Bush type plants are best with stones, because their is no maintenance, other then trimming. Trying to plant annuals in stone, is a job. Pine needles are good for acid loving plants, like azaleas, etc. Pine needles do turn grayish after a while, and need to be replaced every once in a while. Word of caution: If your laying stones, use the heavy duty matting underneath, because the weeds will come through. (Actually use heavy duty matting anyway) If you ever walked around Fairfield Farms Nursery, they have the heavy duty matting, that lets the water go through, but hard for weeds to sprout. Best secret in Florida, is to grow weeds. (They really do well hehe) Bark mulch is good for holding the moisture if put on thick. I find that thick mulch holds water underneath, and helps the plants to thrive. As for bugs, I throw insect pellets in the bark mulch every so often. Won't hurt the plants.
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