Just garden experience to offer here. I now hose off all bark based medium. Previous to doing so I lost all roses planted in the bark. When digging up none had roots that had grown into the surrounding soil. Roots were same size as when planted and not looking to healthy. Perennials that arrive in bark medium rot very easily as too much moisture is held in by the crown and young roots. This stuff is the kiss of death here. Had the pleasure of purchasing a bag of soil called Natures Care organic soil from Miracle Grow. It's bark medium.
