Mulch or Rocks?

[blueice1889]

I have a garden with sago palms running in front of my house, I put a soaker hose along the garden to make it easier to water. Now I'm getting rust stains on the rocks that were once white. I'm wondering if there is a way to prevent this from happening? or to easily clean the rust stains off? Also wanting some idea's on a different soil cover. I've been thinking about using some red/dark brown colored mulch, but I have a blue and white house. Not sure if that would match well? Or is there another material that will resist the stain marks that I don't know about? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

-Matt-

[Newt]

Hi Matt,

Sounds like you may have a high iron content in your water. I think a wood mulch would look wonderful with a blue and white house. What could be more natural.? It will also benefit your palms by adding organic matter as it breaks down. If you are using a soaker hose you can put the mulch over the hose.

I think the darker color mulch will make the house look more settled into the landscape. I'm thinking that your house is blue with white trim. Here's some pictures that might help you to visualize.
https://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/1818352/2/istockphoto_1818352_white_trim.jpg
https://www.cyberonic.com/~marandolaj/house_painting_2003/pages/P8240001_JPG.htm
https://www.cyberonic.com/~marandolaj/house_painting_2003/pages/P8240006_JPG.htm

Newt