounds. Expert Tip: Due to its size, small gravel needs edging; otherwise, it will move around and scatter into your lawn or garden.

Is there an app to design your yard? ›

iScape is the No. 1 app for landscape design. We are here to help you create beautiful outdoor living areas. Whether you're an Industry Professional, or a DIY Homeowner, iScape has you covered.

What are the basic rules of landscape design? ›

The principles are the fundamental concepts of composition—proportion, order, repetition, and unity—that serve as guidelines to arrange or organize the features to create an aesthetically pleasing or beautiful landscape.

What is a good landscaping budget? ›

How much should I budget for landscaping? For an excellent landscape, plan to spend up to 10% of your home's value on a complete remodel. A ballpark figure consists of $2,600 to $13,700, but for crunched numbers, you'll need to consider the specific project you want to work on.

How can I beautify my backyard on a budget? ›

37 Cheap Backyard Makeover Ideas That Are High Impact But Low Cost
  1. 01 of 37. Build Raised Garden Beds. ...
  2. 02 of 37. Mulch Your Patio. ...
  3. 03 of 37. Paint Your Fence Black. ...
  4. 04 of 37. Hang Lanterns and Lights. ...
  5. 05 of 37. Set Up a Stock Tank Pool. ...
  6. 06 of 37. Paint Your Stock Tank Pool. ...
  7. 07 of 37. Accessorize Your Pool Area. ...
  8. 08 of 37.
Feb 26, 2024

What is the least expensive ground cover? ›

Pea gravel is also relatively inexpensive compared to other types of patio ground cover, making it an attractive choice for those on a budget. With its natural look, easy installation, and low maintenance requirements, pea gravel is an excellent choice for any patio project.

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