Steve in France

For mulch on that bed I'd put down well rotted cow maure plus leaf mold and finish it with a top layer of Bark Mulch. It will feed the soil , the worms will pull down the organic mulch to mix and airate the soil , plus the mulch will hold the moisure in which means less watering. A top layer of Bark Mulch will keep the weeds down and make the plants look like they are in a Pro garden.
Worth a thought
Later
Steve

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