Rocks Versus Straw for Landscaping

Mulches

• Mulch is a primary component in xeriscaping -- the efficient use of water in the landscape. It conserves moisture by insulating the soil and reducing evaporation. Pine straw is commonly used around trees, shrubs and landscaping plantings; wheat straw is often used to mulch vegetable gardens. Rock mulch is ill-advised for these purposes, especially in southern climates, because it absorbs heat that can be too intensive for plants. However, in rock gardens and cacti gardens, rock mulch creates the right aesthetic and will not burn plants.

Paths

• Garden paths can be functional, ornamental or utilitarian. Winding through a woodland garden, pine straw creates a soft, quiet carpet underfoot. Wheat straw provides walking path access between vegetable garden rows. Pea-gravel rocks form ornamental paths through formal flower gardens and around swimming pools. Rock paths adjacent to sitting areas create heat sinks that radiate absorbed heat from the sun, which makes the sitting area uncomfortably hot in the summer. Conversely, this can provide a warmer sitting area in cooler months.

Dry Stream Beds

• A dry stream bed, or dry creek bed, is a lined channel or gully that gives the illusion of a meandering stream through the landscape. It is often designed for poorly draining areas that inhibit plant growth. Although wheat or pine straws can be used to line the channel, they are not the best choices. Pea gravel, small pebbles or crushed stone (called “crusher run”) are preferred. They stay in place during periods of high wind and rain and more closely resemble an actual stream bed.

Straw Bale Gardens

• An inventive use of wheat straw is for whole-bale gardens. Leaving straw bales intact and placing them strategically in the landscape creates instant mini-gardens for flower or vegetable culture. Alexandria Straight, of the West Virginia University Extension Service, says that straw bale gardening is a great option for people who have limited mobility, for those whose garden soil is poor and for those who have little space to garden. Bales can be sown with seeds or planted with seedlings.