Removing rock from around foundataion....what do I need to replace with?

[311Hemi]

Well.....just when I start to see the end of the kitchen project off in the distance, the wife decides to buy 30-40 hostas and wants to do some landscaping in the front yard.

She wants to remove (and has started) all the rock from around the foundation that the previous owners had for landscaping (with no plants, all of which has plastic under it.

I was told that it is not a good idea to put mulch up next to the foundation because of the dampness, ants, etc.

Question: Is there anything other than rock that is suggested for around the house. We are even thinking of putting 6-12" of rock and then mulch out around that if needed. Can/should I use fabric instead of plastic? I have no gutters so rain water is a concern...even though I have the basement drain tiled.

Thoughts?

[sparcebag]

I'd first take my time with the kit.anyway till all the rock & plastic was removed.Then I'd till it with some good soil,plant hostas,they get big enough and shade so well not many weeds will grow,I have them here.Use frabic if ya want but if later you want annuals perennials you have to cut it or remove.the mulch will probably draw more bugs than not,but I'd put in some other plants with hostas,I take it its shady or mostly ferns look great with hostas and mine are from out in the woods (FREE) If you have a drainage problem or think you may Gutters are easy to install!! they should probably be there anyway! To help.

[Powerstroke]

I have bugs in my rocks and bugs in my mulch. I have ants and bugs in my pavers. Not gonna get around that without insecticides.

If you want mulch, put down fabric so the water can get through or your mulch will just rot. Put some mulch down in your choice (or hers) and you've got it covered.

You can add a "flashing" od plastic near the foundation if you're nervous about that. The biggest thing is to make sure that teh ground is graded away from the house before you put down any mulch. This will ensure that any heavier rains wash away from the house rather than towards the foundation.

If you've already got the area opened up, then maybe you can lay some drain tile in the area to drain excess water away from the house.

[ocf1]

Pretty much what they said, I dont if it would work but a channel behind the plants and one going down every 2-3 feet. Another option is to add dirt all around, and slop it down.