If you appreciate the little things and aim for simple living, the rustic theme may be the perfect option for your outdoor space. Many more specific design themes fall under the rustic umbrella, including farmhouse, barnyard chic, cottage core, and ranch. At the center of all rustic themes is a fundamental color palette that perfectly centers around high-quality red mulch.
But maybe we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves. What is the rustic outdoor theme, and who is it really for? What steps can you take to perfectly embody rustic design in your yard? Below, we explain everything you need to get started with your outdoor design.
Landed here because you’re already a rustic theme expert but you need the ideal high-quality red mulch to pull it off? Place your order with Lumberjacks using the button below!
The Many Benefits of Red Mulch
In addition to being a great addition to a rustic landscape, red mulch is also highly beneficial to the garden and the gardener. Some of the key benefits of red mulch include:
- Suppresses weeds
- Adds nutrients to the soil
- Deters pests
- Helps prevent soil-borne diseases
- Helps keep soil warmer during cold weather
- Extends plant growing seasons
- Conserves water
- Supports plant health
- Reduces maintenance time
- Creates a striking visual contrast for greenery
- Prevents erosion
A particularly interesting benefit of red mulch is that it reflects red light. Red light is thought to promote more vigorous plant growth.
How to Get the Greatest Benefits From Red Mulch
To get the most out of your mulch, only buy organic. As the mulch naturally decomposes, it will enrich your soil with organic nutrients. With no harmful chemicals to worry about, your rustic-themed yard will not only look beautiful, but it will also become a safe haven for bees, birds, and other small wildlife.
Make sure to apply the correct amount. Too much or too little can mean you won’t reap all the available benefits. Water in the mulch after it is spread as well. Watering will prevent fungus growth and help mulch perform better.
Your mulch will occasionally need to be refreshed to keep looking great and providing optimal benefits. There’s no need to remove old mulch, though. Allow it to decompose naturally, and add a new layer on top to revive the look of your rustic landscape as needed.
High-quality red mulch is crucial to your rustic design.
Choosing Red Mulch as Your Main Landscape Attraction
One of the many benefits of red mulch is its distinct color. It has a vintage look without being old-fashioned or fussy, making it an ideal natural, organic element for a rustic landscape. For many, the red shade serves as a reminder of a safe and sturdy weather-worn barn you can’t wait to explore.
When it comes to design, the striking shade of red can provide a strong focal point. This can be especially helpful for new landscape designers and DIYers. A solid focal point makes every decision going forward a little easier to make.
Designing Your Flower Beds
After you’ve chosen the perfect high-quality organic red mulch, it’s time to start plant selection. For many months, the beauty of your garden relies on the texture, shape, and green foliage for interest.
Luckily, there are many shades of green to choose from, including yellow-green, blue-green, and silver-green. All of these natural colors will look stunning growing from red mulch and can serve as the cornerstone for your rustic design.
You’ll want to select a pleasing combination of colorful flowers to plant among the diverse shades of green. For example, you could plant marigolds, roses, daylilies, geraniums, and other nostalgic favorites. The great news is that almost every flower will look at home in a rustic garden.
Plant shrubbery along your fence line to create simple lines. Of course, every yard needs a tree or two. If there are no trees already growing in your yard, include at least one in your landscape design. Congratulations, you’ve completed the first level of your rustic landscape starring organic red mulch.
Adding Practical Theme Elements
The next step is to choose and install the practical elements in your theme. This includes fencing, garden bed border, lighting, and, potentially, walkways. Choose natural elements like wood, stone, metal, and brick over artificial options like plastic. For example, you could use premium red mulch or small stones to create natural walkways through your yard. A fence made of unfinished natural wood or black metal is also a great idea.
Bringing nature into your yard is a big part of the rustic theme, so try to incorporate things that will attract backyard wildlife and pollinators. Excellent options include bird baths, water fountains, bird feeders, and birdhouses. Planting trees and shrubbery that produces berries or fruit are other options, but they’ll require additional yard upkeep.
Using Red Mulch to Create a Rustic Theme
The rustic theme can be summarized in three words: simplicity, versatility and warmth.
The simplicity of this design is one of its biggest draws. Rustic design is characterized by natural and organic elements like wood, burlap and lots of greenery – making it the ideal choice for your outdoor space. Plus, the simple design can also translate to cost savings since it’s very DIY, thrift store, and yard sale friendly!
There are many ways to create a rustic design, making it an incredibly versatile (and customizable) option. All-natural elements pair well with one another. For example, metal, stone, and wood is a classic combination that suits many décor styles. Elements like red mulch complement other natural elements like the grass and other sources of greenery in your yard.
Every aesthetic has a word that describes it perfectly. For rustic design, that word is warmth; the warmth of a simple, downhome lifestyle that feels like home. It’s a warmth that wraps you in nature and brings to mind a simpler time.
Developing Your Outdoor Seating Area
Not everyone has the space to create an outdoor seating area. However, even a small seating arrangement will add enjoyment and function to your rustic garden. To stay with this type of theme, choose stone, wood, or metal furniture.
A few ideal types of outdoor seating for the rustic theme include:
- Wooden Adirondack chairs
- Stone benches
- Metal patio tables with chairs
- Stone retaining walls that double as seating
- Distressed lodge-style seating
You can often find outdoor seating in thrift stores or at yard sales. Finding deals on gently used seating will help you save money in the budget for those items that must be purchased new, like mulch!
Choosing Aesthetic Decor
Finally, you’ll want to add your personal touches with aesthetic décor to finish your rustic outdoor design. The sky’s the limit when it comes to décor, but remember that some elements work better with the rustic theme than others. Examples include:
- Vintage wood or metal wagon wheels
- Decorative water wells (which can double as planters!)
- Hammocks
- Metal tree or yard décor
- Figurines depicting animals, plants or rural scenarios
- Upcycled window frame décor (which you can be crafty with or purchase already done)
When choosing aesthetic decor, try to vary height, material, and color to add more visual interest to the landscape.
This decorative well and watering cans double as unique planters!
Frequently Asked Questions
You probably have a few questions before you begin implementing the steps above. Find the answers to common questions about the rustic outdoor theme and incorporating red mulch.
What Colors Are Generally Used in a Rustic Theme?
Reds, greens, browns, grays, and oranges are the primary colors in a rustic theme. Think about the colors you might find on a farm when the leaves change colors in the fall. Of course, you can feel free to experiment with varying shades of these colors, but the traditional options are dark and deep.
What Are the Most Significant Elements of a Rustic Theme?
The rustic theme is traditionally defined by elements that are natural, aged, organic, and even a little distressed. “Rustic” embodies a well-used, relaxed look that many find peaceful. If you grew up in a rural setting, the rustic theme may bring a sense of nostalgia and a deep feeling of home.
Who Is a Rustic Theme For?
The rustic theme is for anyone who wants to use it! While you can make the rustic theme work in nearly any outdoor space, it pairs most seamlessly with farmhouses, ranches, and in rural areas.
However, you don’t have to live in the country to design your landscape in the rustic style. Adding a few impactful elements to a traditional home in the suburbs can elevate your design and bring instant curb appeal to your home.
Why Choose Red Mulch for a Rustic-Themed Outdoor Space?
Red mulch is the shining star of any outdoor rustic design. When counting the benefits of red mulch, don’t forget beauty. The vivid red mulch symbolically brings to mind the red barn so many people associate with simple rural living. Plus, red is one of the primary colors of the rustic theme, making red mulch doubly perfect for your project!
How Long Does Red Mulch Last?
How long red mulch lasts depends on the type of mulch received. Our mulch is dyed multiple times with natural ingredients to help resist fading.
Mulch is a natural material that is meant to slowly decompose and add nutrition to the soil. Depending on the amount of sunlight and rain in your area, you may have to refresh red mulch every few years.
How Much Does Red Mulch Cost?
The costs of red mulch will vary based on several factors. Price considerations include mulch type, supplier, location, amount purchased, etc. Affordability is one of the best benefits of red mulch. To receive the most accurate cost estimate from Lumberjacks, contact us today. We’re happy to provide you with a free quote!
Is Red Mulch Toxic?
Some companies may use potentially toxic ingredients to reduce costs. We are proud to say that the red mulch from Lumberjacks is created using natural materials and isn’t toxic. It is safe for children, pets, and the environment.
How Much Red Mulch Do I Need?
How much red mulch you’ll need will vary based on how many flower beds you have and their size. It is generally recommended to apply a two- to four-inch layer of mulch for the best results. Use our handy mulch calculator to accurately determine how many cubic yards you need to order.
When Might a Rustic Theme Be a Bad Idea?
A rustic landscape theme is attractive, but it may not be right for every home. This style may not work with modern-themed architecture, homes or commercial buildings with sharp lines and edges, or structures that primarily feature colors outside of the traditional rustic palette, such as white or pastel shades.
What if the Rustic Theme Isn’t for Me?
If you’ve decided the rustic theme isn’t the right choice for your outdoor space, fear not! Check out our useful guide on landscaping mulch, which features nine beautiful but practical usage ideas. You can also check out our guide on how to use black mulch to create a gorgeous modern aesthetic.
Order Your Premium Red Mulch Today!
The rustic theme is a simplistic, versatile outdoor theme embodying a laid-back lifestyle many yearn for. At Lumberjacks, we’re ready to supply you with the premium red mulch that will function as your design’s centerpiece. Not only will you receive high-quality red mulch, but you’ll also get our top-notch customer service to go with it. Give us a call to place your order today!
