Black polished pebbles get their dramatic finish by running through a rock tumbler with abrasive grit to become smooth and rounded.

These attractive rocks usually range in size from one inch to five inches, can replace mulch for a sleeker and more modern look, and won't need to be replaced

each season.

Lay black landscaping fabric under the rocks so bare patches won't be noticeable. Use varied sizes of stones to build extra layers of depth or one size for a more cohesive design.

Consider going big to fill the empty space with large boulders and having them delivered to your home and, if desired, professionally installed.

Use boulders to design a waterfall and koi pond, then line a pathway back to the house with them, or if space or budget is restricted, opt for one or two boulders as accent pieces.

Dig into the ground first so that part of the rock is buried to help keep it steady and make it look authentic as if it was always there.

Brick chips are small pieces of broken bricks that are easy to maintain and colorfast, so they won't fade over time. However, brick materials absorb water and heat.

The absorbed heat will keep the soil warm overnight, so only use it near plants that like heat and some drought. Lay landscape fabric on top of the dirt to prevent weeds.

Brick chips should be used sparingly as accents or in other warm tones in an appropriate desert-vibe environment, such as a xeriscaped garden.

Cobblestones are a natural, durable choice for creating walkable pathways that can be arranged with different-sized stones into geometric patterns or other designs.

When used in

a landscape, cobblestones allow blades of grass to poke their way up and fill in the gaps. They are very durable, making them suitable for a high-traffic area.

Create a bright and elegant curved effect around your lawn with crushed marble rocks to provide texture and a complementary contrast against the yard's greenery.

Keep everything in place by digging a shallow trench in the shape you want, installing a simple plastic edging, and filling the track with 3 to 5 inches of rocks.

These rocks are not only decorative but are also a good mulch substitute. Just like wood chips, crushed marble discourages weed growth and protects the root systems of plants.