Del Rio Pea Gravel

Del Rio is true pea gravel. That distinction matters more than most buyers realize, because a lot of what gets sold as pea gravel is not pea gravel at all. Real pea gravel is naturally rounded river rock out of alluvial deposits, worn smooth by water. The crushed 3/8 inch rock that many yards and big box stores label pea gravel is a different product with sharp broken edges, and it does not feel the same underfoot or read the same in a garden.

These pebbles come from a Southern California quarry on the South Coast, in speckled grey, white, gold and tan. There is a close relative worth knowing about: Imperial Del Rio comes from the Salton Sea, and the two are so similar in color and shape that most people in the landscape and rock trades cannot tell them apart. Del Rio runs in five sizes from a quarter inch up to six inches, and the washed 3/8 pea gravel grade is the one sold as pea gravel, in bulk pea gravel loads, supersacks, bags and samples.

It looks particularly good underwater, which is why it is a first choice for water gardens and fountains. It is also used as exposed aggregate in buildings, walkways, stepping stones and planters.

COLOR

Speckled grey, white, gold and tan.

GEOLOGY

Naturally rounded river pebbles. True pea gravel.

ORIGIN

South Coast, Southern California.

PRODUCT USES

• Pea gravel patios and pea gravel walkway surfaces
• Water gardens, fountains and pond bottoms where wet stone shows best
• Exposed aggregate in buildings, walkways, stepping stones and planters
• Pea gravel driveways and low traffic parking areas
• Pea gravel for drainage around foundations, gutters and beds
• Pea gravel fire pit surrounds and stepping stone infill