Decorative Aggregates
Whereas pathway fines are the fraction ¼” and finer, gravels are ¼” and larger, up to about a 2” size for landscape terminology. Individual particles are very evident in gravel and give it its characteristic look. Much of the gravel we see is crushed rock that is run through a screening system that separates it into size classes. For example, a 3/8” may have sizes from ¼” to 1/2”, but the average will be 3/8”.
Some gravels are natural and not crushed. Natural gravel is usually rounded, whereas the crushed gravel is angular. This difference is very important. Angular gravel will compact and stay in place much better than the rounded gravel. Rounded particles do not interlock, but roll over one another when compressed. Walk over a 3-inch layer of compacted angular gravel, and you probably will not notice any change, but walk over a 3-inch layer of compacted rounded gravel, and you will most likely see footprints. If used at a 2-inch layer, they will be less noticeable. The thicker the layer, the more evident they are. This should not stop you from using rounded gravel. It is very attractive and pleasant to walk on.
Gold Pathway Rock 3/8"
Gold Pathway Rock is one of our most popular decorative gravels. Its color is a mixture of rusty gold and beige, a popular combination. Gold Pathway is a granite rock that has been exposed to weathering, causing it to weaken and break down into small crystalline pieces. It is commonly called decomposed granite for this reason. The individual pieces do not have the flat shape typically found in crushed stone; instead, they are multisided with a more compact form determined by the crystal structure of the parent granite. This feature is important because the particles do not compact and interlock like flatter-faced crushed stone. For example, the crushed stone, French Country 3/8″, has flatter particles and easily packs to form a firm, stable surface. However, walking on a layer of Gold Pathway 3/8″ that is 3″ or greater will show footprints. Because the gravel does not interlock very well, it can be easily pushed aside. When used to build paths, it may be best to use a thinner layer or add support along the sides of the walkway to restrict gravel movement.
Gold Pathway makes an excellent ground cover when used as a 2″ layer or less. If used over a weed-suppressing fabric, make sure the thickness of the layer is sufficient to hide the material. On sloped areas, gravity may decide where the Gold Pathway will settle. Bare spots on the fabric may appear.
French Country 3/8"
French Country is a mix of colors ranging from gray to golden tan. It consists of crushed, hard stone with flat sides, allowing it to pack well and remain in place. A two-inch layer should suffice to cover areas used for foot traffic, provided the soil beneath has decent drainage. It is suitable for pathways, patios, and even larger areas that require an all-weather surface. It can be used in driveways and parking areas if spread to a greater depth or placed over a compacted base rock. It can create a very nice informal patio with a table and chairs.
Tea Garden 3/8"
Tea Garden is a crushed granite with white and black markings. We chose the name Tea Garden because it resembles materials used in some raked Zen gardens in Japan. It can provide a good accent when used around rocks and boulders. Tea Garden is an excellent choice for creating informal meandering pathways that weave through the garden. It also pairs nicely with black basalt stepping stones embedded in the path that leads to a tea house.
Arles Gray 3/8"
Arles Gray is similar in coloration to Tea Garden but features a slightly softer, muted tone. The individual pieces are flatter and somewhat larger than those of Tea Garden. Arles Gray is a hard limestone. The uses for each are largely the same, although the slightly smaller size of Tea Garden makes it better suited for raking. Both Arles Gray and Tea Garden are suitable for ground cover, pathways, and trim around or between rocks. The flatter pieces of Arles Gray will pack slightly better and be more stable than those of Tea Garden, but not to such an extent that it should affect your choice.
Black Basalt 3/8"
Black Basalt 3/8″ is a crushed and screened basalt rock that does not contain fines. It makes an excellent ground cover with a desirable dark gray color and provides a perfect contrasting background for cactus or succulents. It can also be used as a pathway stone when spread in a 2-3″ layer. It is slightly more rounded than some other crushed rocks, so the individual stones do not interlock as well as the flatter gravels. It is advisable to use some edging to contain the material in pathways. Removing some soil beforehand and creating a shallow channel with sides that will help retain it may be useful. Like many other gravels, Black Basalt 3/8″ makes an attractive ground cover.
Sierra Ginger 3/8"
Sierra Ginger is a soft rhyolite with a golden tan color, making it an attractive ground cover. However, Sierra Ginger is a soft stone and does not hold up well to vehicular traffic. In areas with light foot traffic, there should not be any problems. It serves as an excellent ground cover around cactus and succulents. Unfortunately, the quarry’s production of Sierra Ginger is limited, and demand exceeds supply. There are periods when it may be unavailable for as much as a month. We strive to always have ¾ cubic foot bags in stock, but large amounts in bulk may not be available.
Tuscany Gold 3/8” Round
Tuscany Gold 3/8″ Round is a mixture of pebbles ranging from golden tan to gray. Use it for pathways, decorative ground covers, all-weather surfaces, and parking areas, among other applications. Composed of rounded pebbles, it creates a loose surface that can accommodate foot and vehicular traffic. Walking on it creates a crunchy sound. When spread in a thick layer, footprints will be visible. Please pick up a bag and experiment with it; this will give you an idea of the product’s suitability before you place a larger order. This is likely a good rule to follow with many of our products.
Pea Gravel 3/8"
Pea gravel is a standard component of concrete. It is also used as a drain rock. However, we have decided to include it among the decorative aggregates because it is often overlooked in this role. Since most of the pebbles in our pea gravel are in the gray range, it can be beneficial when a neutral color is desired. Pea gravel makes an excellent decorative ground cover or informal pathway. It serves as a rapidly draining base for setting pavers and flagstones. Pea gravel is suitable for driveways, parking areas, playgrounds, and dog runs; additionally, it has a price advantage over many of the more colorful aggregates that are produced and shipped from farther away.