As armour stone makes its glorious comeback to backyards all over Canada, you might find yourself wondering how to hop in on this trend too. Good news is that we’ve got it all sorted out for you. Renovate your garden, adding a bit of personality with these armour stone garden ideas.
Contents
Why Is Armour Stone Such a Trend?
Its appeal lies in authenticity and roughness, standing out among the sleek, polished surfaces with its one-of-a-kind shape. Unlike plastic or metal edging, which can look out of place in a natural setting, armour stone blends seamlessly with the landscape. It goes well with interlocks, plants, concrete, wood, and many other natural-looking elements.
Armour stone a nod to nature in a world that’s increasingly digital and detached.
You also won’t have to worry about durability. This natural stone is extremely durable, bravely bracing any weather conditions. Resistant to pests and rot, it will be the perfect addition to your garden for many decades.
How To Choose the Armour Stone Design?
With the wide variety of options out there you might find your head spinning. Split the whole decision making into 3 simple steps.
Know your vision
Compile all the designs you find interesting, writing down the details you like about them — the more details the better. That can include factors like:
- Size
- Form
- Color
- Plants
- Location
- Function
- Lightning
If you don’t have everything figured out yet, find inspiration online or ask your landscaping contractor for photos of their previous projects. That can really help you understand what you really want to do for your next renovation project.
Pick the perfect stone
Now that you’ve narrowed down your design options, you can start choosing which stone you’ll need for your project. Thinking about a retaining wall that needs to withstand pressure? Go for larger, heavier stones with flat surfaces for stability. Creating a pathway? Smaller, flatter stones with a mix of textures can be your way to go.
The stones also come in a range of colors – warm browns, cool grays, and even with hints of blue or green. You don’t have to stick to one color, size, or texture either. Mix and match to find the perfect combination that would compliment your garden best.
Form and function
Armour stone is the ultimate multitasker — when used right, it’s as practical as it is beautiful. The key, as it so often does, lies in balance. Consider the shape and arrangement of the stones – for example, if it’s a sitting area, think about comfort first. Thinking about a retaining wall? It needs to be sturdy with a strong base.
As for the form aspect of it all, the options are endless – adding tiers or curves to break up the monotony and mixing stone sizes and shapes. Small details like plants spilling over the edges or moss growing between the stones can breathe life into the form.
7 Armour Stone Ideas for Your Garden
Conveniently enough, it’s not just a fleeting trend. Extremely durable, armour stone can decorate your outdoor space for decades without going out of style. These armour stone garden ideas are timeless options, adding a raw naturalistic element to your yard.
Tiered retaining wall
The tiers make the structure more dynamic, interesting, and even functional. Each tier can have a different use — moss on one level, wildflowers on another, and a cozy seating area at the top. These can look like something straight out of a fairytale — you can let the plants grow all over the structure for the ultimate out-of-this-world feel.
Cozy fire pit
Armour stone will make your fire pit look even more organic and natural. You can play around with it too, making sure the look fits your garden’s aesthetic. Arrange the stones in a perfect circle for a classic look, or go freeform for something more natural and organic.
Water features
Use armour stone to complement a cascading waterfall or a little pond — it will withstand the constant flow of water without losing its beauty. Add some aquatic plants or a few fish, and you’ve got a living, breathing ecosystem right in your backyard.
Garden benches
Sleek and modern or rustic and natural — your bench can be different depending on the stones you choose. For a polished look, go for smooth, flat stones with clean lines. For something more organic, opt for irregular shapes and rough textures. Throw in a few cushions for comfort, and you’ve got a cozy spot to relax, read, or simply enjoy the view.
Armour stone planters
Made out of one big stone or compiled out of many smaller ones — armour stone planters are a great alternative to traditional planters that will surely leave an impression. They will enhance the beauty of your plants, while also providing a safe and sturdy environment for them to thrive in.
Built-in lighting
Proper lighting truly makes a difference, enhancing the natural beauty of your armour stone. An illuminated pathway or seating area will create a magical atmosphere and add functionality too. Good garden lighting will make it safer and more convenient when it’s dark outside, making evenings much more enjoyable.
Stone borders
Armour garden borders It’s a simple yet effective way to add structure and definition to your garden. They will divide the areas in your garden, making it even more tidy, neat, and interesting to look at. You have room to add even more individuality to the design by laying the stones in straight lines, circles, curves, or complex geometric shapes.
Expert opinion
Ethan Sinclair
Ethan Sinclair has been working in interlocking and landscaping for over 10 years. His goal is simple — help homeowners and businesses create outdoor spaces that looks good, stand strong, and make clients happy.
Armour stone is a kind of material that makes your garden feel alive, like it’s been there for centuries — something ancient and magical. You can give it a more modern twist as well with lighting, different colors and shapes. Any of these armour stone garden ideas can be easily modified to fit almost any landscape.
