CAST STONE WINTER CARE

To make sure that your purchase will last and remains the accent of your landscape for many generations to come, some consideration and preparation should be taken into account.

One of the characteristics of cured concrete is that it absorbs moisture.  Water expands under freezing conditions, and it is at this state that concrete is weakest when facing extreme cold weather elements.  Please take the following precautionary suggestions to prevent damage to your decorative concrete purchase.  Frost disintegration occurs when water absorbed in concrete freezes.  Snow and ice accumulate inside bowls, basins and other cavities and during the day melts to absorb into the concrete.  Although concrete mix designs accommodate some flexibility of the cement in many cases, the rock aggregate near the surface does not.  When temperatures drop at night, there could be a potential for cured concrete to chip, pit and in some cases even crack.

 

DO NOT USE ANTIFREEZE IN YOUR FOUNTAIN as a preventive measure to frost disintegration.  Antifreeze is a harmful product to humans, animals and the environment.

It is recommended that decorative concrete items are protected from frost disintegration by storing components indoors or covered by a tarp or cover.  While covering decorative concrete, it is recommended that the outer edges and lower portions are wrapped with a moisture absorbent material, such as moving blankets or towels to protect components from being in contact with condensation that might develop on the inside of the tarp or cover when temperatures drop (i.e. from a nice sunny winter day to a frigid winter night).

Concrete that is dry will not be harmed (in any way) by any natural temperature change no matter how drastic.

 We suggest that birdbath or fountain tops not be left outside in the winter.  Once the top fills with water/snow and freezes, the top may crack.  All birdbath or fountain bases, bench legs and statuary should be raised up off the ground in winter so they will not freeze to the ground surface.

STONE VENEER SIDING

Natural stone is inherently a savvy long term investment - as designed by Mother Nature. It is durable, low maintenance, and has lasting visual appeal. Natural stone has always been an earth-friendly product. Today's selection of natural stone offers limitless design versatility with durability not found in other building materials. It can be used on the exterior, retaining walls, interior walls, kitchens, and fireplaces, and also in patios and outdoor living areas.

Stop by the Rock Shoppe soon to check out all of our stone veneer siding! We appreciate your business!

GARDEN PATH EDGING

Using edging on a garden path defines the personality of a path.   It helps keep the material in the path secure and also helps grass from growing into your path.  Many materials may be used to define the edges.  You can use Stone or Rock Edging, Block Edging, Flat Stone Edging, Brick or Paver, metal or plastic edging.

RAIN GARDENS 

Why are rain gardens important?  As cities and suburbs grow and replace forests and agricultural land, increased stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces(roof of your house or garage, pavements- driveway, sidewalks), your lawn, or areas with poorly drained soil becomes a problem.  By redirecting the stormwater runoff into a rain garden, you will be able to help change these trends.  While an individual rain garden may seem like a small thing, they help the environment in several ways.

• Increasing the amount of water that filters into the ground, which recharges local and regional aquifers;
• Helping protect streams and lakes from pollutants carried by urban stormwater - lawn fertilizers and pesticides, oil and other fluids that leak from cars, and numerous harmful substances that wash off roofs and paved areas;
• Providing valuable habitat for birds, butterflies and many beneficial insects.  

Making a stepping stone path

1.       Remove sod and dig down 5-6 inches

2.       Lay down landscaping fabric

3.       Add 4 inches of decomposed granite

4.       Tamp solidly down

5.       Place stepping stones in your path

6.       Add more decomposed granite in between stones

Herb path –

Use topsoil instead of the second layer of decomposed granite to do your planting.

                Suggested plants that are foot traffic tolerant for path.

                                                Whooly Thyme (zones 5-9), 1” – 3” tall, pale mauve flowers

                                                Blue Star Creeper (zones 5-7), Pale blue blossoms

Walking Paths

Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz followed the yellow brick road to her dreams. The pathway through your yard and garden can also follow the vision of your dreams. Design your yard and garden with thoughts of places you have visited that have left inspiration in your heart and mind and a smile on your face. Make your yard a showplace with stepping stones from the Rock Shoppe on Gotfredson!

Fairy Gardens

• Use large flat rocks in your garden to display garden art.  They are particularly useful to elevate and display potted plants, birdbaths, and gazing globes.
• Fairy gardens can be given a 3 dimensional look using rocks to display the Fairy's and all of the Fairy garden items
• Flat ledge rock can be used as a stairway or path through your Fairy Garden.
• The Rock Shoppe on Gotfredson carries a large display for your Fairy Garden, rocks in every size and shape, gazing globes, birdbaths, and so much more!  We look forward to meeting you!