Granite is great, and Michelangelo loved marble, but don’t count Florida out when it comes to natural stone.
Sure, we’re known more for shells and sand, but your landscaping can use Florida native stone, too.
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What kind of stone is quarried in Florida? Limestone is the big one. But other intriguing stones, like coquina and Florida fieldstone boulders, can also play a part in your Central Florida landscaping.
Keep reading to learn more about Florida native stone.
Florida fieldstone boulders are naturally occurring rocks, often marine limestone, found below ground, quarried and used for landscaping.
These intriguing Florida natural stones are white to off-white with deeper tan, brown, and gray tones. Each stone has a unique irregular size and shape and a natural, rugged appearance.
“They’re heavily pitted and can make interesting pieces in a rock garden holding succulents or other small plants in them,” says Eric Frisch, landscape designer at Ground Source. “They tend to look like coral reef structures when you pull the field boulders out of the dirt and wash them off.”
Other creative uses for this Florida natural stone:
It’s an attractive drainage solution that also serves as a landscaping element, a double-duty use for Florida native stone.
Spanish for “tiny shell,” coquina is a sedimentary rock composed of shell fragments native to the Florida coast.
This Florida natural stone has been used in Florida construction for hundreds of years.
Coquina forms naturally when shell fragments from ancient mollusks and marine invertebrates accumulate and are cemented by dissolved calcium carbonate over time.
Coquina is soft and easy to cut in the ground but hardens when exposed to the open air, making it a sturdy, durable landscaping material.
“We use it for paths or small patios,” Frisch says. “When compacted, it can be pretty firm.”
What kind of stone is quarried in Florida? Limestone is a plentiful natural stone in Florida. It forms much of the state's bedrock, with hundreds to thousands of feet of limestone formations beneath the ground.
Florida's limestone formed from the accumulation of shells and other marine deposits over millions of years when the state was submerged or had shallow marshes.
Limestone has many uses in landscaping, such as paving stones for pathways, patios and pool decks. But Frisch says it might not be your best choice.
What’s the best stone for Florida hardscaping? Frisch prefers concrete pavers.
Frisch says any natural stone besides limestone, from granite to travertine, has to be shipped in, adding to the cost. That makes it prohibitive for customers who would rather save money by using concrete pavers for projects like patios, pool decks and retaining walls.
“I rarely use natural stone in projects because of the maintenance issues and high cost for freight, with most being brought by train car from many states away,” he says.
Wouldn’t Florida native stone, like limestone, cost less?
“Stone still costs a lot even when shipped within the state, compared to pavers,” Frisch says.
Frisch says it isn’t just the cost that makes natural stone challenging.
“A paver patio is easier to take care of and is smooth for furniture and foot traffic,” he says.
Frisch says stone patios can move around if installed on a crushed concrete base. The alternative is to set them on mortar, which involves a lot of labor. Then, crews must either fill the gaps with loose gravel or more mortar.
“Again, lots of labor,” he says. “You still end up with a lumpy surface because of the stone and will spend twice as much as pavers, so it's a hard sell.”
Frisch says you can use crushed limestone for walkways, “but it can be messy and get moved around if there’s heavy foot traffic.”
Don’t count on it, Frisch says.
Frisch says most landscape rock used in planting beds comes from slate, granite chips, or river rock, which aren’t native to Florida.
“The beaches are also nearly rock-free, so harvesting from beaches isn’t an option either,” he says.
No great loss, Frisch says — he’s not a big fan of rocks in landscaping beds.
Fallen leaves, grass clippings and trimming debris make it challenging to keep landscaping stones tidy, he says. Decomposing matter settles between the stone and landscape fabric, forming a layer perfect for germinating weed seeds.
“Rock is not a low-maintenance option as many people mistakenly think when trying to pick out materials,” Frisch says.
He says to always opt for mulch in beds, which retains soil moisture and adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.
While limestone might not be your perfect patio material, intriguing Florida native stone like Florida fieldstone boulders or coquina can set your Central Florida landscaping apart by incorporating features unique to our area.
A border of Florida fieldstone? A charming coquina path? A rock garden brimming with succulent-filled boulders?
There are so many possibilities for natural stone and hardscaping in Orlando and Central Florida.
No need to ship pricey natural stone from other states. Florida natural stone is a sustainable and beautiful choice.
Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive landscape you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then make a great decision.
Image Sources | Coquina Stone, Ocala Limestone