Where Pebble Meets Patio

You have your perfect outdoor hardscape all set up: a waterfall just waiting to be turned on to garner the sounds of flowing water. A dry streambed with colors complementing your house. A pebble rock garden on the patio under a shady deck. But now what?

Now it’s time to think about sealing your rock features to ensure long-lasting results and protection from harsh outdoor elements like the sun, foot-traffic, wind and rain. KRC Rock has a wide range of sealants and cleaning products all targeted to protect your outdoor rockwork. We offer a wide variety of sealant finishes, ranging from glossy to matte. Once your rock elements are sealed, keeping them clean with rock-specific products will guarantee lasting hardscapes.

Check out some pictures of completed patio projects using KRC Rock materials and finishing products!

Rock Your Garden!

Rock gardens are becoming increasingly popular as San Diego county water restrictions continue to escalate. By incorporating rocks in various sizes, colors and textures with select drought-tolerant plants, you can maximize your outdoor space on a minimal budget.

Rock types that are great for rock gardens are round, flat slab or angular boulders, rubble rock, river rock, and waterwashed or tumbled flagstone, which can all be found in KRC Rock’s rockyard.

There are many types of rock gardens that can adhere to different tastes, spaces and budgets, but rock gardens are only limited by your imagination! One idea? Create a raised planter bed out of stucco and concrete blocks. Cover the planter bed with decorative natural thin veneer stone. Fill the planter with large rocks and plants like lavender, Parry’s Beardtongue and California Sunflower.

Looking for some more ideas? Here’s a great article describing different types of rock gardens.

When the River Runs Dry-On Purpose!

Popular features in desert gardens and innovative landscapes, non-functional dry streambeds are a striking alternative for the water-conscious backyard. With varying rock sizes and color-coordinated palettes, this decorative path can be an excellent addition to your front or back yard. Complement the dry streambed with an assortment of low-water plants, and you’ll have a gorgeous drought-tolerant outdoor space.

With KRC Rock’s Dry Streambed Kit, this eye-catching feature can be yours without the hassle of contractors and other third parties. All of the materials needed to build a beautiful dry streambed are assembled on pallets that can be delivered or picked up from any of our locations.

For some installation tips and how tos, check out this helpful video on our website. And check out our FlipVideo from our free seminar this past Saturday!

KRC Rock at the San Diego County Fair!

KRC Rock will have its annual display up at this year’s San Diego County Fair! We’re working hard on developing our display, which features a water-conscious outdoor living space, designed to inspire ideas of your own! Come see us at the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower & Garden Show displays near the fair entrance. The fair will be open from Friday, June 11, through Monday, July 5. For detailed fair hours, click here.

Hardscape Design is Easy!

When you’re developing your outdoor living space, it’s important to keep elements of hardscape in mind. Do you have a slope that needs retaining? Do you want to add a water feature? Do you need to reduce your water bill? Do you want an outdoor space that conducive to entertaining or relaxation? Do you want a rustic or a more polished look?

While keeping these key questions in mind, it’s important to research your materials and procedures. Also, if you’re working with a small space, make sure you only have one key focal element-like a waterfall or dry streambed. Consider the substantial design features that are important to you. If you crave the soothing noise of a water feature, try a pondless waterfall or fountain. Remember to limit your design features. Too many focal elements can be visually competitive and may look tacky.

Check out HGTV’s article on Hardscaping Design Dos and Don’ts for some ideas and tips. And remember, at KRC Rock, we have experts that are happy to answer questions and offer suggestions on your project. Be sure to come to our San Marcos location to get inspiration from our brand new outdoor living display! And come to our free seminar on June 12^th to learn some great tips and tricks.

Water Woes

Though we’re lucky to live in an amazing city like San Diego, water is becoming more scarce, which makes it difficult to have lush landscapes that require gallons and gallons of water. With the San Diego County Water Authority continuing stage 2 drought alerts, San Diegans are responsible for reducing their monthly water usage. However, this doesn’t restrict you from having a beautiful, inviting and personalized back and front yard!

This month, we’ll be blogging with tips and tricks on ways to make your landscape more drought-tolerant by installing simple rockscapes and using low-water plants. Be sure to check out our free seminars and the discounts we’ll be offering at KRC Rock this month!