Rockscapes, also known commly as rock gardens, are becoming more and more popular in the Pacific Northwest. Popular for decades in hot and arid states like Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico where water hungry lawns are not practical, Rockscaping allows almost endless possibilities. Because of its non-organic nature, rock doesn’t decompose like beauty bark, so a properly installed rockscape feature will last for years and years, relatively trouble free. The most important initial part of any rockscape idea is the initial plan. The conceptual plan will determine the materials needed. The chosen location will determine the amount of work involved to construct it. The size of the feature will determine the amount of materials needed. Rockscapes can range from incredibly simple use of rock around trees and shrubs to more elaborate landscape rockscape features. One very popular trend in the past several years in Washington State are rain...

Gravel driveways are one of the most common choices for Western Washington rural and suburban properties, where the average driveway lengths are many times the length of a city driveway. In many cases, concrete or asphalt surfacing can be cost prohibitive for a lengthy driveway. Gravel is a good choice as it is relatively cost effective, is durable and can be manipulated when necessary. Material terminology is important so you know what to expect and what to order when you need to. Aggregate size refers to the size of the rock material, so a 5/8 washed rock order will be composed of rock material approximate 5/8” in size. Minus material refers to the fines in compactable gravel mixes. Fines are essentially rubble debris that occurs during the crushing process. Fines allow for gravel material to compact. One of the most common compactable gravel is 5/8 minus material, so it...