A surface layer of stone IS mulch, though not wood-based mulch. Though it, itself doesn't decompose, over time, the spaces between stone mulch fills with soil and other decomposed matter. So if stone is desired here because water can percolate (sideways) through it, that ability will be short lived. It doesn't matter if you use stone mulch or wood-based mulch. A fabric that is covered with 3" of wood-based mulch would be as difficult to pull up as would be one covered with stone. The main difference is that wood decomposes over time ... and turns into soil, which makes it compatible with most gardening and landscaping objectives. Stone mulch on the other hand does not decompose so when one later decides that it's no longer wanted (which eventually happens) it's a BIG job to get rid of it. It grows weeds as well as wood-based mulch. I consider it higher maintenance because the normal plant bits that settle on the surface of the ground can be incorporated or covered with wood mulch, but in a stone mulch bed, they look bad and must be more frequently removed. Likewise, the pond liner seems like a half-baked get-me-by that will not fix the problem long term (if at all) but will be a gigantic impediment to planting. The word formal in landscaping seems to connote a 'Victorian' era planting and arranging style, which is only one aspect of what the word could mean. There are many degrees of how highly organized a planting arrangement can be without engaging that look.

David, a high-end nursery might be thrilled to offer these on a consignment basis. You could print a laminated card with instructions for care, perhaps tied to neck of a spray bottle of distilled or spring water. Include on the card your name, contact info. I can envision a decorator using for tablescapes for fancy affair, so maybe a florist who catered to museum/art gallery/big corporate functions might be a possible contact. They spend hundreds for cut flowers...and are always after something new and different. Price your creations for the unique beauties they are...but don't forget the snob factor. Sadly, people only really appreciate and value something for the money they spend, not necessarily its intrinsic beauty. Good luck....josh P.S. I know you would hate to think of it happening to one of your lovely landscapes, but there ARE people (with more money than good sense) who would buy something like this for their patio and after a few weeks let it perish, just as they do huge Palms and tropicals planted in spring which often need replacement before midsummer because of poor/no care. They treat potted plants like cut flowers...and don't seem to consider expense. So charge enough to give them at least a twinge in the pocketbook if not in their conscience! josh

I'm in Texas, too (D/FW), and agree about stone yards. Most have stone quarried from local areas, lots of selection. Craigslist is another source, I've seen people wanting to get rid of extra loads they have, usually for great prices (or free). Most of my beds are outlined in stone, plus I have several large ones for interest. We got very, very lucky: a local stone place went out of business, and there were tons of beautiful ones piled up with weeds growing through them. My husband contacted the owner to ask about it, the owner said we could have what we could carry, for free (!!!), one trip only. We had a three horse trailer, and loaded up! It was 100 degrees, there were rattlesnakes everywhere, we didn't care: FREE ROCK. :D I was never so sore in all my life! We saved thousands of dollars, though, so it totally worth being sore, and fighting rattlers. I still marvel at the deal.

Your "rock" choice could be changed to river rock or round smooth pebbles 1 - 3". I would go with sand, grey or black, and polished would make the colour pop a bit more but unpolished would be more subtle and blend into the background. Mulch, although fresh and cheap when first put down has to be maintained and animals can be problematic. You could plant hostas in that area using the river rock as mulch. Very clean and be be done for a traditional look or a modern look. Polished creates a nice finished look. Particularly with ornamental grasses but rabbit and cats might be attracted to them. Look up river rock and you will find lots of selection locally. You will need to lay landscape fabric down first, nice and thick and then the rock on time. You will have very good protection from weeds and it is 100% DIY. If you are going to plant in the space, you can dig the bed and add soil and plant then lay your landscape fabric but I always find it easier to prep the planting bend, lay the fabric and then cut X out where my plants will go, then I push my plants into the opening in the fabric. The river rock will keep the fabric in place. Super easy and lots of impact. Enjoy.