[indigo]

Along one side of the house we have what is effectively a planting bed. It slopes away from the house, but the mulch that is currently there tends to hold a bit more moisture than I'd like. We generally don't water the plants (as it's just some shrubs) because it's usually rainy enough here (Pennsylvania) to keep them going.

Is there a reasonable looking alternative to mulch that would provide something to cover the dirt, but that wouldn't hold all the extra moisture?

Thanks!

 

[joecaption]

Stone

 

[de-nagorg]

Gravel.

Rubber mulch.

Glass marbles.

You get the idea.


ED

 

[gregzoll]

If you have pets, you do not want rubber.

 

[SPS-1]

As Joe said, stone.
Go to a place that sells landscaping stone --- you will find a lot more than just 3/4 inch limestone. Stones of all different colors, sizes and textures. I have red granite around my shrubs.
Leaves can get caught up in them, in which case a leaf blower is handy, but otherwise zero maintenance.

 

[dd57chevy]

Not sure what you mean by mulch holding moisture . what kind of mulch do you have ?

Sounds like possible soil issues .

Contrary to what you may have heard , wood mulch (especially hardwood) with a little natural fertilizer is the best way to improve soil condition & limit certain drainage problems .

:vs_cool:

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Concrete, plain jane, stamped or tinted on your slope with oval and or round block outs for an occasional shrub to your liking. No square corners on block outs.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Don't matter what ya use, so long as it's pitched Away from the house,....