Trusted Decorative Rock Solutions in Calgary

When it comes to enhancing your landscape with decorative rock aggregates, the choice between dark and light stones can significantly impact the overall aesthetic and functionality of your outdoor space. At Clover Landscaping, we will provide our expert guidance in landscape design to choose the rock that is best for you.

Darker decorative rocks are perfect for creating contrast and are associated with a more modern, contemporary, and minimalist design. They provide a stunning contrast to a lighter exterior house. They will enhance the warmth of a cooler climate. However, if planting throughout a dark rock bed, we must consider the added heat from the sun and choose plants wisely. The most commonly used dark rock in our landscape designs is Rundle rock, which can be read about below.

Lighter Decorative Rocks on the other hand can make smaller, enclosed spaces feel larger and more open. They will reflect light and keep any plants in the beds much cooler in the hot summer. Overall plant selection will be much easier in a lighter bed. Light rocks often provide a more gentle and approachable aesthetic. Light rock also does a much better job showcasing landscaping elements such as water features. The most commonly used light rock in our landscape designs is limestone, which can be read about below.

When choosing a size of decorative rock, there are a few factors to consider. The most common sizes we work with are either 20mm or 40mm rock. 20mm will naturally move and migrate more than the larger 40mm rock, but will also provide a little bit more depth. In areas where spillage is of concern, 40mm is a great choice as the larger rock will stay in place easier. For example, when cleaning out beds with a backpack blower, the 40mm rock will stay put as it is much heavier. For walking areas, 20mm will be much easier to walk over as the aggregate is less bulky.

One of the most common decorative rock choices seen around Calgary is Rundle. This dark black rock that is extracted from Mount Rundle in the Rockies right next door is a Calgary favourite for a reason. It shows off very sharply in contrast to a lighter house and adds a very bold aesthetic to any landscape. We use this rock very often in our builds from whole property rock beds, to dark accent planter beds. This is a very versatile rock with many applications.

Our favourite type of light rock in our builds is limestone. This flashy rock has a light complexion and also looks to almost glow when hit by the light properly. It is much more tame then a crystal white rock and won’t need to be kept as clean as some other lighter stones. We use it to make spaces feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. We also prefer this rock for areas where there will be many shrubs, trees and flowers as the sun will not warm the limestone as much as a darker stone.

One of the flashiest looking rocks for your property is Crystal White. This rock is glowingly white and will be noticeable right away. A pricier option than other light rocks, this rock is for more high end installs where there will be little to no debris from plant droppings. These beds require care as any leaves and debris will be very noticeable in a crystal white rock bed. It can be used around planting for those who are very attentive to their landscape and don’t mind the upkeep. We like this rock in contrast to beautiful stone retaining wall and planter builds. Crystal white rock is great for making spaces feel much larger.

Wash rock is a very common rock that we use in areas built for functionality. It comes at a much cheaper price tag and is much easier for walking paths and drainage. Along sides of houses, dog runs, or other less visible areas are where we prefer to use wash rock. Wash rock is great for areas with high water runoff as it is rounded and porous to allow for easy water flow. We keep the decorative rocks to areas that are on display and add wash rock to areas that are more about functionality. This saves on budget and allows for high functionality in your paths and walkways.