Mulch, the covering you put over the soil in your garden, has many advantages in our hot desert climate — it protects the soil from being swept away by wind and rain, reduces water runoff, cools soil ...

Shredded native tree-trimmings mulch (also called arborist wood chips) are the best choice for your plants. Having a canine helper like Nellie is optional.(Howard Garrett / Special Contributor) The ...