So you've just moved to your new hobby farm and have noticed that your pasture is filled with rocks, or you see that the previous owner left you a huge pile of rocks, and it looks unsightly. Why not leave the rocks in the pasture? Well, obviously you want them out if you are going to be using the field for hay, or any other crop production. So typically farmers make piles of them. Even in livestock fields, scattered rocks can be harmful to your family, pets, or livestock. I have sheep and will note the sheep enjoy climbing on the rock pile, it also helps keep their feet in better shape by wearing them down, however these rock piles can be dangerous if an animal should slip or get its' foot stuck between rocks. I also have horses, and horses can be hurt if they get smaller rocks or stones stuck in their hooves.
These rocks should not be looked at as a nuisance but rather you should view them as a valuable asset. The rocks can be used for many Do it Yourself projects around your property both for functionality and beauty. Or the rocks can also be sold people for their DIY projects.I remember before we moved to our acreage, seeing farm after farm with these huge mounds of rocks protruding from the landscape as we would drive by them. I remember thinking to myself what I would do if that was my farm, and how I would utilize the natural resource of rocks on it. The very first day we moved into our present farm, after unloading the U-Haul and doing some unpacking, I began to make a large herb garden with paths and borders made from the rocks on the property that were wasting away in a pile in the field. For me it was a symbolic gesture of giving thanks, as I have always said if I had one of these farms that I would use the rocks and other natural resources on it effectively.
Fences
If you have ever been to Britain and gone for a drive in the country you will have noticed the rock fences for the sheep, these certainly took a lot of rocks, and effort to create, and have a marvelous appearance, I wouldn't expect anyone to gather enough rocks to build such a fence now, or have enough time, but no article on what to do with found rocks would be complete without mentioning these marvelous structures.
Patios
Each year people spend thousands of dollars building stone or brick patios. They go to their local garden or DIY center and purchase simulated, or real, stone at premium prices. If you have a supply of rocks and stones in your pasture you can cut the cost of creating a stunning patio for your family in half. The beauty of a natural stone patio far surpasses any of those made from mass produced simulated stone. This will not be perfectly flat, or fit together exactly but you can use this to your advantage by naturalizing with moss or alpine plants.
Walkways and Paths
Natural stone can be used in place of bricks and cobbles to create more interesting walkways and paths. If you collect and select smaller stones it is even possible to achieve mosaic type effects, such as, a dragon mosaic that runs the entire length of the walkway or path. For a more daring and esoteric path try close and evenly placed stones standing on end to create a straight walkway that is a meditative experience as well as a reflexology work out.
Retaining Walls
Commercially available retaining wall products are usually very expensive and generally look fake and tacky. If you have stones on your property they can be used to create fantastic walls that have real character and soul to them. Also retaining walls made from natural stone will last a lot longer than any commercial product you can buy. As an added bonus if you select stones with moss and lichen already growing on them, you won't have to wait 10 years or more to have a beautiful wall.
Problem Areas
If you have large Pine Trees, eventually very little will grow under them except weeds. A solution to this problem would be baseball to football sized stones placed tightly together under the pines. You will still have to weed under the Pines, however, not as much if you place the stones effectively and use a weed barrier beneath them. Covering an area with rocks also works for overly shady or dry spots such as those close to buildings. As with all stone projects, be excessive, the rocks are free, use lots. Sparseness just looks silly, lazy, and trite.
Pest and Predator Control
Placing stones around enclosures for fowl on your farm will greatly reduce the ability of certain predators to get at your fowl. When you are out in the pasture you can always shove the odd stone into an old gopher hole then cover with dirt to rid it of all those dangerous holes, which can potentially cause problems for livestock.
Creative Arrangements
With a little skill you can make some creative pilings of rocks, similar to the Inukshuks make by Inuit people of the Arctic.
One More Tip
I hope you enjoy using your rock pile to make your home more special, but remember one poorly placed large rock will look awkward, it is better to use several rocks to create a sense of unity. Do not be afraid to look at your placement and change it if you find it looks out of place. The addition of plants in or around rocks, will pull the unit together.
