I'm looking for some attractive options to replace mulch in the area between my lawn and a stone walkway. Ideally, I want something that allows for small shrubs to grow and is low-maintenance. My goal is to avoid having to put down new mulch every spring to keep the area looking nice.
4 Answers
Why not use leaves? Raking up leaves from your garden and dumping them in that spot is free and does wonders for the soil. Plus, it saves you a ton of effort if you're already bagging them up for cleanup!
A groundcover plant could also be a great alternative. They look nice, help reduce maintenance, and fill in the space well!
Have you thought about using river rock or similar decorative rocks? They are definitely more expensive upfront but last a really long time compared to mulch. Just be aware that they won't contribute anything to the soil like organic options do.
You might want to consider organic and inorganic options. Organic mulch adds nutrients to the soil but needs to be replaced every spring, which can be a hassle. On the other hand, inorganic options like rocks will last a lot longer but don't help the soil at all. Personally, I always favored organic because it helped me keep an eye on my plants for any issues while gardening.
Yeah, I get that! The organic option makes it easier to spot any problems, but sometimes it feels like such a chore to replenish it every year.

Great idea! Using leaves sounds both easy and eco-friendly. I'd love to try that!