Got Mulch?
Mulch is an essential component of a California Friendly ® garden. It keeps soil moist by protecting it from heat and sun, so plants need less water than they would otherwise. It also helps prevent weeds from growing between the plants you want.
However, mulch can also be a design element in your yard—just like flooring is a design element inside your house. It makes the garden itself look cleaner and neater and can add color and texture to the “look” of your yard. Think about the difference between using dried pine needles and smooth pebbles. The first gives you a natural “forest floor” feeling and the second creates a more sophisticated, serene look.
Mulch isn’t just for spreading on the ground. If you grow plants in containers, you can use a variety of unusual materials as mulch. The Maloof Discovery Garden uses pine cones, dried seed pods, and broken terra cotta pots in their container garden.
Types of Mulch
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Wood Chips (cedar, pine, and cypress are popular)
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Bark
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Pine Needles
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Dried Leaves
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Compost
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Rocks and Pebbles
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Broken Terra Cotta
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Pine Cones
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Seed Pods
Note: Cocoa Bean Hulls are a popular type of mulch, but they are toxic to cats and dogs. Be sure to research any type of plant or mulch you plan to use to make sure they are pet-safe.