There are many Calgarians who cherish having a lush, green lawn. They take the time to carefully mow it every week; they weed and water to keep it looking pristine, and they genuinely take pleasure in having a beautiful lawn. As for the rest of us, mowing and watering can feeling like a big headache. So what’s the alternative?
The fact of the matter is that the lawn grass most Calgary homeowners have just isn’t well adapted for the Alberta climate. Calgary doesn’t have enough rain, and we’re too sunny and hot to keep the grass looking great without significant human intervention. So instead of fighting with nature, we suggest working with it.
For keeping weeds to a minimum, invest in a high quality weed barrier fabric. On top of the fabric, you can choose your favourite stones. Choose rocks with bright colours to add interest. Add different layers to your yard, and accent with boulders, barrels, and other hardscape elements. Finally, complement the stones and hardscape with flower beds.
Alberta Rainbow Rock.
One of our favourite decorative rock is the Alberta Rainbow Rock. Available in 20mm and 40mm sizes, rainbow rock is naturally round and comes in a blend of numerous colours, which are particularly vibrant when the rocks are wet. The bright reds, purples, greens, and blues make this rock particularly good for a water feature, but it’s also a great option for pathways, alongside a home, or in flower beds.
Choose Native Plants.
For flower beds, it’s a good idea to choose hearty plants that are well suited to our climate. Not only will these plants compete better against the weeds, they’ll have lower water consumption, which saves you money on your utility bill. If you’re not sure where to start, the City of Calgary keeps a long list of charming perennials and annuals which thrive in our area. Of course, even the strongest plants will struggle if they aren’t given high quality soil to grow in. At Soil Kings, we have a variety of superior, bulk garden mixes that provide excellent water retention and access to vital nutrients.
Stone River Beds are a favourite way of landscaping with rocks. They offer the beauty of a water feature without any of the maintenance. These faux river beds are often constructed using mostly grey or blue pebbles complemented with larger river stone and even big rocks large enough to sit on. The river bed can be finished with a wooden bridge or even a small speaker that plays the playful, trickle-sounds of a creek.
Our rundle rock, available in a variety of sizes, is a sleek, charcoal grey and a good starting place for your stone river bed. For larger stones, we offer river rocks that are 2 to 8 inches. Choose which of our aggregates will best meet your aesthetic needs, then work with your landscaper to design your stone river bed. Remember that during August, our decorative rock is 10% off!
If you’ve decided to recreate your yard using high quality aggregates, Soil Kings should be your first stop! We offer numerous, beautiful pebbles and stones, which you can browse online or come see in person at 71 Technology Way SE. Benefit from our affordable delivery if you live in Calgary (or area), or just bring your truck to our location. You don’t need an appointment, and we’ll load your truck for you! What are you waiting for?
