When it comes to landscaping, every material has a purpose – and picking the right one can make a big difference in how your outdoor space looks, functions, and lasts over time. At Gammans, we offer a wide selection of landscape rocks, decorative stones or pebbles, and sand products to help you create beautiful, functional outdoor areas that last.
Whether you’re refreshing a garden bed or planning a complete outdoor makeover, there’s landscape stones for the job. From compacted garden pathways, relaxing sitting areas to standout water features Gammans have you covered.
Not sure what to use where? Let’s explore the different types of decorative landscaping rocks, stones and pebbles, and the best way to use each one.
What’s the Difference Between Decorative Stones (or Pebbles) and Landscape Rocks?
Decorative Stones
- (also known as pebbles) are usually smaller, smoother, and selected for their appearance – include rounded river stones and decorative pumice stone in various sizes and colours. They’re perfect for garden beds, edging, pathways, and creating visual contrast.
Landscape Rocks or Stones
- are larger, more structural stones – used to create borders, firepit surrounds, dry riverbeds, rockeries or feature elements like steps or boulders.
Both bring natural texture, colour, and durability to your landscape. The best results often come from combining both, using landscape rocks where durability matters and decorative stones or pebbles for style and softness.
Best Uses for Decorative Stones
1. Garden Pathways and Walkways
For well-trodden areas, it’s preferable to use materials that are compactable and stay in place.
Hoggin
Is a compactable 6mm crushed white limestone, perfect for creating firm, low-maintenance surfaces with a clean, modern finish. Its soft white tone brings a fresh, natural look to garden paths, courtyards, and entertaining areas. Whether you’re going for a coastal feel or a more contemporary style, this fine-textured chip compacts beautifully while still allowing natural drainage.
Limestone Chip
This 15mm white chip offers a tidy, clean finish with good drainage and long-lasting appeal. Its light tone and natural shape make it a versatile option for driveways, paths and garden borders.
River Stones 20mm
Smooth, round river pebbles that are perfect for garden paths or between stepping stones.
2. Sitting Areas and Courtyards
Low-footfall zones like small patios, garden seating areas, or tucked-away reading nooks are the perfect place for more decorative finishes.
Rustic Gold (Small)
Rustic gold tones with earthy bronze and copper highlights are beautifully complemented by soft greys and muted blues, adding depth and natural contrast. Looks stunning in smaller spaces, this blend brings a gentle warmth and pairs beautifully with wooden furniture or pavers.
Mangatangi Gold 40mm
These earthy, golden-toned mid-sized stones are great in seating areas or as a surface mulch in pots or raised beds. They also help reduce weed growth and retain soil moisture in nearby plantings.
3. Firepit Zones and Feature Areas
Statement spaces are all about contrast and bold texture – and that’s where larger landscape rocks and stones shine.
Ruapehu Stone (60 – 200mm)
A smooth, multi-toned decorative rock featuring natural greys with warm red highlights which looks especially striking when wet. Its rounded shape and organic texture make it ideal for firepit surrounds or adding depth to water features, ponds, and dry creek beds.
Rustic Gold (60 – 200mm)
These stones feature a rich mix of rustic gold, bronze, and copper tones, with soft greys and muted blues for contrast which bring natural warmth and texture to dry spaces like firepit zones and courtyards
Decorative Landscape Rocks
For truly custom projects, we invite you to hand-pick larger rocks directly from our yard. These work well for garden borders, steps, natural walls, or feature boulders.
Best Uses for Decorative Pebbles
1. Garden Edging and Mulch Alternatives
Decorative pebbles are a great way to finish the edges of paths, flower beds, or driveways.
2. Water Features and Dry River Beds
Water features, ponds, and fountains benefit from decorative materials that change visually when wet.
The Right Sand for the Job
No landscaping project is complete without the right sand base. At Gammans, we supply two types:
No.1 Washed Sand
Clean, fine, and versatile ideal for making concrete, perfect for sandpits, play areas, and building the ultimate sandcastle.
No.2 Sand (Paving Sand)
A clean coarse washed river sand perfect for laying under pavers. This sand compacts well and provides a solid base for stepping stones and patio projects.
Not Sure Which Landscape Stone to Choose? Here’s a Quick Guide
| Outdoor Space | Recommended Products |
|---|---|
| Garden Path | Hoggin, Limestone Chip, Gold Rush, Rustic Gold, Mangatangi 5–20mm River Stones 20mm |
| Sitting Area | Rustic Gold (Small), Mangatangi 40mm, River Stones 20mm |
| Firepit Area | Gold Rush, Ruapehu Stone, Rustic Gold (Large), Limestone Chip |
| Garden Edging | Limestone Chip, River Stones 40–60mm |
| Water Features | Ruapehu Stone, River Stones (various sizes) |
| Concrete or Sandpit | No.1 Washed Sand |
| Paving or Stepping Stones | No.2 Sand |
Why Choose Gammans for Decorative Stones and Landscape Rocks?
We’ve been a trusted name in landscaping supplies for over 65 years, proudly family-owned and based right here in Ōmokoroa. When you visit Gammans, you’re not just getting access to quality products – you’re getting guidance and local knowledge from people who genuinely care about your project.
Whether you’re starting small or redoing your entire outdoor space, we can help you:
- Buy landscape rocks that suit your design and budget
- Select the best mix of decorative stones or pebbles and landscape rocks
- Choose the right base materials like sand or hoggin
- Find natural stone options that complement your planting and architecture
And with our wide selection of products available in bulk or by the trailer load – with complimentary trailer hire – we make it easy to get exactly what you need, when you need it.
Pop In and See Us or Give Us a Call
Visit us in Ōmokoroa to view our full range of landscape stone, decorative pebbles, and rocks and stones for landscaping. Or give us a call if you’d like help choosing the right material for your outdoor project – we’re always happy to help.