Synthetic and Inorganic mulches do a goo job of holding moisture and blocking weeds. They don't add any fertility to the soil, but on the other hand, they don't decompose and require replacing as often as organic mulches.
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Inorganic Mulches
Stone and gravel. These are usually selected for aesthetic value. A wide variety of types, sizes and colors are available. Use a weed barrier underneath.
Inorganic Mulches
Inorganic mulches, particularly black plastic and landscape fabrics are good for holding down weeds.
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Inorganic mulches are stone-based and include rock, cobblestone, pea gravel, lava rock and crushed rock. They last longer than organic mulches and give landscapes a more formal look.
Inorganic mulches do not decompose, so they don't have to be replaced. If you have problems with rodents and insects, or you don't want to constantly replenish mulch, this is the type you want.
Inorganic mulches include rocks, recycled rubber and landscape cloths. Rocks come in colorful forms, crushed gravel, lava rocks and white pebbles.
Inorganic mulches include gravel, rock, plastic and landscaping fabric. Gravel and rock can be highly decorative, but small pieces migrate down into the soil as you add new plantings or replace plants.
Inorganic mulches
Inorganic mulches like stones, black plastic and landscape fabric can work well, too. Check out these following options.
There are permanent inorganic mulches, such as gravel and shingle, and seasonal mulches, which include the various organic materials applied while plants are growing as well as being forked in later to improve the soil.
Crushed stone and Gravel (types of inorganic mulches) are best used over black plastic or landscape fabric in permanent locations, such as walks or driveways, or in areas where no additional planting is anticipated.
Organic mulch decomposes, whereas inorganic mulch does not. Examples of organic mulch include grass clippings, straw, shredded bark, newspaper (shredded or entire), wood chips, or cocoa bean hulls.
Modify the overall landscape by creating a ring of paths or concentric circles of paths. Use inorganic mulches such as pea gravel or stepping stones as opposed to organic mulches that fuel fires.
Pebbles are a totally inorganic mulch which are only used around cacti and other succulents that don't like much organic matter.
A type of rock that is frequently used as an inorganic mulch.
mediterranean style garden ...
You can use both organic and inorganic mulch materials in your garden. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the ways that mulch will help your garden thrive in a variety of challenging environmental conditions.
Organic mulches include chopped or shredded leaves, straw, compost, salt hay, shredded newspaper, grass clippings and rotted hay. Inorganic mulches include Pro Weed Mat, Tomato Booster Mulch, Fiber Tree Rings and recycled rubber Tree Rings.
However, organic mulch is one of the most important ingredients, whether you are cooking up a new garden or starting your yearly maintenance on an older garden. Some people don't want to re-mulch beds every year and use inorganic mulches.
Use thinner layers in the arid Southwest, where the mulch will not break down as rapidly. You can also use an inorganic mulch, such as black plastic.
 See also: Mulch, Inorganic, Organic, Plant, Soil
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