Your landscaping can speak volumes about who you and your family are as people. From modern takes to casual garden plots, your style shines through in intriguing ways. And if you’re looking for something a bit “different” from the norm, you might want to consider some of these unique ways to use black rocks, lava rocks, and even polished rocks for your landscaping.

Just be sure to find the best landscaping black rocks to use for your projects and dedicate enough time to craft the space well.

Raised Firepit and Black Rock Gravel

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One of my personal favorites in any list of landscaping ideas is always using firepits. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved firepits and the inviting atmosphere they provide both literally and figuratively.

A raised firepit surrounded by black rock gravel can add layers of unique textures to that inviting space for the perfect family gathering spot.

Black Rocks and Boulder Combo

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Pairing multiple textures, sizes, and types of landscaping elements is a brilliant way to add some “flavor” to the front or backyard without a lot of hassle. In this case, using black rock gravel with boulders for some unique designs could be the ticket. Put the rocks in, keep the beds weed-free, and that’s it!

Black Rock Instead of Mulch

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For a very simple landscaping option, you can replace old mulch (or build a new bed) with black rock gravel. Small pieces or smooth, polished black rocks work great for this, especially around water features, evergreens, shrubs, and certain kinds of flowers.

Black Rocks with a French Drain

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If you need some drainage in the yard, use this as an opportunity to get decorative. Add a French drain with the gorgeous black rock pebbles for some visual appeal around that all-important drainage zone.

Sidewalk Landscaping with Black Rock

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If your home has some sidewalks bordering your property, and the HOA doesn’t have super strict rules, consider using black rocks for your landscaping around the sidewalks. Edge the concrete with black rocks, plant some colorful plants along the edge, and enjoy!

Black Rock Garden Path

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If you need to upgrade your garden path, black rocks are a simple way to do that. Much link gravel or polished pebbles, the black rocks make for a visually appealing, reasonably easy-to-install upgrade for the pathway.

Black Rock Japanese Garden

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If you’ve got a thing for lanterns, stone cairns, and beautiful Japanese statuary, consider using those black rocks in a Japanese-style garden. Plant appropriate shrubs, trees, or flowers mingled with the volcanic black rock for a gorgeous, clean look.

Black Rock Plant Bed

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If you’ve already got some plants or want to create a plant bed with clean lines and a modern look, use black rock gravel around the plants instead of mulch or ground cover.

Black Rock Boulder Garden

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Rock gardens are beautiful but creating a black rock boulder garden could take that concept to the highest of heights. Consider both black boulders and black rock pebbles for a dark, rich look, or mingle black boulders in with white rocks for a modern appeal.

Black Rock Fairy Garden

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If you’re like me and get a real kick out of fairy gardens, you could consider creating a full fairy garden with black rocks instead of sod. It makes for much easier maintenance and gives a nice little “paved village” feel for your fairies to enjoy.

Succulents Amid Lava Rocks

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Succulents and black rocks just make sense together. So, if you’re into clean-looking, modern designs, consider planting some succulents in a clean plant bed with black rocks as “mulch.” Space out the succulents in clean, even lines or scatter them about for a wild, natural feel.

Black Rock Wall

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If you want to invest a bit more time and energy, creating a black rock wall could be a great, unique, and intriguing piece to your landscaping. This wall could be constructed of black boulders, stacked black rocks, a chicken wire frame filled with black rocks, a crafted masonry wall – practically any methodology and look that appeals.

Black Rock Sculpture Garden

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For a simple but gorgeous look, consider choosing a singular statue (or several sculptures if that’s more your thing!) as the centerpiece for your garden. Then surround that piece with black rocks as a solid bed or even in some pattern or pathway leading to a bench for admiration of said sculpture(s).

Black Rock Koi Pond

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If you’re all about water features like I am, you might want to consider a black rock koi pond. The pond itself could be lined with black rocks, but you can also surround the pond with a black rock surface and maybe a bench or two for relaxed enjoyment around the pond.

Black Rock Herb Garden

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For those who appreciate growing their food, black rocks surrounding your potted or planted herbs in a garden could be an excellent choice. Raised beds, raised pots, or a black rock surface with planters atop the rocks could all work.

Black Rock “Volcano” Waterfall Garden

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If you’re crafty and handy or want to hire someone who is, you could consider building a “volcano” waterfall made from volcanic rocks and boulders. Paint the rocks with red and orange or just let the looks of the rocks imply what’s going on with that fountain spilling forth water down the side of the black boulders.

Volcanic Rock Fountain

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If you love the idea of a black rock water feature but aren’t so into volcanoes, simply build a fountain from some black boulders and stones. You can find tons of DIYs out there for building these sorts of fountains – just switch out the stones for your favorite volcanic rock pieces instead.

Black Rock Container Garden

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This one appeals to me since I have harsh winters and not a lot of space: a black rock container garden. You can build up your garden space with black rocks, then simply place your container garden planters onto the rocks. Easy, fast, inexpensive.

Black Rock Zen Garden

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Similar to the Japanese garden idea is the idea of using black rocks in your Zen or meditation garden. You may want to incorporate some sand and greenery or just have a bed of black rocks and a board surface or comfortable bench for your meditation space.

Black Rock Gravel and Custom Steppingstone Path

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If you’d like a distinct walkway using black rocks, consider laying out a bed of black rock gravel with custom steppingstones for the pathway. Planting the unique stones depicting unique images you love or designs the kids helped make, then surrounding these stones with black rocks could be the perfect way to have a simple but gorgeous and family-friendly walkway the whole family can be proud of.

Black and White Rock Delineation

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For a chic, modern look, consider using some metal edging between black rocks and white rocks in precise patterns or curved shapes. Plant some shrubs or well-groomed plants within, and voila – a beautiful, modern landscape without a lot of work.

Raised Bed Black Rock Front Entry

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For homes on slanted spaces, a raised bed black rock front entry could be the perfect way to add some distinction and elegance without a lot of ongoing work. Create a “retaining wall” with proper drainage, then use black rocks to help support and “mulch” your plants within, near the house.

Multi-Sized Black Rock and Gravel Beds

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Using multiple colors, sizes, and styles of rocks and gravel can create a unique, attractive landscaping project without a lot of hassle or ongoing maintenance. Consider delineating between the types of rocks and gravel with metal edging or blend the black rocks in with the gray boulders. The key focus of this idea is using different types of edging (stone, brick, metal) with different textures of rock.

DIY Black Rock Bubbler Fountain

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If you’re looking for a small landscaping touch using black rocks, you could use this tutorial to create your own DIY black rock bubbler fountain. It’s perfect for small spaces, including patios and lawns alike.

Black Rock Water Features

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Additionally, you could use black rock boulders “slices” and other black rocks to create all sorts of other water features. I love the idea of combining multiple black rock textures (jagged, polished, standard) for a truly unique water feature unlike anyone else’s. In many cases, you’ll need a small pond at the base, but not in all situations. Look for some “rock” water feature tutorials for ideas.

Defined Landscaping with Black Rocks and Smooth Stones

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For some elegant, modern coherence to your landscaping, consider creating a “mirrored” pathway through or alongside your front yard. Use black rocks on both sides of the pathway, against the house and opposite the house, with clearly maintained shrubs or plants planted within on both sides. You can line the inner edge of the path with smooth stones to keep lines clear.

Black Rocks, Plants, and Brick Edging

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For some unique, tropical feeling landscaping around the pool, consider using some sunken bricks for an edge to the patio space, then planting colorful, tropical plants and flowers within black rock “mulch.” The brick edging gives an almost rustic, Latin American feel while the black rocks lead into the tropical climate feel with the plants.

Black Rock “Mulch” with White Rock Drainage

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For homes on slopes, a beautiful idea for a clean, clear-cut drainage design from the gutters is to incorporate the gutters right into the landscaping. Use black rocks as mulch around your plants with white stones beneath the gutter drains. Or, reverse that with white rocks around the plants with polished black rocks as your drainage space.

Black Rock Firepit

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Black rocks come in many forms, including rounded, smooth stones you can use to create a firepit. This unique feature needs little to “add” to its good looks for a full landscaping effect – just add some chairs!

Lava Rock Rose Garden

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For an easier-to-maintain rose garden setting, consider black rocks instead of mulch or greenery. Plant the roses as usual, then fill the grounds with black rocks for a clean, unique look.

Black Rock Plant Border

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If you’ve got some space around the house, front lawn, back patio, or elsewhere that you’d really like to border with some clean, attractive features, consider black rock plant borders. You’d choose some green plants like ferns or shrubs, plant them moderately distant apart, them “mulch” with black rock gravel. It gives a nice, clean, easy-to-maintain space.

Crisp, Clean Black Rock Lines

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If you love modern designs, using black rocks to create some crisp, clean lines could be the perfect way to go. Pour a concrete or lay a stone patio with straight edges, then place black rock gravel around clean-cut plants like succulents or cacti and some distinct, matching rocks or similar elements. Place everything evenly around the space for a clean-cut look that’s modern, chic, and easy to maintain.

Black Rock Xeriscaping

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Of course, you could go with full-on xeriscaping. That is, planting a “dirt” yard with black rocks, succulents, cacti, and similar plants, instead of trying to maintain a lawn or heavily planted space. Scatter the heat-resistant plants or place them in specified designs or spaces. Whatever you like! This particular landscaping is ideal for hot, dry climates but can work in other warm climates as well.

Lava Rock Boulder with Black Rock “Mulch”

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If you’re not too keen on plants, you can create a rock garden that doesn’t require any plants at all. Layout some black rock “mulch” and strategically place large, black rock boulders for an earthy, rich landscape.

Black Rock “Riverbed”

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If you like the idea of a running river through your yard but don’t happen to have one conveniently, you know, flowing through, you can emulate one with building a dry riverbed with black rocks. Fill the bed with black rocks and boulders, line with other rocks, or even some plants that look like they might belong along a creek.

Defined Black Rock Spaces with Green Plants and Trees

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If you like a tidy space, you can create defined spaces using black rocks. Edge any given location with bricks, stones, pavers, or anything else you love, then lay out shrubs, green plants, and/or small trees as you like. Then, lay down some black rock gravel for definition and clarity.

Tropical Black Rock Path with White Stone Edging

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For a tropical space with defined edges, layout some weathering edging to define pathways. Then, lay black rock between as your clear-cut pathway. On either side of the edging, plant tropical plants, ferns, or other plants that appeal and surround with smooth white stones.

Lava Rock Boulder Trail

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I have a thing for “unkempt” looking spaces that feel wild, free, and a bit rustic. For this feeling, I love the idea of creating a path using lava rock chips with large boulders placed throughout the path for definition and unique features. If they’re big enough, the boulders can function as seats. Add some colorful plants, greenery, or trees for the rustic, wild feel.

Mixed Textures with Defined Lines

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For those who love defined spaces, you can blend black rocks with other stone types for some unique landscapes. For example, using some edging sunk almost completely into the ground, you can edge a curved space then fill it with white rocks. Within the white rocks, plant a tree or two. Then, curving into that space, create another defined space for your black rock. Plant trees or shrubs within for more defined plant beds. Finally, add a third curved space on the other edge of the black rocks using natural stone.

Black Rock Sitting Area with Firepit

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Grab some Adirondack chairs, bricks, a firepit, and some black rocks, and you’ve got a perfect family spot for practically any season. Layout the black rocks underfoot for a safe space for fire use and edge with sunken bricks for the cozy, safe for fire use space.

Glossy Black Rock Designs

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Black rocks can be used in conjunction with many other stones and rocks for some gorgeous landscaping. Consider using glossy polished rocks from creating a stone path with designs or even build some smooth rock walls for shaping your landscaping spaces.

Black Rock Succulent Garden Box

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If you like geometric shapes and definitions, consider finding some perfectly square paver stones and creating a uniquely attractive space with them. Section the landscaping zone into sections – one for black rocks and succulents and one for your clearly defined path using those square pavers. Use black rocks between the steppingstones or let the grass grow up.

Black Rock Cacti Patch

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If you have a thin strip of yard you’re not quite sure what to do with, consider creating a black rock cacti “box.” Edge the patch with wood, stone, or metal edging, then plant some cacti with enough space between them for healthy growth. Then, fill the box with black rocks to keep the space defined and low maintenance.

Black Rock, White Rock Checkerboard Design

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If you’ve got some space and love geometric designs, you can create a white rock and black rock “checkerboard” space in your yard. Mark off the check patterns with metal edging, mostly sunken in, or use smooth, straight-edged pavers or bricks to delineate the spaces. Then, fill in your checks with alternating white and black stones.

Half Circle Black Rock Shrub Garden

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One edging design I love is creating a half-circle bed for your plants using black rocks. If you edge the space with larger white rocks, bricks, or slate, you can create a nearly perfect half-moon shape for a gorgeous and unique look.

Black Rock with Pedestal Planters

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Another easy container garden idea is combing the use of tall planters, slate steppingstones or stone pavers, and black rocks. You’ll want to start placing your pavers where you want the planters to rest. Then, fill in the bed with black rocks. Then, place your planters in their tall planters onto the pavers for clearly defined, level container gardening with ease.

Black Rock Fountain Scape

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I love fountains, so I love the idea of scaping around fountains themselves. This idea is based on a gorgeous pair of black, rippling water fountains by someone’s front door. Besides the fountains, a few select plants make for nice touches within the scaping. Then, place your smooth black rocks around as your cover. Gorgeous!

Geometric Designs with Black Rocks

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Similar to the checkboard idea, you can create geometric designs with your black rocks. Use shades of black or different types of black rocks (lava rock, polished stones, etc.) to create some gorgeous designs in the yard, pathway, or even patio. Or mix in rocks of other colors, sea glass, or seashells even.

Black Rock and White River Rock Pathway

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A nice, smooth option for your landscaping is using river rock in white shades to create a smooth pathway through the yard, with black rock gravel surrounding or in between the white rocks for a gorgeous design. The design can also be used around plants, edging the house, along side the patio, or edging the deck.

Black Rock and Slate Pavers

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A simple, no-nonsense landscaping option with black rocks is to simply create a pathway using square slate pavers and fill in the gaps with black rocks. It gives a nice, crisp look for your pathway in a nice accessible way for walkers and canes. Just be sure to keep the pavers close enough together that they don’t trip up pedestrians!

Black Rock and Poured Concrete

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Finally, a gorgeous idea I love is using black rock in a concrete pour for a pathway, patio, or barbecue surface. What this means is pouring your concrete surface, then inlaying the black rocks for a nice design. Be sure to smooth down the rocks to avoid bumpy or jagged edges, though.

Your Landscape, Your Way

Ultimately, any of these gorgeous designs work for landscaping in most spaces. Some are more suited to small yards, while others require a fair bit of space. But whatever you do, be sure to enjoy the process! You can use black rocks in so many creative ways like those suggested or combine two or three to make your own unique landscaping designs.