u/Empty-Distribution31

Just getting started LOL! I still live with my parents after graduating college and am really interested in making these front beds look better (another smaller to other side of stairs).

My parents are both really paranoid about mulch causing bugs and Id rather not get into it with them. ISO BEST alternatives to mulch for aesthetics and preventing weeds?

I asked my dad and he said he did put mulch for two years and both years noticed more bugs.

Any and all advice welcome! Also, i want to plant more things, this is just what i had time for the other day when i was excited lol.