"Woodchip" is the traditional mulch gardeners have used for many years. It is a tried & true product that is normally laid 75mm thick and will last up to 12 months. Ensure you keep mulch clear from tree trunks and base of plants to avoid rot. Woodchip will hold moisture in the soil, keep soils warm in the cooler months, protect plant roots, and inhibits weed germination. Probably the big downside to Woodchip is the colour, it tends to fade from a warm timber colour, to a silver / grey colour.
