In article ,
JXStern wrote:

On Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:54:26 -0400, Bill
wrote:

In article ,
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:

"zzznot" wrote in message
news:sVdCj.21308$Qy3.12475@trnddc03...
I thought I'd spread some decorative bark on
the ground of the flower beds and between
some bushes, where the adobe soil otherwise
gets cracked and bare. It's supposed to
hold down weeds and retain moisture. So,
is there any downside to using it? Or, is
it just good organic matter anyway?

Thanks.

J.

Try to keep chips away from wooden structures you value. How far you
think? I'd go 2 or 3 feet depending on your clime. Termites and
critters. Not good.
For that matter the idea of foundation planting would benefit from
space from the dwelling and those little plants can get big. Adobe soil
means clay with little microbe life i guess.

Where do you live about?

This is for Long Beach, California, 90807.

Good hint on the gap to the structure, which we pretty much follow
anyhow - and then have the Orkin guy come once a month and spray the
boundary.

J.

(excuse me posting from multiple workstations!)

I'd look into what you have the Orkin guy sprays for. Than I'd deprive
them of habitat. I have no idea what is bothersome in your area.
Here I bait boric acid and sugar for ants with a yearly dose of
pennyroyal essential oil along a few spots in my basement if I see any
carpenter ant sign. The latter is not toxic but it is effective smell
deterrent.


Bill

--
Garden in shade zone 5 S Jersey USA