The last few posters are probably right. In my origional post I was thinking more about visually pleasing (at least to me since I live in the middle of the woods and can't get much of anything to grow). However it's probably not very practical.

As far as Ron's concerns about weeds and mulch migrating, Put a layer of plastic under the mulch, rock or whatever, and weeds won't grow through it. Home centers sell concrete edger blocks foe not a whole lot of money that are pretty easy to set out, and will keep stuff from migrating into the grass. The come in various shapes and colors.

Come to think of it, edging the bed with land scape timbers would be even cheaper and less labor intensive. Drill a hole close to each end and drive a 8" spike through it. That will keep it in place.

IMO anything that you do that makes your property look different than next door or across the street is a good thing. Prospective buyers might not be enthralled with what you did to be different, but many will have a favorable opinion because you cared enough. They will assume that you also cared enough to take care of other stuff as well.

If only God would give me a clear sign, like a large deposit in a Swiss bank - Woddy Allen