I happen to be a gardener but do not understand this love affair with stone around plants. They get hot in the sun and can harm them. The fabric used under them does not allow the water or fertilizer to go where you want it and weeds grow in the stone anyway, so what have you accomplished? Pine straw is acidic and as much of the soil here is alkaline, it decomposes and creates a neutral balanced soil. Weeds are a problem but can be controlled. Regular 5 or 6 percent vinegar is pretty useless and I would never add salt as it remains in the soil and cannot be removed. Get 30 percent vinegar, cut in half with water to 15 percent and a teaspoon of dawn dish detergent. This kills everything, so do not spray on a windy day. There is nothing wrong with bugs and insects or butterflies. I attract many birds and animals and love that there is so big an array to see here. I suppose a condo or apartment is best for people who do not like nature and plants.
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