'Living' mulches a healthy alternative to bark.

We need to consider our use of mulch. What is mulch and why is it used? A mulch is anything used to cover bare ground. A mulch covering is used to suppress the growth of weeds and prevent the loss of water by evaporation from bare soil.

A uniform mulch covering visually unites the separated plants in a landscape, prevents extreme swings of soil temperature, prevents the soil from caking and drying and provides myriad other helpful functions depending on the type of mulch used and the needs of the homeowner.

Problems arise because mulching material is applied incorrectly or the wrong material is used. Forty years ago, the mulch used was the bark stripped off trees at lumber mills. It was a waste product. Over four decades, the dynamics have changed. Bark mulch has become a marketable product. Wood may be triple-ground and dyed for use everywhere.

We need to be aware that there are few definitions governing the sale of wood mulch. Wood waste can come from construction projects, building demolition, shipping pallets or other materials that in the past ended up in landfills. We also should be aware that you are unlikely to see wood mulch used in landscapes in England, Ireland, Europe or the Orient.

What do they use as we use mulch? They make use of living mulches. Think of living mulches as groundcovers that self-renew, self perpetuate, perform environmental functions and add ecological and aesthetic dimensions as well. They are sustainable.

Depending on the site and the existing planting, moss can be utilized as it is in famous landscapes in England and Japan. If an evergreen "mulch'' is needed, consider the use of ivy (hardy English)...