Hobbit House Update

The front of The Hobbit House circa 2016.

Not sure who even cares but I figured I would give an update since I have posted on this in the past.  I had planned to open a unique little store located here at our family stone yard business.  A little hobby on the side of selling antiques/vintage/unique items along with one of a kind items we have made.  It kind of did get opened but life also kind of happened.  We got our tiny building finished and opened officially back in May of 2016.  It was good and we had lots of cool stuff for sale.

Rock Turtle we made.  It was sold to a lady on the lake.

Its new home is on Lake Ray Hubbard.

However, it quickly got too hard to try and keep it going along with working 6 days a week at the busy stone yard not to mention coping with chronic pain from a failed neck surgery.  Now 2 years later I have had another neck surgery, a car wreck which gave me whiplash 12 weeks after the second surgery, along with some other road blocks.  We still have items for sale but I haven't been able to be around to open it due to all the medical stuff I have been going through. 

My old plate and screws were taken out and more levels were added.

They went in from the front and the back this time Feb. 2018.  

At this point I am just trying to take care of myself and put my life back together.  I am not able to lift much of anything yet and still suffer from pain 24/7 (but it is slowly getting better).  It takes a minimum of 1 year to heal from neck surgery so I can at least expect that after all the trauma my neck has been through.  What about The Hobbit House?  I don't know!  Not yet anyways.  I am having some sales and will be throughout the rest of the year most likely.  Taking it day by day at this point.

From a sale earlier this summer 2018.

 So yeah, I guess life really is like a box of chocolates cause you never know what you are gonna get!  We will see what life throws at me next but I will be here to catch it.

Game of Thrones - What is the Big Deal?

If you have not at least heard the name "Jon Snow" in the past 6 years, well, you must have been living in a cave!  Everyone seems to at least heard of the television series Game of Thrones.  Some have even read the books while others are discovering it for the first time.  It has just started its 7th season on HBO.  Take a look at the trailer for season 7 below!

I am a Game of Thrones addict and I can't get enough.  This epic fantasy drama is unlike anything I have ever experienced and has been a huge love/hobby of my life for years now.  It has helped me through the tough times in my life where I was down for surgery or being sick.  Even being depressed.  The world  brought to life is based on a series of books by George R. R. Martin who released the first in 1996.  The books aren't even done yet!  Fans are have been anxiously awaiting the release of the next book, Winds of Winter. The show has now surpassed the books but that still doesn't ruin it for book readers.  There is so much more going on in the books than the show could ever even try to fit in.  As a matter of fact, George R. R. Martin wrote the books in a way so it could NOT be adapted for the screen.  Due to HBO's large budget they were able to do so but it is still so vastly different than the books.  

 The world this show takes place in (Westeros and Essos) is so diverse with so much history, different cultures, some magical elements mixed with unique and well weaved together story lines - it is beyond intriguing.  The characters and story lines are like a symphony creating a beautiful song - "a song of ice and fire" - which is the name of the series of books in which the show is based on.  A Game of Thrones is the title of the first book in the series.

Most of the show centers around the seven kindgdoms of Westeros.  Each of the seven regions have a Leige Lord or a main family/house in charge.  For example, in The North House Stark controls or governs the region.  Their family sigil is a Direwolf and their words are "Winter is Coming."  This story focuses on Lord Eddard Stark's family.  The North is the largest of the seven kingdoms and their cultures, traditions, and attitudes are far different than those of "southern" houses.  Each house has a sigil and house words.

There is a lot to know and every word, every scene, every prop, have meaning.  Details are important.  Yes, there are a lot of names but you'll get it! We all have characters we love and hate and find those we strangely relate to or end up liking when at first, you hated their guts (For me - Jamie Lannister).

The characters aren't all just good or just bad.  They are human.  They all make mistakes and face difficult decisions.  It is gory but realistic.  Yes it has sex and blood and all kinds of craziness so if that is not your thing, don't watch it.  This realistic show is meant to take place in a mid evil-esque time period but with dragons and white walkers (ice monster things we still do not know exactly what they are or what they want) and dire wolves and on and on it goes.  If you want a happy ending and unicorns and rainbows do not watch this show.  If you enjoy history, complex and meaningful story lines, courage, honor, betrayal, brutality, sex, and scary white walkers, and a girl with dragons...WATCH IT!

Don't skip around episodes.  You must watch them all and then watch them again to seriously get all the politics, names, schemes, tricks, and so forth.  But you can enjoy it however you like of course!  I just enjoy knowing all about this crazy ass world, its legends, history, cultures, and houses.  In other words, I am a nerd.

Zeroscaping Is So Hot Right Now!

First things first, there is xeriscape and zeroscape which are often used interchangeably but actually have different meanings.

Zeroscape typically refers to a mostly concrete, stone or gravel in place of a traditional landscape design. It can even mean that no landscaping has been done.

Xeriscape is a method of landscape design that minimizes the amount of additional water used by combining native plants and trees, as well as rock work, to create beautiful outdoor spaces. Xeriscape designs are especially used in dry regions and areas. To have the most impact with a xeriscaped yard, use trees and plants native to the area.

The above information was supplied from a blog post from Native Trees and Landscape.  For more great information on Xeriscaping check out the website Gardening Know How.

I'm gonna talk about zeroscaping up in here so get ready to...rock. (So sassy!) Okay let's go!

We all have them...those places in the yard where nothing will grow and every time you see it you throw up a little.  The area may get muddy and then all your animals go running through it so they can then run inside the house.  Maybe the area is just an eyesore and you do not know what to even do with it.  Rocks can make it all better.

Side of a house which always got muddy.  A variety of river rock, a few boulders, and then some Oklahoma Slabs were used for a walkway.

A tree covered sloped area has been transformed with some Arizona River Rock, Moss Slabs, and a few plants.

There are many things one can do with rock.  One thing to keep in mind is the larger the river rock - the less coverage it will get.  The smaller the river rock or gravel the more coverage you will get.

An area before being landscaped by Tropical John.

The smaller gravel on the outside is Cinnamon Gravel.  Moss Boulders were used as a border along the river bed which contains Arizona River Rock 2-4".

What a difference!  Tropical John created a creek bed and even put a log in it to give it a more natural feel.

Your neighbors will be so jealous!

A variety of rock makes a huge and beautiful statement.

The first thing you must determine is the square footage of the area you plan to cover.  This will help in planning your budget.  The gravels and river rocks pricing are based upon the cost of freight - where the rocks are brought in from. The Arizona River Rock ($230/yard), for example, costs more than the Rainbow River Rock ($130/yard) because it comes from Texas.  Don't be afraid to mix different kinds and sizes!  Depending on your project, sometimes it may be more beneficial and cost effective to put a cheaper gravel underneath as a base and then go over the top with the rock you really want which may cost more.  Do a light layer of the more expensive rock on the top and cheaper underneath to keep the cost down.

Now that we have established I am a genius, lets take a look at a few more great ideas for zeroscaping!

Rainbow River Rock filled these massive beds with Moss Boulders acting as edging as well as a few as accents in the bed.

Texas Outdoor Oasis did an amazing job on this customers' home.  Decomposed granite was used on the outer beds, Arizona River Rock 2-4" (keep in mind it has not been washed off yet in this photo), and finally in the center area 1-2" Rainbow River Rock.  This is quite the zeroscape!

Cut-N-Edge used decomposed granite and then river rock along the are with the steel planters.  Decomposed Granite makes a great ground cover material that is easy to walk on.

A courtyard area such as this done by Graves Landscaping is also a great way to turn an unsightly area into a beautiful masterpiece!  They used Tejas Gravel around the concrete pads and then Arizona River Rock at the base around the water feature.

This area was jazzed up by The Grassman using Rainbow River Rock and Oklahoma Flagstone for steps.

A customer sent me her before and after photos of a backyard project her and her husband completed.

Before

After

After Photo #2

There are many different things you can do to achieve a zeroscape - it just depends on your style and budget.  If budget is an issue, do it in stages. Also remember, there are ways to keep the cost down and still achieve the look you are going for.  Come on by and visit us here at Classic Rock to get more ideas and check out our website which is full of pictures to draw inspiration from. Can't do the project yourself and need some help?  We can help guide you to a landscaper who will fit your needs.  Have anything to add?  Leave your suggestions below.  Otherwise, keep on rockin'!

So You Want To Use Stone Edging For Your Flower Beds?

Austin Stone flower beds done by The Patient Gardener.  

Wanting to edge your flower bed boarders and not sure where to start?  You have come to the right place.  There is green metal edging, concrete blocks from places like Home Depot, and then there is stone.  The first thing you must decide is your style.  Do you like straight and symmetrical?  Rustic or more natural?

Moss Boulders installed by Tropical John.

There are many different looks that can be achieved by using stone.  Having a budget in mind is a great way to begin.  Once you decide to take on this project, measure the linear length of your beds.  Does your yard slope?  If so, keep that in mind as well.  Is this a project you plan to do yourself or hire the work done?  Maybe you are unsure and want to check into cost?  There are a lot of factors to consider so lets break it down.

Knowing the length is the first and most important step when considering edging your flowerbeds.  Once you have the linear footage, next comes the type or rock or style you prefer.  Some like to match the stone on their house (if there is stone on the house).  That is usually a good idea but does not have to be the only option.

CHOPPED/LEDGE STONE AKA "THE ONES THAT LOOK LIKE BRICKS"

*2,000 pounds = 1 ton*                      *1 pallet weighs roughly 1.5 - 2 tons typically*

Austin 4"x 4" 

Chopped or Ledge Stone are the familiar looking rectangle stones.  There are many different colors and sizes.  The standard and most popular size is a 4"x4" which means the stone is 4" tall and 4" wide and the lengths of the stones all vary.  If a stone is too long, you can break them.  We sell the stone by weight (sold by the ton).  You do not have to buy a whole ton.  Each pallet's weight varies but is normally between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds (1.5 to 2 tons).   We also have 6" sized stone as well meaning it will stand 6" tall but still be 4" wide with varying lengths.  There are various types of cuts and other sizes too but lets just stick to the basics for now.

Austin 4"x 6" (6" tall and 4" wide)

How much will you need?  Great question!  The quantity of stone you will need depends on the following:

• How many linear feet do you have?
• What type/kind of stone?
• Which size of stone?
• How tall do you need your boarder?

Some types of stones are heavier than others due to their density.  So a sandstone rock will weigh less than an equal size piece of quartzite or granite.  Due to this factor, heavier the stone, the less coverage it will have.  Also, the taller/larger the stone (a 6" tall stone versus a 4" tall stone) the less coverage but it will stand taller.

General estimate for coverage for a 4"x 4" stone - roughly 100 linear feet per ton.  A stone which is  6" x  4" will roughly cover 80 linear feet per ton.  These estimates are for one layer only and again, may vary due rock's density.  (Austin Ledge Stone is a little lighter in weight/density so it tends to get more linear feet per ton than that of Oklahoma Ledge.)

** We do recommend to seal the Austin Stone - especially when used as a bed boarder.  It is a softer limestone and will absorb moisture.  Freezing and thawing weather conditions could lead to the Austin Stone busting apart.  Sealing the top part (sawn smooth part of rock which is exposed to the elements) helps with this problem.  Sealing the whole rock will also help with staining.  Since it is white, it shows a little more as it weathers.  Mud and grass can stain the rock.  But any and all rock is going to weather over time.  Even Oklahoma Ledge that has been down for years will most likely have a bit of green from the grass.  Many people have had Austin Stone as their flower bed boarder for years with no problems.  You can get stone sealers from many hardware shops but a local supplier called DFW Stone Sealers carry a variety of high quality sealers and cleaners for stone. **

If you plan to do this project yourself there are a few things to keep in mind.  First of all, you do not have to mortar the stones.  You can just line them along the edge of your bed and be done with it.  You can break the stones to a shorter length if you need to.  A handy tool to have is a hand grinder and attach a diamond blade.  Score the stone with the diamond blade and then finish breaking it with a hammer.  You can also use a hammer and score the stone to break it that way.

Oklahoma 6" Ledge for the flowerbed edging.  Done by
Cut-N-Edge.

Thinking you would rather have them mortared together?  Be sure to dig a trench and pour a footer.  Mortar the stones but be sure to add weep holes every 6-8 feet so the water can drain from the beds.  Another option is to pour some concrete in the trench just a little at a time and place the stones in while its wet.  Leave the gaps or joints between your rocks free of mortar so you do not have to worry about drainage.  This will just help to keep your rocks in place and will stop weeds or grasses from growing up between the stones.

Since the ground shifts with our North Texas clay soil, if a proper footer is not installed when mortaring the joints of the rock, it will crack.  Over time due to dry conditions, you will most likely have mortar cracks even if a proper footer is installed.  It happens and most often the result of mother nature and time.  It may be years or decades so don't sweat it.  The same is true if you put the stones in the wet concrete.  It isn't for looks, it is just there to keep your rocks in place and deter weeds so who cares!  No one will see your "makeshift" footer.

BOULDERS AKA "NATURAL/RUSTIC LOOK"

There are many other options besides the chopped or ledge stone.  Many people like the moss boulders.  This is a more natural look and is typically a little easier to do yourself.  We have several sizes to choose from.  Creek Rock is another option for a similar look.  We have them in brown and white.  They are all smooth due to the fact the rocks do come from creek beds.

Moss Boulder edging.  Work by The Patient Gardener.

Mix boulders with chopped like Texas Outdoor Oasis did here.  They used Black Colorado Boulders with 4" Fossil Leuders and then added some Arizona River Rock along the front as well.

Another photo of Chopped Stone mixed with Boulders.  Due to the elevation now the 4" Fossil Lueders is stacked 3 high.  Installed by Texas Outdoor Oasis.

Moss Boulders also installed by Texas Outdoor Oasis.

Oklahoma Creek Rock - Set 'em and forget it!  We have flat versions of these too!

River Rock is another great choice for edging.  We carry many different kinds and sizes to give you the look you want.  Stacking flagstone is another option as well.  There are choices out there which will not break the bank or your back.

Cherokee River Rock

Arizona River Rock as bed edging.  Great look installed by Cut-N-Edge Lawn and Landscape.

Cherokee River Rock as the bed boarder with decomposed granite giving a very rustic look.

A nice example of mixing stone.  Here FGO Landscape and Stone used Oklahoma Ledge/Chopped with Moss Boulders.

Flagstone stacked to make a tree ring boarder.  FGO Landscape and Stone did a lovely job.

There are many options with stone as your bed boarders.  It all depends on you and how creative you want to be.  Check out our website www.classicrockinc.com for many more photos and ideas.  Have any cool examples of using rock as a flowerbed boarder?  Please share them with us!

Note: My posts are meant for helpful advice.  I use photos of customers (landscapers and DIY's/homeowners) using our stone and choose based on what I think will help the reader visualize what I am saying.  A link is provided to those landscapers/businesses as a courtesy to both the local businesses and reader hoping to make it as helpful as possible for everyone.  In other words...I am not paid to endorse anyone's business or product!