Mulch!

I'm not a fan of mulch. In the ten years since we moved to this house, we've never had even a layer of organic compost. I constantly switch plants, sow seeds, experiment. Two inches of any kind of material over the soil complicates those activities. Moreover, I dislike "mulch gardens". Plants! I like plants! 

Mostly especially, I'm wary of dyed mulch. Yet, when the man knocked on our door promising to weed all our beds and lay the mulch for a reasonable price, I broke down--immediately. For almost two years, weeds had free reign in our garden. No matter how often I weed, they just keep coming. The fight has been fierce and it's only the beginning of June. To make matters worse, the temps are in the nineties now, the air thick with moisture. The dog days have arrived. There's no going back, no more cool fronts to look forward to any time soon. Last week, possibly for the first time ever, I got seriously overheated. I don't plan to do that again.

I told the man, "Yes!"

The two young men showed impressive work ethic. First, they hoed the beds from every angle, missing nothing. Then, using a wheelbarrow, they transported mulch from their trailer to our front and back gardens. It was a lot of work and very hot, but they worked with smiles and determination.

Have I damaged my garden? I did ask about the quality of the mulch, scooped and smelled it. He assured me that it's safe. A little research told me that most dyed mulches don't really hurt flower beds or even vegetable beds, not that I would want it for the latter. Usually, the dyes are natural, if not organic. The main problem that could arise is if the wood chips come from treated wood, but that happens a lot less than it used to. I'm pretty sure we need not worry on that score.

The beds are weeded, the weed seeds smothered, and although I'm not sure I would choose it again, the black mulch looks nice. Phew!