Variety.

I learned a little bit about the mulch pile the other day.

Sure you can shell out for high-quality hardwood mulch, a homogeneous mound of oak or other desirable, durable woods. But that seems so boring!

***

As my fork bit into the pile of free "junk" chips that I needed to move a bit last weekend...

...I couldn't count how many different types of woods I saw.

I certainly smelled pine every once in a while, as a hidden cache of green needles was momentarily revealed.

So many textures, colors, and chip sizes...

...will I be able to tolerate the boring, single-wood mulches that I'll probably purchase once winter wanes?

.