1. Decide what you want to use your river rocks for. You can use landscaping pebble for flowerbed or pathway edging, or you can use larger polished stones as accent pieces, walkways, in ponds, to create waterfalls or even to divert water from the foundation of your house by strategically placing it in the yard. Crushed river rock is also great for pathways instead of larger stepping stones, and moss covered stones can be attractive amidst flowers or in groups.

2. When you have calculated the sizes and amount you need, buy your supplies. Be careful in handling any larger boulders that are moss covered. If there is any moss damage, combine milk, sugar and moss seed and spread or on the damaged area.

3. Use old newspapers or plastic paint buckets to transport the rocks or layer between them so they do not rub and get ruined. Newspapers are also a good idea to line any area you will cover with small pebbles as they will prevent weed growth.

4. The placement of polished river rocks should be done as much as possible without mortar, since this will create a more natural effect. If you want to create a waterfall, a stack of river rocks of various sizes are great to cover a water pump, and then larger polished boulder can be used at the top for the water to flow out of to make a very natural impression.

River rock landscaping is simply designed to give you options to create easy designs without any hassle or an extensive garden plan. You can make beautiful accent areas by simply grouping moss covered or polished rocks, and strategic rock placement can serve multiple purposes while still looking decorative.