don't be offended but here's my opinion..please rethink your plan..rocks add heat..they're hard to keep clean..they don't benefit the soil..landscape fabric and rocks inhibit air and water..fabric prevents organic matter from breaking down and improving your soil..your plants will suffer..rocks compact the soil..rock is uncomfortable to walk on..it scatters..weeds will be growing on top of the fabric where dirt collects and seeds germinate..I personally think rocks as "mulch" is unattractive..maybe go to a parking lot for a close up view..

Seconded. Weedblock and stones will make more work, not less.

Weeds will grow down and up through the weed fabric. You will have to cut the fabric and pull to get them out. The dirt underneath will be hard and slick. Ask me how I know.

Rocks are hot. They are very heavy to remove. Been there done that. They were here when we bought the house. I like either pine straw or shredded mulch for beds. The chunks and mini nuggets will float in the rain, the other stuff doesn't. Pine straw is my favorite. The big nuggets can attract termites.

The best weed block is cardboard, leaf compost, or both topped with the pine straw or shredded mulch. Take your shipping boxes, remove any labels or tape, turn any words down, and cover with compost if you have it or just the pine straw or shredded mulch.

imo.. NEVER use landscape cloth orf any type ...

most weed seed is air borne.. and two minutes after you get it down.. new seed is accumulating on top ... and then what they said ...

and i would level that a/c asap ...

ken

We have a dry creek bed with stones. It is full of weeds now. Agree that weeds will come up even with a weed barrier. You are better off with mulch. Looks like you have a lovely place!

ETA: I also agree with Sherry on cardboard or newspaper covered with compost and mulch. I do that every fall.

well I appreciate the comments no one really answered my question. I've researched this having for 15 years had Stone on the other side of my home and having very few weeds come up and having thriving rose bushes and shrubs I've made this decision.

perhaps I will regret it I have no idea time will tell. I'm going to leave a little extra space around the bushes for water to get through. this is the other side of my house with redstone no issues whatsoever a few weeds come up by the rose bushes they're easily pulled

Then I really don't know why you had a question. Just do whatever.

sorry that I didn't address your specific question..my answer would be no weed block or stones near your plants..but of course it's your garden and your choice..

first 10 or 15 years ago I don't remember what I did on that side of the house with the lead cloth if I left space or wrapped it around. second thanks for the comment about the air conditioner I definitely will have that tended to.