Maria, I have used street tree mulch, a few different stones, with one being river stones, in two sizes where I get mine from and one called tuscan, available in a few sizes too and I've also used woodchips and there appears to be no stand out winner or looser, nor have I found that the stone beds cause any sort of harm to the plants, even though I agree with @geluka that the very nature of stones would suggest that they would get hot. Providing none of the mulch is right up against the trunk or base of your plants, midesign0401's suggestions are all perfect, but as far as the cheapest for your rental, woodchips or street tree mulch but as will all light mulches like this, the birds will move them around and it would be advantageous to have a border of some description to try to hold them in, otherwise if you cant or don't have that, then I'd have to suggest stone as it stays exactly where it's put and birds don't disturb it at all either. I have attached a few photo's, the first two of which have the different stones river and tuscan respectively and the last photo has wood chips. You can see in the first photo that I have limestone blocks, mainly as a pretty border to accomodate the raised beds but in the last photo it hold in the wood chips. The second photo has the tuscan pebbles so the limestone edging is much lower and the beds of which there are five, are not raised much at all as they border the driveway.

Where is north in this photo? It looks to me as though the area in question is fairly shaded so a lot of the above options wont work if the area is on the southern side of the home, especially because of the winter shade. The space gets afternoon sun - in summer or winter? There are shadows from trees - are these deciduous or evergreen? Clay can vary enormously from being plasticine like to clay with rocks or stones in it. This will have an enormous bearing on the plants that you can use, precluding plants like westringias that require very good drainage. A plant that is as tough as old boots that will grow in both sun and shade [with some sunlight during the day] is Buxus microphylla var japonica varieties, while Aucuba japonica [Gold dust plant] or even some of the native lomandra grasses would work well. The first two can be grown as a hedge with the latter choosing a variety that you like [ there are so many], but have the plants all the same - don't mix them up. These will all grow in some shade, will grow in clay as well if it isn't too poorly drained. It does appear as though the area is sloping ever so slightly away from the house which is good. But I would steer clear of paving - unless its needed for access etc, it will look patchy and pointless - use plants instead to make your picture - its far more sustainable. Alison

Hi Leah, I'd think very carefully about what you put in and your conditions. Being in the mallee is a bit more extreme than most inland areas in Australia. Best advice I can give you is speak to your local nursery (not big box store) as they will know what will work best in your area. Unless you're prepared to be watering all the time, it's best to choose plants that suit your climate and soil. Also be aware that your water will probably be quite hard, and a lot of plants may not like that. Have a walk around your area, and see what other people are growing, and what is doing well. That will give you some ideas for planting. I'd steer clear of maples - any of them, as the hot drying winds will dry out the foliage, and they just won't be happy in an exposed spot. Same can be said of the deciduous Magnolias - I doubt you'll find may neighbours with those growing. Look for things like some of the smaller growing Brachychiton cultivars. There are also some great flowering gums, such as Eucalyptus torquata and Corymbia 'Wildfire' which would do well where you are. Crepe Myrtles are a great choice, as they seem to be tolerant of drier conditions. Not sure how crab apple would go, but it would be worth a shot. Also Melia azaderach is another great tree for inland areas, though it can be a bit messy. Good luck!

As you guessed , I just express my opinion . Some agree , some don't . Some houses which I have sold 20 years ago are still in the same decor , other people may not have purchased . I prefer a planned colour pallette and something that has a Wow , and I definitely won't have the same colour walls and ceilings all through a property . Some fast food restaurants do have the same colour all the way through , but even they tend to have white ceilings or similar . I do have a ( small ) stainless deep fryer that does great chips though ! As far as texture goes , I 100% guarantee I would have more texture than this house , to use the obvious comparison . That is why , if you go back up to my original post , I suggested a feature wall of wallpaper , and a painting -- texture and colour . I don't like grey or beige as primary colours , and in fact don't consider them pastels either , but thats pointless arguing semantics . I wouldn't have that combo , the OP would -- good on her . If houzz only had people that agree , it may be very boring .