Question
I have heard such bad things about using any type mulch or pinestraw near your house (termites, toxins etc.). I want my front walk and entranceway to be pretty and free of weeds so what do people use instead of mulch etc.?  Thank you

Answer
Hello, Diana - Sorry you've heard "bad things" about using mulch near a house, because mulching is one of the very best things you can do for your plants.  Here is a comprehensive article about other alternative materials besides wood or pine straw:

http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/mulch.html

Our big use here in the dry west is rock mulch - usually river rocks - on top of weed barrier fabric.  I shy away from "lava" or colored rocks, unless the homeowner really wants that look.  To me, it seems too "Florida 50's".  It just looks unnatural for my tastes.  Other inert materials that are of local origin include crushed oyster shells, ground coral, or shredded tires, all of which inhibit weed growth.

As to toxins, the pine needles may increase your pH, but that is a good thing if you have Rhododendrons or acid-loving Hydrangeas.  Termites may be a problem for the bark based products in some areas, but in the west, dirt in contact with the foundation is more of a problem in providing them with an entry point.  A minimum of 6-inches away from the sill of a structure is imperative to maintain.  Even then, they'll create "tubes" along walls to get to the woody fibers of your house.  Termites don't eat ground up tires, and they come in a variety of colors.

Other unusual mulches I've seen is ground up glass (tumbled, to remove the sharp edges). which make a great sustitute water feature.  In China they did some studies, and it turns out one of the very best mulches for plant health is human hair! - Once you get over the "ewww" factor.  I doubt it would be a hit at the local Home Depot.

Hope I expanded your options!!  ~M