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Add an organic feel to your outdoor space with river rock landscaping ideas.

Here are some river rock landscaping ideas in a range of tweaks and designs to inspire you.

Dividers separate mulched areas from gravel to keep things looking neat.

river rock landscaping

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The shrubs provide privacy and the ending keeps the gravel in place.

The stone fire dish completes this simple, functional design.

This one also has oblong wood planters with Mediterranean herbs.

pea gravel and rock garden path

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Pea gravel makes for a comfy, ergonomic walking surface too.

Gravel’s lighter colors also provide a different and somewhat warmer aesthetic compared to blacktop.

These are all perennials that can be deadheaded and divided easily.

granite and gravel patio

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Not all plants are suited to this key in of planting, and prefer a more traditional soil culture.

But many plants adapt well, including many shrubs, and most drought-tolerant plants such as sedums and salvias.

Gravel Patio + Groundcover

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Sometimes you want the view to command your full attention.

river rock and green plants

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Thedesignis meant to display symbolic elements of nature, like the rippled lines in gravel representing ocean waves.

using rounded river rock gravel will give your zen garden a smooth texture.

Pebbles can also help anchor plants in place and retain moisture.

Gravel walkway with fire pit

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They’re versatile for design, too, available in a range of sizes, shapes and colors.

What are the downsides of using river rocks in landscaping?

Though river rock is a flexible material, there are some cons to using it.

gravel patio

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Using a rake, broom and small leaf blower can help wipe the debris.

To prevent weeds, lay down landscaping fabric or sand beneath your gravel or rock layer.

you could keep weed growth minimal by spraying with horticultural vinegar or salt water.

pea gravel and brick path

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The best size river rock depends on yourlandscaping project.

pea gravel and stones

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pea gravel driveway

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Rock garden with gravel and larger rocks and creeping groundcover plants

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Garden bed with paver edging and gravel over landscaping fabric and plants

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Sun parasol on table with chair and gravel patio with stone bench

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Fountain and pond water feature made with round and flat river rocks

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Pair of red Adirondack chairs with Russian sage and red bee balm

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Zen garden made with gravel and larger stones

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Clay planter with cacti, pebbles and stones with gravel patio in background

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Desert landscape with succulents and euphorbia

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succulent plants with gravel and rocks in a garden

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Stacked grey river rocks

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Gravel walkway

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Garden with gravel, river rocks and clumping grasses

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Round bed edges with pavers and gravel

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Square stone planters on white gravel beds

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Flower pot made of pebbles with sedum growing

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