With spring on the horizon, we’re sharing past projects to show you how locals have used our rock products.
Walkable Rockeries at Dune Peninsula in Ruston, WA
Over 8,000 tons of Washington Rock’s landscape rock were used at Dune Peninsula, which is part of Point Defiance Park in Ruston. Three rockeries—dubbed “sail mounds” by designer SiteWorkshop—showcase our rock’s rustic blue-gray hue. The color of the stone is reminiscent of Mt. Rainier’s hazy blue flanks when viewed from afar.
Each level of the sail mound is wide enough to walk on or sit on, making the rockeries function not only as sculptures but also as event seating. Visitors often use the stairs for exercise with the view at the top being the prize. A path on the backside slope of each sail mound provides access to the great views to those with mobility issues.
To see other materials used for this project, check out our Destination Point Defiance project page. You can also read about the history and architecture in our article, “Terraforming the Wasteland: Dune Peninsula.”
Water-Conserving Gravel Walkways in Seattle, WA
A Seattle couple topped off their 25-year-old garden paths with an inch of our ¾” Clean Crushed Drain Rock. The gravel pairs seamlessly with both the woodland-style gardens at the front of the house and the formal boxwood hedgerows and rose bushes in the back.
In the backyard, the gravel paths run all the way around the perimeter of the garden and in between hedgerows. In some areas, it’s bordered by rustic bricks. In others, it surrounds weathered stepping stones.
According to homeowner Joe Bisacca, the gravel walkways combined with the hedges and plants require less water and maintenance than a lawn. “The gardens get watered every other day for five minutes,” he explains. The plants in the formal garden only need to be trimmed once or twice per year. In comparison, the lawn needs to be watered for 25 minutes daily in the summertime and needs to be mowed twice per week.
Mr. Bisacca also enjoys how much variety the gravel adds to the garden. The gravel is “beautiful in the sun and darkens in the rain,” he says. “It makes the gardens feel like they’re always changing. [The gravel is] very comfortable to walk on too—it doesn’t slip or move around.”
To see other photos of this project, check out the project page or read our article, “Renewing the Gravel Paths of a French Country Home.”
Boulder-Studded Courtyard in Seattle, WA
Architect OLIN handpicked oversized granite boulders for the courtyard between new student residences at University of Washington. The boulders were incorporated into the brick patio so that it almost appears as though the boulders are growing out of the patio. The architect envisioned the boulders being used by students for both study and relaxation.
Check out the UW Student Residences project page for more photos and information.
Rock for Park Trails in Puyallup, WA
Meridian Habitat Park constructed winding walking trails that weave through tall grasses and around a pond. The park used our base course product (1¼” minus) and topped it with ¼” minus—what we call “Trail Gravel.”
The rock was compacted to create smooth, sturdy walkways. The park also used Trail Gravel around benches.
To read more about this project and see more photos, check out our Meridian Habitat Park page.
Gabion Benches at Van Lierop Park in Puyallup, WA
Long gabions, loosely filled with our 4″–8″ Quarry Spalls, border the paths of Van Lierop Park. Some gabions are topped with yellow steel benches. The gabions are both artistic and functional.
Formerly Van Lierop Bulb Farm, the park pays tribute to the bulb farmers’ Dutch heritage. Gabions also crosscut the walkway in three sections, creating water channels, much like those seen near daffodil fields in the Netherlands.
For more information about this project, check out the Van Lierop Park project page.
Rock Retaining Walls at Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle, WA
Rock retaining walls line the multi-use/loop trail and irrigation ditches at Washington Park Arboretum. Originally the park planned to install concrete walls, but the rock walls added a natural aesthetic while also costing less overall.
The Park used 2- and 3-Man Landscape Rock for the project. For more information about this project, check out the Washington Park Arboretum page.
River Rock and Concrete Play Stream at Northwest Trek in Eatonville, WA
Architect MIG designed a running stream that places river boulders and smaller river rock in concrete. The stream starts at the top of a hill and runs down to a small pond where a pair of river otter sculptures play. Water is continuously cycled from the top of the creek bed to the bottom.
The play stream is a fun spot for children as well as adults. Children can cross the stream on concrete-formed “wooden” bridges or play in the stream itself. 2-Man Streambed Boulders make the riverscape look more realistic, but they’re also fun to climb and perch on. Plantings along the stream add to the realistic feel.
Read more about this project and see more photos on our Kids’ Trek project page.
Gravel Flagstone Fill in Puyallup, WA
Fanning Co Landscaping used flagstone from another quarry to create this rustically beautiful courtyard. Rather than filling around the flagstone with sand or mortar, the homeowner chose to use minus gravel from Kapowsin Quarry.
The fines in the gravel help stabilize the flagstones the way sand would. The best bet to achieve a similar look would be to use ¼” Minus (Trail Gravel), which has enough fines to create stability with coarser pieces that add visual interest. Trail Gravel will allow for drainage between pavers and lock flagstone in place as materials settle over time.
Check out more projects on our Projects page.