Question
I recently landscaped my new yard. Instead of wood mulch which I hate to change, work with and think looks terrible without upkeep, went with an ivory coral crushed stone.  I put it over a weed barrier. It looks great, but have heard that it may be bad for or cook my new shrubs and plants by drawing heat to it.  Is this true? I can't change it now, but is there something I can do to help the plants.  It was just installed this last week.  thank you

Answer
I wouldn't be too concerned.  The big issue is that rocks or inert material will heat up, and stunt the root growth by increasing the soil heat within the top few inches.  Shrub roots are not all that deep, so any change in this area will affect the plant's overall vigor.  I have seen all sorts of mulches (my favorite was crushed sea shells in Williamsburg, VA; Once you got over the fishy smell, it looked great!)

The folks at the California State University Extension did some experimental plots, and woody mulch works best right at the base of the plant.  Our office standard details show an installed plant with about 4 inches deep wood mulch at the base - we're in the hot, high desert area of Nevada.  Beyond the immediate plant canopy, just about anything goes.  

Enjoy your new garden.