Rocks Or Mulch

Discussion in 'Flower Gardening' started by margie12u, Nov 5, 2011.

  1. margie12u

    margie12u In Flower

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    What do you all think about putting pea gravel in these beds and how do you think it will look Because I'm really thinking about putting it in my gardens,The mulch just isn't lasting, But I want it to look good so what do you all think Rocks Or Mulch ?? Thank you Margie

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    Another start of my front garden ( photo / image / picture from margie12u's Garden )





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  3. Cayuga Morning

    Cayuga Morning Strong Ash Plants Contributor

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    Margie---I am always biased in favor of mulshes that can slowly decompose and can be tilled in to improve the soil over time. I would vote for mulsh over pea gravel. What will you do when the gravel gets older & weedy? If you want the mulsh to last longer, have you tried putting a layer of newspaper or cardboard down first?

    But, please keep in mind my bias. If you really like the look of pea gravel, then of course, go for it!

    BTW, your garden looks great!!
     
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  4. carolyn

    carolyn Strong Ash

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    Margie, I agree with Cayuga, I think after a few years of planting and weeding in the gravel, you will find that it is very mixed into the soil. I think it only looks nice for the first year. I, also, like the mulch that slowly composts into the soil. It's a good addition for the humus/composition of your beds. Your beds look nice now as they are with the darker background for your plants. I also would encourage you to stay away from the dyed mulches and the black mulch. the black absorbs way too much heat from the sun and cooks the root zone of the plants.
     
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  5. margie12u

    margie12u In Flower

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    I Like the look of mulch,And I do have down the black paper under it and the weeds have stayed away pretty good Thats what I was hoping for with the rocks to. with the black paper under them that the weeds would stay away. It gets expensive every year, I'll pay for it but In my crazy mind I just was thinking rocks. I'm confused :-? That's why I need help
    Thank you Margie
     



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  6. thepondlady

    thepondlady In Flower

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    Mulch for sure! If you go with gravel and you decide you made a mistake, IT is a monster to remove, And gravel is not cheap, and it does not stay put! it likes to drift.
    Really hard on the lawnmower and your bare feet. IMHO
     
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  7. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    I would go with the mulch too. You do have to add more mulch every year or so but it is composting into the soil and improving it so that helps the plants. And the mulch will keep the soil warmer in winter and wetter/cooler in summer after a rain or watering.

    If after a couple of years with mulch you change your mind about it, there isn't much left to remove, just dig it into the soil. But with gravel you have the back breaking job of shoveling it up to get rid of it.

    If you can, get some shredded mulch that comes from a local source. The mulch I use is shredded red cedar from trees grown in south Texas. If your area have problems with termites in the spring don't get hardwood mulch, termites love it and will nest in it during the winter.
     
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  8. margie12u

    margie12u In Flower

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    These are pics. of this past spring before I put any more mulch down, both of you are right about the compost thing.
    thank you Margie :-?
     
  9. margie12u

    margie12u In Flower

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    You all are giving me a lot to think about, and so riight about the compost.
     
  10. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

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    Margie, mulch doesn't have to come in bags. I use chopped leaves, grass clippings, wood chips (free from the town tree-trimming crew-you wouldn't believe how much mulch you can get for a couple of dozen cookies!).
    Pea gravel doesn't add a thing to your soil, and mulch, whatever it is, does.
    I admit, I like the look of pea gravel in certain situations, but it always reminds me of an industrial/commercial planting, like in front of a business complex.
    Go with a natural mulch--you and your plants will be much happier!
     
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  11. Bernieh

    Bernieh In Flower

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    I would vote for newspaper topped with mulch as well. Far, far better for your garden.
     
  12. cherylad

    cherylad Countess of Cute-ification Plants Contributor

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    I tend to agree with everyone else's opinion about the mulch being better overall, But why not have both? Seems you have a few places already bordered with rock. Why not put some pea gravel there? I think it would make a nice contrast in the texture, feel and look... all while helping to keep the weeds away.
     
  13. Kay

    Kay Girl with Green Thumbs

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    Well, I'll throw my "two cents" into this one. I definitely prefer mulch over rock in any flower bed. There are a few reasons why; rocks will retain the heat, and can make it tough for plant's roots to establish and thrive. They do have an asthetic appeal, but they can be unsteady to walk on.
    Mulch has several benefits. It keeps the weeds down, helps keep the soil temps even, and it decomposes and provides nutrients. I also like the look of a nicely mulched flower border!
    At my job (landscaping) we never use any kind of material under mulch such as paper etc. It really isn't necessary. We do use landscape fabric under rock to keep it from sinking into the ground.
    Margie, your flower beds are very pretty!
     
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  14. Droopy

    Droopy Slug Slaughterer Plants Contributor

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    We use mulch, either on top of a thick layer of newspapers or on a ground cover cloth. The only place I would use gravel is in the herbs patch since it preserves heat and makes great drainage.

    I've seen gravel gardens that look fabulous but it wouldn't fit in our garden.
     
  15. koszta kid

    koszta kid Young Pine

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    I like pea gravel in paths. Also close to house. 2 of my cleaning customers-got carpenter ants from using wood mulch too close to house.I like the look around my trees with wood mulch. I also use card board or newspaper under the mulch. Learned hard way to wet it down first :D
     

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