I use cut up (lawn mower) leaves, grass clippings, and pulverized pine bark mulch. In one season, all of it breaks down essentially turning into compost. I replace the mulch as needed as some will wash away. It s both decorative, functional in that it keeps weeds down and water in, and as it breaks down it's good for the soil. Over the years, the soil in my flower beds have become rich , dark and wormy with the breakdown of these items over time.
I don't grow veggies but I do put mulch in my citrus pots.
