Pine straw is very good for acid loving plants like azaleas etc. Yes, it does hold the moisture somewhat also. Rocks look nice, but really do not give to the plants, food or nutrition. In the summer when real hot, rocks get very hot and really dry out plant roots faster. Desert plants are better to grow where you have rocks. Bark mulch does hold the water better, and when I'm planting a plant or bush, I put some bark mulch chips in bottom of hole (to hold the moisture) and it seems to work well. I'm sure the extension services, on Rt 466 can help you with your problems and direct you right. They are great people, and full of knowledge.
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