Name: Alma Phoenix & Cottonwood, AZ USDA zone 9b, Sunset 13 & ??
I'm a big believer in straw, too. If I got a lot of wind like Dan does, I probably wouldn't. I have no problems so I just go buy bales of straw at $6 a bale at the feed store. It goes a long way, biodegrades slowly and stays put - at my house.
Alma
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. – Thomas Jefferson