Comments on: Which mulch should be used for a flower garden?

By: Venice Girl

Venice Girl — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:15:53 +0000

Really, any kind type of wood is fine, but the more important thing is the form of the mulch. Chunks/nuggets, I don’t find do any good. They take far longer to break down, don’t hold water and float away more easily. I much prefer a shredded mulch. It stays where it’s put, breaks down faster and keeps more water in. I’m in California where they have something called Gorilla Hair which is shredded redwood and it’s the greatest thing there is. But, whether it’s redwood,cypress, cedar or whatever, shredded is the only way to go. And put it on thick. At least two inches.

By: Mr. PotatoHead

Mr. PotatoHead — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:00:18 +0000

I use Cypress mulch. It works for me.

By: v

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:32:13 +0000

J.P is on the money. Cypress is one of the BEST and if you were concerned about it “floating ” away they have made a more dense Cypress mulch..Eucalyptus is even more bug resistant but its also extra on the wallet. They last about the same and they both look great around any plants!! Pine Bark is the worst!!!

By: Lily

Lily — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:41:23 +0000

I always prefer to use a mulch that both looks attractive and will eventually break down and add compost material to the soil, and/or can be dug into the soil for aeration. Any mulch that is shredded (as opposed to nuggets or large pieces) will look better and will eventually break down, creating better aeration in the soil. Large nuggets have a tendency to weather poorly, after which they are no longer attactive and add nothing to the soil.

There are lots of different shredded barks and woods — choose one that looks good (usually the darker colors). Spread it at least 2 inches thick. Don’t use landscape fabric, as it won’t allow you to dig in the mulch if your soil becomes hardened because of too high a clay content.

If you don’t care about the appearance, you can also use grass clippings. I use grass clippings to keep down the weeds in our back alley, and it works like a charm!

By: Tattoomom

Tattoomom — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:38:13 +0000

I prefer red bark. It has more weigh and won’t blow away when it gets windy, Plus when it’s wet, its a different color. Cypress is good too and has a delightful smell. I just prefer the red bark. Fl weather, ya know!

Good luck!

By: Jazzmine D

Jazzmine D — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:17:54 +0000

well telling us here you live helps A LOT!! you should Cypress.red bark and pine are for bush gardens and cactus gardens.

By: J. P.

J. P. — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:49:59 +0000

I used to work with a mulch manufacturing company and would suggest that you buy Cypress mulch if you can find it. Don’t be fooled by the labels, as some companies “mix” or blend other types of wood into what they are calling “Cypress”. 100% Cypress deters most insects away and keeps good moisture levels in the ground where as pine bark tends to attract spiders, ants etc. As for color, that would be a preference as some manufacturers color mulch Black, Red, Brown etc.