Mulch is one of the simplest ways to improve your garden’s health, save water, and give your outdoor space a clean, finished look. But with so many types of mulch available, how do you choose the right one?

At HGS Garden Supplies, we stock a wide range of mulch options for all kinds of uses, from backyard veggie patches to public playgrounds. Here’s a quick guide to the most popular types we supply and what makes each one ideal for different areas.

Why Mulch Matters

Mulch does more than just look good. It helps your garden in multiple ways:

• Retains moisture in the soil
  
  
• Keeps roots cool in summer and warm in winter
  
  
• Suppresses weeds
  
  
• Improves soil over time
  
  
• Reduces erosion and water runoff
  

Whether you’re working on a residential garden, a commercial job or a community space, using the right mulch makes a huge difference.

1. Bush Mulch – Natural and Budget-Friendly
Bush mulch is made from recycled tree trimmings and green waste. It’s coarse, chunky, and perfect for large garden areas or native landscapes.

Best for:

• Large garden beds
  
  
• Native gardens
  
  
• Rural or bush-style properties
  
  

Benefits:

• Very cost-effective for bulk coverage
  
  
• Breaks down slowly over time
  
  
• Helps control weeds and erosion in wide open spaces
  
  

If you’re covering a big area and want a natural, no-fuss look, bush mulch is your best mate.

2. Garden Mulch – For Everyday Use
 Our standard garden mulch is a finely shredded bark or wood blend that gives a neat, tidy appearance.

Best for:

• Residential gardens
  
• Flower beds
  
• Front yard displays

Benefits:

• Looks clean and uniform
  
• Great water retention
  
• Helps build up organic matter in the soil

It’s an all-rounder. If you’re not sure what to use, garden mulch is a solid choice for most suburban homes.

3. Playground Mulch – Safety First
Playground mulch is specially processed to be soft, splinter-free, and impact-absorbing — designed for use under climbing frames, slides, and play equipment.

Best for:

• Schools
  
  
• Daycares
  
  
• Public or private playgrounds
  

Benefits:

• Meets Australian standards for fall zones
  
  
• Safer underfoot for kids
  
  
• Natural and non-toxic
  
  

If you’re building or maintaining a playground, playground mulch is the right tool for the job. We can help you calculate how much you’ll need to meet safety standards.

4. Red Mulch – For Bold Visual Impact
Red mulch is dyed with natural colourants to give a rich, bold appearance. It’s great for creating contrast and definition in landscaped spaces.

Best for:

• Modern gardens
  
  
• Commercial landscapes
  
  
• Showpiece front yards
  
  

Benefits:

• Eye-catching colour
  
  
• Helps define garden zones
  
  
• Works well with green foliage and dark stone
  
  

Red mulch is all about making a visual statement — it draws attention and keeps everything looking sharp.

Need Help Choosing the Right Mulch?

At HGS Garden Supplies, we stock a full range of mulch in bulk and smaller quantities, ready to go. Whether you need a few cubic metres for your backyard or a full truckload for a playground project, we’ve got you covered.

Want more help choosing the right option? Check out our Mulch Selection Guide for tips on what works best in different environments.

We deliver across Melbourne and surrounding areas — fast, reliable, and straight to your site.

Get in touch with us or come visit one of our yards. The team is ready to help.