One’s organic, and the other isn’t. Besides that, what are the other differences between rubber and natural mulch? There’s plenty, actually. As with many things in life, natural is often the way to go. It’s just better for your garden and the environment in general. Here, we’ll dive into the 5 reasons why. 1. Natural Mulch Decomposes Well, technically, rubber can too. But it takes a very, very long time. Natural mulch will decompose within the year, ensuring your garden gets a steady supply of nutrients during the growing season. Rubber on the other hand, pollutes your soil. 2. Natural Mulch h ..read more

Every gardener dreams of a bountiful harvest and the secret to achieving this lies beneath the surface—mulch. Not just any mulch, but the right kind can be the game-changer for your vegetable garden. It’s about creating a nurturing environment where your vegetables can flourish, retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enhance soil health.  A Guide to Mulch Types for Vegetable Gardens  When growing food, it’s important to find safe and effective mulches. This way you, you can ensure no unsafe toxins are leaching into your soil and that your veggie plants are getting all the nutrients th ..read more

Mulch is a garden’s best friend. This simple yet wholly beneficial material plays a key role in the health and appearance of your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, understanding mulch is key to successful growing. In this article, you will learn:  What mulch is and its critical role in gardening.  The different types of mulch and how to choose the right one for your needs.  Practical tips and techniques for mulching effectively.   So, let’s dive into the world of mulch and answer common questions to explain its wonderful benefits. &nb ..read more

Retaining walls are not just functional elements in landscaping; they are also artistic statements. When constructed with bricks, blocks or natural stone, they provide a timeless and robust solution for managing sloped terrains and enhancing aesthetic appeal. In this guide, we will explore the different types of stone retaining walls, ensuring you find the perfect match for your landscape’s needs.  1. Dry Stone Walls  Building dry stone walls involves a technique as ancient as it is durable: stacking stones without mortar, relying on arrangement and gravity to achieve stability. Th ..read more

Building a retaining wall doesn’t have to be complicated. While they must be practical, they can also be stylish and durable. Thinking of putting one up? Check out our FAQ guide below for all you need to know.  What’s the Purpose of a Retaining Wall?   The primary purpose of a retaining wall is to counteract the forces of gravity and stabilize sloped landscapes, preventing soil erosion and providing support for vertical grade changes. By doing so, it holds back soil and rocks, effectively turning a hill or slope into a flat surface. Beyond this functional aspect, retaining walls can ..read more

Cutting pavers might seem like a specialist’s job, but it’s something you can do right at home. Whether you’re laying down a path, building a patio, or adding decorative touches to your garden, cutting pavers allows you to customize and adapt materials to fit your design perfectly. In this guide, we’ll explore two main ways to cut pavers, ensuring you have the know-how to tackle this task with confidence.  Cutting Pavers with a Hammer and Chisel  This traditional method is perfect for brick or stone.  It’s a handy technique for small jobs and doesn’t require specialized power t ..read more

As Beautiful as Full-size Brick Considering the aesthetics, durability and affordability of brick veneer siding as compared to real brick, veneer siding is often a winner. In terms of appearance, anyone would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between full-size brick and brick veneer once installed and pointed with mortar. Also, It lasts as long as brick when installed correctly, and offers significant savings. At Grand River Natural Stone Ltd. we offer a beautiful selection of both Brick Veneers and Full Size Brick. Come in and allow us to show you what we have. Our experienced and knowle ..read more

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18. Are you thinking of getting Dad another necktie or bottle of cologne? If Dad loves spending time outside–or he loves showing off his patio pavers to family or friends–then why not get him some outdoor gifts he’ll love to use? And not just on Father’s Day, but throughout the summer as well. Instead of venturing out to the mall, you should head on down to your local landscape supplier and get Dad a gift that he’ll truly love. Gift Idea #1: Mulch and topsoil Wait, what? Much and topsoil? As a Father’s Day gift? Yep. Think about it. If Dad is always working in the ..read more

We go all winter with a bare yard, no colour, and brown plants. So it’s only natural, when spring and summer come around, that you want to indulge in lush greenery throughout your property. But that increase in outdoor water usage comes with a price – figuratively and literally. In this article, we discuss ways to conserve water when landscaping this summer. 8 Ways to Conserve Water When Landscaping Canadians use approximately 330 litres of water per person, per day. Imagine what that number would look like if we were all a bit more water-conscious. Here are 8 ways to conserve water at home an ..read more

Your home is one of the most expensive things you’ll ever pay for, so whether you’re renting or buying, you should take good care of it. Now that it’s summer, it’s the perfect time to do weekend home exterior projects, so you can enjoy your home improvements all year long. 1. Take care of your deck or patio The summer is when you will be getting the most use out of your outdoor space. Throughout the winter, your deck and patio were covered in snow and ice, so be sure to properly prep it for use during the warmer months. At the very least, your deck or patio needs to be power washed and cleare ..read more