We have a huge corner lots and most of all our islands and borders are covered with river rock and people are right, it loos nice lasts but is a pain when you want to change or add plants. BTW our plants have all done well with it. Now in our back we did the landscaping ourselves and used rubber mulch and love it, It does not wash away ever and lasts and is easy to work with when planting. Plus the rubber mulch is made from recycled rubber which also helps the environment. It looks very natural, at least ours does. and bugs don't seem to like it much
Our plants are thriving !