I have found large pebbles (app.2-3") in flower beds.If I use them in fl. beds will they overheat plant roots?
Question:There will be filler of some sort in the beds, for ex. mulch or bark. So the stones won't be directly against roots although I still am concerned about burning the roots. I'm also unsure what is the most attractive method to use. I have enough purely gravel fl. beds elsewhere. I want to soften the appearance.
Answers:
I personally like the look of pine bark nuggets. But the pebbles won't burn your plants. The purpose of mulch is to keep roots cool and keep moisture in as well as for appearance. Pebbles should be fine.
It shouldn't affect the soil temp at all! Pebbles work like a mulch when used as you described.
If they are just randomly placed, and your roots still have plenty of soil to grow in, it wont be a problem.
Pebbles? You mean rocks? I have rocks all through my yard and gardens bigger then what you described. I rake them out and through them out in the woods when I get too many. Otherwise they just are in the soil and act as drainage. Otherwise get bigger rocks and make a garden encircled with rocks ie a rock garden.
No problem !! I think it would look very nice.
Pebbles, rocks, and boulders won't harm plant roots. In fact, I sometimes use them as mulch. My flowerbeds and walkways are full of decorative rocks and boulders. Nothing is prettier, and more natural-looking, than a rock peeking out from behind a plant! After you place your rocks, step way, way back and have a good look--small rocks can look too fussy.
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