where are you located -- what big city are you near, so that experts know what to recommend.

Pictures would be helpful too

in Los Angeles suburbia.

I had just pulled out most of the weed but they grow back fast, even with no watering and almost no rain.

Weed barrier cloth should have been put down under the rock to help. I've found a DIY mix of salt water, Dawn and a bit of cooking oil will usually kill anything but poison ivy.

Nothing will permanently prevent weeds unless it’s solid concrete. You’ll have some upkeep no matter what.

“The wind blew the mulch?” You didn’t have nearly enough mulch then. Four inches deep would be a good start. But even then, seeds will blow in on top of the mulch and eventually grow.

Little Bug, yes I found out after. so I’m trying to see if there’s better alternative

Pull them out. Pour vinegar on them as they sprout. Definitely not maintenance free in SoCal.

Anne Duke That is what I’ve been doing, and I actually find it semi therapeutic, but it’s killing my back. Just not sustainable for me.

Have you tried Preen? After pulling out the weeds, sprinkle it over the entire area. It really helps.

I know a lot of people hate landscape weed barrior cloth but we used it in our yard and it has been very effective. I think in areas with a lot of rain it’s gotten a bad rep but there’s a whole lot less weeds in our yard where it’s installed under the rock landscape.

I have artificial turf installed over compacted sand and weeds sprout in my fake turf from time to time. IMO the best thing is to have the yard filled with native plants that thrive in desert conditions with rock because the mulch will blow or float away.

BeverlyFLADenziner, love your garden! I was going with a sparse, simple dessert look, but really like your idea. Thanks!

Probably, slip of the fingers as I might be subconsciously thinking of dessert, but meant desert. Lol

also wondering about the effects of artificial turf on soil life such as earthworms, etc. I am considering artificial turf as well.

Kuma, those pics are not my garden, but that dry creek bed appearance is a style that is applicable to your situation. I don't think anyone wants a front yard just full of small rocks with a couple of plants.