River Rock
Let’s talk about river rock. Almost every customer we speak to at Riverbend Rock & Mulch asks us for river rock. However, simply put, ordering river rock will only prompt many follow up questions from our end. Let’s start from the beginning! A long, long, looooooonnnnnnnng time ago… So, what is river rock? Well, plainly put, river rock is when a rock is pulled out of one of the thousands of rivers (250,000 in North America alone) and sifted through a process to sort it by size. You remember those places we went to as kids, where they gave you a bucket of sand, a sifter and some water… Off we went on our search to see what we could drudge up! Gold… every time! Same concept my friends! Just on a MUCH LARGER scale!
Landscaping rock colors
Let’s get back on point. Think about what a rock is, or if you don’t know then imagine what it is. For the most point, rocks are made up of minerals. Iron, Magnesium, Copper and MORE! One mineral goes on a date with a different mineral and boom… a Rock! As more minerals collide into this formation, this not only determines the size BUT also the color! Some minerals bring some red to the table, while others bring yellow, and so on. When colors mix together what happens? NEW COLORS! The possibilities here could be endless!
Does location matter for landscaping rocks?
Well, I am so glad you asked! It does matter! In the rivers, beaches and lakes that are all around us you find that they are parents to very different minerals! Then you add in the exposure to light and the rate in which water washes over it (or stays sedentary) and you have a very unique rock for that specific location! Just imagine in one river, reds are mixing with browns and blues and the river is flowing very fast. Hence, you’ll find a smoother, rainbow hued stone. And over in lake two, red and orange are mixing together while pops of white come through. Resulting in a more gravel like shape of browns and tans. Endless possibilities are waiting for us to find for landscape rocks!!
Are all landscape rocks from the river?
In short answer… No. (See I told you- short answer).
Want a longer answer? Well, it is also no. Riverbend Rock and Mulch carries a wide variety of river rocks, in various sizes shapes and colors. But we also have landscaping rock that does NOT come out of a river. However, here is what we have in stock for you to see today, that is in the River Rock Family:
- Ozark
- Missouri/Iowa
- Alabama Sunset
- Dakota
- Eau Claire
- Mexican Beach Pebbles
- Heritage
- Kansas
- Red Cherokee
- Rainbow Colorado Cobbles
- Salt & Pepper Colorado Cobbles
Helpful hints to determine your landscaping needs
It all boils down to color, shape and budget. Are you trying to match something that was already there? Bring a couple handfuls down to Riverbend Rock & Mulch, our employees will help you match it. Do you want a smooth, jagged, small, large or just budget friendly? Let us know, and we will steer you to the right direction! Have a picture for reference—just bring it with you! Our crew can usually spot the rocks you would like!
How to order river rock with Riverbend Rock & Mulch
Once you have determined a general idea of the landscape look you want, make sure to stop by our lot and see what decorative rock will best build your design. Ordering is simple, you can do so on the lot, or over the phone! Riverbend Rock & Mulch strongly recommends that you come see the rock in person, at least once, as pictures never quite do these beauties justice. There are price sheets you can take home and Riverbend encourages you take pictures when you are here! If you want some more time to think it over you can go home and take your time to decide! Once you know for sure, simply call us to order over the phone! No second trip required!
Until next time, in case no one else has mentioned it, YOU ROCK!
~Be Creative. Be Boulder. Be YOU!
