Landscaping Questions:
Steep Grade at Front of House
(flower bed)

by Brenda
(Georgia)

I have just cleaned out the weeds and purchased some lawn fabric to cover the area. This area has azaleas and crape myrtles and is above and adjacent to the sidewalk. I have monkey grass planted at the edge of the sidewalk (in this bed. My question, as I am very tired of replacing pine straw in this area, I was considering using pebbles/small rocks as ground cover. My husband feels they won't stay on the bank, but I really don't want the ongoing maintenance of pine straw or mulch as I do all the yard work. Any suggestions? Also, I like the idea of using rocks because as we live in the South, termites can become and issue with pine straw/mulch.

Thanks, Brenda

Hi, Brenda -
It certainly would not hurt to try the rocks, as you would like to do. I don't know how steep the area is, but if the rocks (at least the upper rocks) are heavy enough, perhaps they will stay put. (If the pebbles slide, try topping them with some larger rocks)

With termites being a concern, I would personally lean towards stone if it were my home. I hope you are pleased with the result!