by Jared Jeannotte

Created on: December 07, 2008

Landscaping is a constantly updating work of art. From using stone, flowers and mulch to mowing and weed eating, all add to the aesthetic pleasure of a home. Many people spend hundreds of hours a year making thier personal space comfortable and attractive. What sets every home, yard or garden apart is the individual ideas of the homeowner. The debate over natural versus man-made stones is a valid and identifiable argument. Whether a professional or amateur landscaper, several points should be considered before deciding on man-made stones or natural.

In this time of economic crisis many familys do not have the same finances available for gardening. Man-made stones are costly and require a fairly substantial investment to create that certain look. Man-made stones also have the issue of being discontinued, therefore, it can become very difficult to find replacements should more material become necessary in the future. Selection should be considered as many suppliers carry only the standard types, colors and styles of man-made stone. This is a problem for homeowners looking to make a one off or unique look. Supply of man-made stones is also limited. They have to be purchased from a store and in rural areas means a long expensive trip. Many homeowners also fail to consider the environmental issues related to creating man-made stone. Energy has to be used, pollution created and chemical bi-products must be dispensed with.

Natural stone has many things to be said for it, it is cheap, easily accessible and environmentally friendly. Natural stone can be purchased or found. During a landscaping project create a family adventure by walking a nearby stream (with the landowners permission) to find the unique pieces that can set their garden apart from all others. This option is of course more labor intensive, but fun, good for the family and great exercise. Make it a learning experience, explain how stones are shaped, created and identified. Some cheap backpacks, five gallon buckets or even a yard cart make great rock haulers. Natural stone is available in abundance, many quarries will allow people to hand pick stone from unused portions for at most a small fee. Natural stone has an unlimited selection of colors, shapes, sizes and attributes.

While the decision to use man-made stones or natural is a personal decision. Each person, family or landscaping company will have their own preferences. There is much to be said for the use of a combination of stone for individuals who want that one off look and ease of construction. A fireplace inlaid with quartz crystal or a small pond bordered with multi-colored granite can create a professional appearance to any lawn. The use of natural stone on any project will give you a unique view every time you pull into your driveway.

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