Gravel or stone chips Not too attractive with roses. Extremely durable, holds down weeds, but does not supply nutrients or humus. Newspaper Readily available. Can be shredded or used as sheets, and held in place by rocks, bricks, or soil. Cover with more attractive material.
Builds humus, and ink contains beneficial trace elements.
Pine needles Will not mat down. Potential fire hazard. Straw Long lasting. Depletes nitrogen when worked into the soil, but furnishes considerable potassium. Landscape fabric Excellent.